Child Care Program Director

SUMMARY:

The Child Care Program Director provides and coordinates the necessary support, resources, supervision, and leadership to ensure the provision of nurturing care and education in the MFRC’s early learning Child Care programs, in accordance with the goals and curriculum plans of the Centre, the MFRC’s philosophy and policies and in strict compliance with the provincial licensing standards. The early learning Child Care programs the position is responsible for include Daycare, Playschool and Terrific Twos & Threes.

The salary range for this position is $52,686 – 56,985 per year based on experience (not including Provincial wage enhancement funding, when applicable).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Referral and Navigation:

• Provide information and tangible support to families and refer them to appropriate programs and services offered by the MFRC and community service providers.
• Follow up with families to ensure information and referrals provided have been used and are meeting the family’s needs.
• Provide navigational assistance to families in support of challenges attributable to the unique child care needs of military families.
• Keep up to date on local community trends, needs, and perspectives, and share that knowledge with the MFRC.

Program and Service Development:

• Manage the overall operation of the child care programs including recruitment and development of staff, management of policies and procedures, child safety, environment health/hygiene and ensure adherence to provincial licensing requirements.
• Ensure licensing requirements are met at all times.
• Perform general administrative duties as they pertain to programs areas such as waitlist management, enrollment projections of the programs, billing, record-keeping, maintaining client/staff files, purchasing of equipment, supplies, and interacting with parents.
• Communicate key messages on decisions, policy and procedures, made by the MFRC, to child care program staff and parents.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships and regular communication with parents; facilitates or directly provides conflict resolution to parent-program conflicts which may arise.
• Responsible for all elements of child care programs orientation, tours, and registration.
• Develop and manage the child care area budget and financial matters.
• Responsible for the overall compliance concerning health, safety, licensing and agency of child care policies, regulations, and programming.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with Alberta Child Care licensing and serve as the primary point of contact for communication with licensing.
• Develop, maintain and keep current all child care program policies, regulations and procedures, with feedback from program staff, to ensure best practice and compliance in the child care field. Ensure adherence to policies and procedures by all staff.
• Ensure the implementation and maintenance of a Quality Program Plan in accordance with the Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Act for all MFRC child care programs.
• Provide support and resources to educators and parents in the handling of behavioral issues with children or special needs requirements.
• Consult, support, and provide guidance to educators in planning and evaluating program plans and when they are working directly with the children whether in a group or individually.
• Be actively involved in direct care of children and mentoring staff.
• Lead the development of new child care initiatives to support the strategic direction of the agency.
• Develop and implement long-term goals and objectives to achieve successful outcomes of MFRC child care programs.
• Ensure developmentally appropriate programming is happening throughout MFRC child care programs and services.
• Evaluate programs both formally and informally on an ongoing basis that is compatible with the MFRC’s overall evaluation and performance plan and make changes to program areas as required.
• Approve expenditures and field trip requests for MFRC child care programs.
• Responsible for the hiring, orientation, supervision, evaluation, and discipline of the Child Care Assistant Director.
• Responsible for the hiring, orientation, and discipline including coaching/mentoring, in collaboration with the Child Care Assistant Director, of all other agency child care program staff.
• Review Incident Reports and advise the Deputy Director and Executive Director promptly in cases of critical incidents that occur.
• Actively source and secure professional development and training opportunities that will enhance staff competencies and address concerns noted through Incident Report summaries.
• Consider and alert to management any risk management issues related to program areas.
• Prepare and maintain administrative and business reports. Analyze programs in the child care areas and make recommendations to resolve them.
• Collect and report on statistics and demographic information in a way that ensures client confidentiality, in accordance with the MFRC’s evaluation and performance tracking plan.

Community engagement:

• Develop and maintain partnerships with community groups, support agencies, schools, and other organizations to enhance service delivery to military families.
• Develop networking opportunities within the military community, other MFRCs, and the larger community as required to create and maintain a network of resources and referrals for families.
• Foster and maintain close relationships with provincial licensing and child care authorities.
• Actively engage with stakeholders, through participation on committees and working groups.
• Educate local community organizations on the unique aspects of military family life.
• Provide community organizations and service providers with up-to-date information about the MFRC.
• Listen and respond to community input and ensure the Deputy Director and Executive Director are advised on any issues that may positively or negatively reflect on the MFRC.

Other:

• Work, as required, in direct delivery of child care to ensure appropriate levels of staffing as per agency and licensing regulations.
• Willing and able to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Attend and participate in meetings and committee work and fundraising events as requested.
• Contribute information to assist with marketing and awareness campaigns.
• Work with the communications team to develop resources for families, including print documents, social media/web content, videos, and presentations.
• Undertake any secondary tasking and responsibilities deemed necessary for the efficient operation of the organization and its programs and services.

COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIOURS:

• Believe in and practice the mission, vision, and goals of the MFRC.
• Represent the MFRC in a professional manner.
• Able to work as a positive member of the team, facilitating a team environment through personal behavior, work contributions and the sharing of experience and knowledge.
• Able to meet deadlines in a timely and efficient manner.
• Effective interpersonal skills under all types of conditions, exhibiting a supportive, positive approach.
• Maintain a high degree of personal initiative with good planning and organizational skills.
• Maintain timely and accurate files and case notes.
• Able to adjust to ever changing needs and handle multiple tasks efficiently.
• Able to be sensitive and tactful in dealing with people under stressful conditions.
• Possess excellent customer service skills.
• Able to work independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs.

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

• Degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Studies, or similar field or a demonstrated combination of education and training with several years of experience in providing human/family services frontline support.
• Alberta Childcare Certification Level 3.
• Excellent computer skills, and proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Knowledge of the unique challenges of the military lifestyle is an asset.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Three years related experience working with children and families.
• Valid certificate in child/infant First Aid and CPR.
• Experience in supervision of staff, practicum students and volunteers.
• Successful completion of a clear Vulnerable Sector Criminal Records Check and a clear Child Welfare Intervention Check.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,686.00-$56,985.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-11-01