Daycare Manager

The Lax Kw'alaams Band has an opening for a full-time Daycare Manager. Under the direction of the School Principal, the Daycare Manager is responsible for the overall operation and management of the Lax Kw'alaams Daycare, ensuring a safe, nurturing and culturally rich environment for children. This role involves developing and implementing programs that support early childhood development while reflecting the cultural values and traditions of the Lax Kw'alaams community.

This position can be out of Prince Rupert with travel to Lax Kw'alaams.

The Daycare Manager carries out operating policies and procedures with a focus on childcare centre activities and is responsible for providing quality caring and supportive childcare programs to families living in the Lax Kw’alaam community. Oversight includes:

1. Program management: Ensuring the smooth delivery of the daycare program, including planning, developing and implementing activities.
2. Supervision: Leading and guiding the daycare staff, including providing feedback and support for annual appraisals.
3. Communication: Communicating with parents and families, and keeping them informed of their child's progress.
4. Safety: Ensuring the daycare is a safe environment for children, including monitoring for safety and ensuring equipment is in good working order.
5. Documentation: Recording and reporting accidents and maintaining attendance records.
6. Policies and procedures: Update and train staff on policies and procedures and ensure compliance with the Child Care and Early Years Act.
7. Community engagement: Using community resources and connecting with the community.

Program Development and Delivery

1. Design and implement age-appropriate early childhood education programs that foster children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development.
2. Collaborate with cultural leaders, Elders, and other community members to incorporate traditional teachings, language, and activities into the curriculum.
3. Create a structured daily routine that includes play, learning, meal times, rest, and cultural enrichment activities.
4. Regularly assess the effectiveness of programs through parent feedback, child observation, and staff input, and make necessary adjustments.
5. Organize field trips and events that align with the daycare’s educational goals and community values.

Staff Management

1. Recruit, onboard, and retain qualified daycare staff, ensuring they meet provincial certification requirements.
2. Provide ongoing professional development opportunities, including cultural competency training and workshops.
3. Develop clear roles and responsibilities for all staff, fostering a supportive and collaborative working environment.
4. Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to help staff grow professionally.
5. Ensure staff maintain compliance with policies, procedures, and safety standards.

Cultural Integrations

1. Develop partnerships with Elders and knowledge keepers to guide the incorporation of Lax Kw'alaams cultural teachings into daily activities.
2. Include traditional songs, stories, crafts and language lessons in the daycare curriculum.
3. Plan events to celebrate key cultural milestones, such as seasonal changes, ceremonies, and other community celebrations.
4. Educate staff and parents about the importance of cultural heritage and involve them in cultural activities.

Operations and Administrations

1. Develop and manage the daycare’s annual budget, ensuring financial resources are allocated effectively.
2. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of children’s attendance, staff certifications, incidents, and health and safety checks.
3. Ensure the facility is clean, well-maintained, and equipped with the necessary resources for daily operations.
4. Procure supplies and equipment in alignment with program needs and budget limitations.
5. Establish clear policies and procedures for emergencies, health protocols, and daily operations, ensuring staff and parents are well-informed.

Compliance and Reporting

1. Stay up-to-date with provincial childcare regulations, ensuring the daycare remains fully licensed and compliant.
2. Develop and implement safety protocols to protect children and staff, including regular fire drills and first aid preparedness.
3. Prepare and submit monthly and annual reports to the Band Administrator, outlining achievements, challenges, and plans.

Public Relations and Communications

1. Interpret the school’s policies for staff, kids and parents.
2. Assume responsibility for all official correspondence and newsletter releases for the school.

Perform other duties within the scope of the position and as assigned.

Education, Experience and Knowledge:

1. Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a related field.
2. Current ECE Certificate and First Aid Certification.
3. Minimum 3 years of experience in childcare management, including staff supervision.
4. Strong understanding of early childhood development principles.
5. Knowledge of Lax Kw'alaam's culture, language, and traditions is a significant asset.
6. Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
7. Proficiency in budget management and program planning. Demonstrated human resource and financial management skills.
8. Excellent interpersonal skills; be a positive role model.
9. Emergency CPR and First Aid Certification.
10. Must have a demonstrable ability to lead and motivate staff to plan and organize work activities.
11. Knowledge of the budgeting and reporting requirements is required.
12. Strong computer skills with Windows, Microsoft Suite proficiency and a willingness to learn new software programs. Ability to write clear and accurate reports.
13. Demonstrated ability to work independently and expeditiously under tight timeframes, deadlines and competing priorities.
14. Demonstrate tact, diplomacy and sound judgment.
15. Strict confidentiality requirements must be respectful of the needs and privacy requirements of the clients and maintain confidentiality regarding clients.

Compensation & Benefits

1. Competitive Compensation and benefits.
2. This is not a Bargaining Unit position and is open to all genders.