Rivergate Academy is a licensed, Montessori-inspired childcare and kindergarten facility located in Fort Erie, Ontario. We are dedicated to providing nurturing, play-based early learning environments where children develop confidence, independence, and creativity. Powered by modern digital tools and a collaborative team culture, we empower educators to focus on what matters most: making a meaningful impact on young learners.

About the Role

We are seeking a visionary, results-driven Director of Childcare to oversee the complete operational, educational, and business functions of Rivergate Academy. This role goes beyond traditional childcare administration: you will lead an ambitious expansion strategy to transition our current daycare into a comprehensive learning facility serving children through Grade 6.

If you have a deep expertise in early learning, proven experience managing teams, and the strategic mindset to secure funding and scale operations, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Growth & Business Development

- Expansion Management: Spearhead the growth plan to expand current daycare operations to serve children through Grade 6.
- Funding & Grant Acquisition: Identify, apply for, and secure municipal, provincial, and private grant opportunities to support capital expansion and program development.
- Enrollment & Marketing: Build robust community partnerships in Fort Erie to drive waitlist growth and maintain target capacity across all age brackets.

Operations & Ministry Compliance

- Site Oversight: Manage total daily operations, safety protocols, budgeting, and administrative functions of the facility.
- Regulatory Reporting: Ensure strict compliance with the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and all Ontario Ministry of Education standards.
- Government Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for provincial inspections, licensing renewals, and official reporting.

Leadership & Team Development





- People Management: Recruit, mentor, and evaluate Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) and support staff to foster an engaging, high-performing environment.
- Curriculum Guidance: Oversee program quality to align with Ontario’s early learning frameworks and primary education guidelines.

Education & Experience

- 5+ years of experience as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) or in a direct ECE operational role.
- 2+ years of leadership experience directly managing teams, staff development, and performance reviews.
- Active registration in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE).
- A satisfactory vulnerable sector check

Knowledge and Skills

- Thorough, hands-on knowledge of Ontario Ministry reporting requirements and CCEYA licensing standards.
- Proven track record in business development, expansion planning, or funding acquisition.
- Degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, or related field.
- Strong working knowledge of the CCEYA is required;

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rivergate Academy is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the employment process which are consistent with legal requirements. If you wish to request an accommodation while seeking employment, please email [email protected]. We will make accommodation determinations on a request-by-request basis. Messages and emails regarding anything other than accommodations requests will not be returned.

While all applicants are thanked for their interest, only those chosen for interviews will be contacted.

Base salary and overall compensation package will be determined based on the candidate's depth of experience, skill set, and qualifications.

Pay: Up to $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site childcare
- In office parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Director, Childcare (Fort Erie)
🏢 Rivergate Academy
📍 Fort Erie