Childcare Consultant

Who we are

As the need for mental health services grows, Child Development Institute (CDI) continues to be the steadfast support and leading provider of specialized mental health services for children and youth aged 0-18 and their families. All of our services are guided by a strength-based approach that incorporates the family and the community in the journey of supporting children and youth.

Trusted with the mental well-being of our community's most vulnerable members, infants and children, all of our programming is backed by rigorous research. Science is the backbone which informs our work as we evolve alongside the needs of our community.

We are committed to providing services that are respectful of racial, cultural, religious, ethnic and linguistic diversity, as well as sexual orientation, age, gender and family differences. All our services are delivered by deeply caring and compassionate teams that guide children, youth and families along a mental health journey in a safe, respectful and welcoming space.

Who we need

CDI provides child care consultation services to support licensed childcare centres that care for children under 12 with extra support needs. These services are delivered within the Toronto Children’s Services Every Child Belongs service framework, promoting an inclusive childcare system.

We are seeking a Childcare Consultant to join us on contract. As the new Childcare Consultant you will manage a caseload of approximately 25 children, maintaining the momentum required to set up supports and accommodations. You will collaborate with child care program staff and parents or guardians to develop individualized goals and strategies, supporting each child’s development and inclusion in the program. You will visit designated childcare centres to monitor needs and progress, make recommendations, and refer services and resources as needed. You will independently offer training and guidance to programs in your portfolio on how to build inclusive environments.

This is a contract role ending on October 31 2025, with the possibility of extension. You will be required to travel to and work onsite at various childcare centers across Toronto.

What's in it for you

Purpose. As part of an organization providing child care for over 100 years, you will be among experts who want to share their knowledge and are deeply invested in the success of our programs - and the children and families we work with. Joining CDI is a chance to be part of a genuinely wonderful experience providing access to free childcare consultations for children needing extra support.

A strong support system. You will be part of a collaborative team that shares knowledge, resources, and expertise. With a larger team in place, you will have access to a wealth of support, ensuring you feel empowered in your role.

Growth and opportunity. This role offers the potential to transition into other opportunities within the organization after the contract ends. You will gain valuable experience while building relationships that could lead to future career paths within CDI.

As our Childcare Consultant, you will:

• Consult and build solutions. You will conduct consultations to identify and meet the needs of individual children. You will conduct observational visits, leverage screening tools, assess strengths and needs, and recommend plans and accommodations. You will provide workshops, resources and program consultations to childcare staff. You will develop and support the implementation of individual consultation plans and active referral and service coordination.
• Collaborate. You will consult with childcare providers, parents and guardians, and internal CDI staff. You will coordinate services from different resources to meet the needs of identified children. You will participate in committees and networks.
• Engage families and community partners. You will take a diverse and flexible approach to working with families, creating communications, and connecting to other resources as needed. You will deliver training, education, and service planning.
• Track details. You will maintain open communication, stay up-to-date on follow-up visits, and update detailed documentation.

What you bring:

• The knowledge. You have a degree in Early Childhood Education or an Early Childhood diploma combined with a Resource Educator diploma. You are a member in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators. You have sound knowledge of child development and behaviour guidance. You have experience in an early learning/childcare setting, including working with infants, preschool and school-age children with various types of special needs, such as developmental delays, ASD, and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
• The practical and strategic skills. You have experience offering targeted workshops to both parents and professionals. You have a proven ability to screen and assess specialized needs for children and families from diverse backgrounds. You can seamlessly manage cases, build and document strategic individualized goal plans, and coordinate services from multiple supportive resources. You understand and can maintain the confidentiality and security of client-related and agency information.
• The interpersonal skills. You have flexible communication skills, exceptional listening skills and mental attentiveness. You have the empathy to conduct sensitive conversations with families and directly with children, creating authentic connections and engagement. You are a team player who prioritizes treating everyone equally and has respect and appreciation for individuals and families with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• The flexibility. You are willing and able to travel within and across Toronto to various centers daily to meet with children and providers.

Apply now

If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with every requirement, we encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application.

What you can expect from our interview process:

• A virtual interview with our Talent Advisor to review your skills, interest in the opportunity, and the role.
• An on-site interview with the Hiring Manager, Director, and an HR Representative to explore the details of the role and the culture of the CDI, the childcare consultation process and the community members you will work with.

Other Requirements

• All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Credential verifications and references are required.

CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at careers@childdevelop.ca

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