Childcare jobs in Canada

The School Age Childcare Manager of Growth & Culture will support staff recruitment, retention, growth, and professional development within the YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin. With a primary focus on growing, onboarding, supporting, and enhancing the workforce, this dynamic role adds significant value to the YWCA Childcare Department.

This position collaborates with the department team to support staff performance and training initiatives. It plays a key role in the onboarding and coaching of quality Educators who provide care in the School Age Childcare Programs. The Manager will adhere to the YWCA School Age Childcare Program Statement and established safe work practices. The position also involves making recommendations to the Director and providing support where needed.

Core Competencies
The ideal candidate will have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the following:

1. “How Does Learning Happen?”, the Ministry of Education CCEYA, and Licensing Manual to understand required staffing ratios, hiring requirements, performance objectives, and credentials.
2. Skilled in managing large groups of staff with two years of experience in supervising, coaching, and motivating teams.
3. Strong organizational skills and commitment to meeting deadlines.
4. Strong understanding of best practices and highly experienced in: onboarding, screening, and selecting preferred candidates as well as managing human resource related issues.
5. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams) and other office software.
6. Experience with planning and implementing childcare programs.
7. High attention to detail and a client-focused mindset.
8. Effective communication, teamwork, and public speaking skills (comfortable speaking to groups of 50+ staff).
9. Self-motivated with excellent time management, adaptability, and decision-making abilities.
10. Creative and innovative thinking with the ability to solve problems effectively.
11. A strong sense of accountability and dependability.

Job Duties

1. Recruitment & Staffing: Oversee hiring, orientation, and staffing arrangements. Maintain documentation for staffing records and manage the recruitment process for the Childcare team.
2. Staff Development: Organize and maintain childcare staff files and credentials. Track certifications and renewal dates to ensure compliance.
3. HR Coordination: Manage electronic HR filing for 100+ YWCA employees and input staffing information into CCLS for Director approval and follow up with Ministry requests as required.
4. Professional Development: Coordinate professional learning opportunities and staff engagement sessions.
5. Act as the escalation point for staffing-related issues, complaints, etc.
6. Team Support: Foster Educator team dynamics and enhance relationships within the team as requested by Coordinators.
7. Performance Management: Create and maintain Performance Improvement Plans for Educators and assist with challenging conversations and feedback sessions.
8. Attend staff meetings at both the agency and department levels.
9. Event Planning: Plan events and staff appreciation activities, staff acknowledgment, as required.
10. Ensure compliance with health and safety standards and regulations.
11. Order and organize materials and supplies as needed.
12. Staffing Approvals: Enter staffing information on CCLS for Director approvals.
13. Attend professional learning and community meetings as requested by the Director.
14. Represent the Childcare Program as a member of the YWCA EDI Committee.
15. Support staff evaluations and oversee & manage staff vacancies.
16. Policy Updates: Assist in updating policies and procedures as directed.
17. Job Postings & Advertisements: Create and promote job postings and advertisements for YWCA programs.
18. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Remain focused on and promote Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives.
19. Act as emergency on-call support for 10 childcare sites as needed, working in ratio as required.
20. Site Visits: Be available to attend childcare sites in St. Thomas & Elgin County on short notice, with reliable transportation, between 6:45 to 9:30 AM and 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Attend sites when Ministry of Education visits as required.
21. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

1. Attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
2. Strong communication, leadership, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
3. Demonstrated experience as a manager.
4. Passion for childcare: Ability to immerse oneself in childcare programs and planning.
5. Flexibility to adjust to shifting priorities and deadlines.
6. Possession of a valid Driver’s License, constant reliable access to a vehicle, and a safe driving record.
7. Excellent time management and project management skills.
8. Ability to deal with people sensitively, tactfully, diplomatically, and professionally at all times.
9. High proficiency in computer software (e.g., Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word).
10. Satisfactory Criminal Reference Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening, First Aid CPR (Level C) and Safe Food Handlers certificates to work in ratio as required.

Working Conditions

1. Work will be conducted at the office (16 Mary St. W. St. Thomas) and require regular travel to all childcare locations.
2. Outdoor program visits (and thus driving in) in all weather will be necessary.
3. The position involves facilitating difficult conversations and public speaking for large groups.
4. Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computers and peripherals.
5. Overtime may be required as necessary.
6. Willingness to cover program vacancies if needed.

This is a new position.

How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply by submitting their cover letter and resume via email to Jackie Anger, Director of Childcare janger@ywcaste.ca

Application deadline: January 12, 2025

The YWCA St. Thomas-Elgin is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. If you require accommodations, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.