Executive Director

at  PLAY Daycare

ABOUT US:

P.L.A.Y. (Parents Looking after Youth) Community Child Development Centre (PLAY) was established in 1973 by parent volunteers to provide high-quality childcare services for children from birth to six (6) years of age based in the heart of Kensington in NW Calgary. To this day, we are a not-for-profit centre with a parent-volunteer Board of Directors that is focused on creating a space of belonging and community for children and families.
We are looking for a confident, compassionate individual with strong leadership skills to fill the role of Executive Director. The ideal candidate is clearly passionate about children and has experience in managing a childcare centre. A commitment to teamwork, flexibility and strong communication with parents, staff and board members are absolute requirements. The candidate must have experience and knowledge of early childhood education and industry licensing and health regulations. We are hoping to find our next right fit executive director to help us grow!

QUALIFICATIONS

• Early Childhood Education diploma or degree from a recognized College or University.
• Child Development Supervisor Certification (or equivalent).
• Minimum of five years of leadership/supervisory experience as an Assistant Director or Director in a licensed setting.
• Valid certification in Standard First Aid, CPR Level C.
• Clear criminal records check with vulnerable sector search.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Clear understanding of the Child Care Licensing Regulations (CCLR) and Ministry of Health legislation and policies (including an understanding of the CACWELCCA).
• Strong knowledge of Ministry of Children and Family Development policies and programs.
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit organizations.
• Proven capability in the management of human resources, daycare operations and administrative functions; including payroll and benefits administration.
• Exceptional leadership skills to guide and mentor a strong and diverse team.
• Superior organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and achieve results in an ever-changing work environment.
• Experience developing engaging programming for children aged 12 months – 6 years.
• Experience with payroll administration is an asset.
• Basic experience with software such as MS Office/G Suite and Lilio is an asset.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to listen and respond appropriately to children, families, staff and stakeholders.
• Well-developed reporting and presentation skills.
• A strong commitment to quality childcare.
• The ability to work collaboratively in a team with direct reports and with the Board

THE ROLE

The Executive Director is ultimately responsible for all day-to-day operations of the centre, and is expected to work collaboratively with all staff in coordinating the educational components of PLAY’s programs and maintaining enrollment. The Executive Director has significant input into the annual budgeting process and ensures operational spending is on track throughout the year while working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and parents to ensure quality care of the children. The Executive Director also plays an important strategic role in the organization; shaping and guiding the current and future direction of the centre.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership:

• Participate with the Board of Directors in developing a strategic plan to guide the organization.
• Work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement policies and procedures regarding the strategic direction of the centre. Ability to take a leading role on Board initiatives as directed.
• Identify, assess and inform the Board of internal and external issues that affect the organization.
• Support the Board of Directors in the creation of an annual budget and manage the Centre’s spending in accordance with the budget.
• Work with the Board of Directors to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization.

Program and Operational Planning and Management:

• Develop an operational plan that incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization.
• Ensure the centre adheres to all licensing requirements, current legislation, health regulations, ethics governing childcare programs and sound principles of Early Childhood Education.
• Oversee all operational aspects of the Centre including managing staff, catering, supplies and materials.
• Manage enrolment of the Centre and strive to achieve full capacity.
• Responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of developmentally appropriate programs to enhance cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.

Human Resource Planning and Management:

• Oversee the creation and implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices for all staff.
• Lead a team of administrative staff and early childhood educators to deliver the best care and education to the children.
• Lead by example and promote a culture of collaborative problem solving and continuous improvement within the team.
• Provide mentorship and development of all staff.
• Maintain a positive, safe, and respectful work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and in accordance with all appropriate legislation.

Stakeholder Relations/Advocacy:

• Promote positive communications and relationships with the Board, staff, families, community and government agencies and ministries.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Clear understanding of the Child Care Licensing Regulations (CCLR) and Ministry of Health legislation and policies (including an understanding of the CACWELCCA).
• Strong knowledge of Ministry of Children and Family Development policies and programs.
• Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit organizations.
• Proven capability in the management of human resources, daycare operations and administrative functions; including payroll and benefits administration.
• Exceptional leadership skills to guide and mentor a strong and diverse team.
• Superior organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and achieve results in an ever-changing work environment.
• Experience developing engaging programming for children aged 12 months – 6 years.
• Experience with payroll administration is an asset.
• Basic experience with software such as MS Office/G Suite and Lilio is an asset.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated ability to listen and respond appropriately to children, families, staff and stakeholders.
• Well-developed reporting and presentation skills.
• A strong commitment to quality childcare.
• The ability to work collaboratively in a team with direct reports and with the Board.