Overview The Lead Educator, under the direction of the Program Manager, is responsible for leading the planning and implementation of our Child Care Program in accordance with our Program Statement. An integral part of program delivery, the Lead Educator will act as a mentor and coach to the Child Care team. As well, they will ensure the Child Care Program is designed to promote the cognitive, social, physical and emotional well-being and development of the children.

Using the guidelines of How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years, our mission and strategic plan as well as the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), the Lead Educator will role-model and create programming accordingly. Lastly, the Lead Educator will engage in continuous professional learning opportunities to keep informed of the latest research on adult education, child development, play and inquiry-based pedagogy and other relevant topics.

Join us as a Lead Educator where your enthusiasm for teaching meets your dedication to nurturing young minds! This is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives while advancing your career in early childhood education.

Responsibilities

· Implement the Program Statement in partnership with the Program Manager and Group Care team

· Coach pedagogy with the Educator team through meetings and floor support

· Provide leadership and assist with planning, developing, and implementing an inclusive play-based, developmentally appropriate program for the children, and standardizing services in each room/program

· Ensure programming is culturally diverse and reflects children’s interests and needs

· Assess and support high-needs children/families

· Facilitate communication and problem-solving between staff, programs and parents,



ensuring an inclusive and responsive environment

· Be proactive when dealing with challenging behaviours and situations, and guide towards a suitable outcome using appropriate teaching techniques to support staff

· Monitor professional development needs of program staff and implement training in collaboration with the Management Team

· Responsible for monthly newsletters, and attending meetings and training as required

· Assume delegated duties of Program Manager in their absence

· Cover in ratios from time to time based on staffing needs

· Performs other reasonable duties that may be assigned

Requirements

· Early Childhood Education Degree or Diploma (must be a member in good standing with the CECE)

· A minimum 3 years experience in group childcare with various age groups, with extensive knowledge of child development, children exceptionalities, How Does Learning Happen and program documentation

· Proficient with CCEYA, provincial regulations and best practices

· Strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills

· Problem-solver and proactive thinker, with effective time management skills

· Valid First Aid and CPR Level C certification, including infant and child

· Up-to-date immunization record

· Satisfactory vulnerable sector check

· Must be able to work flexible schedule, independently and within a team environment, and in all weather conditions





· Kinder/school experience an asset as is mentoring/supervisory experience

Benefits and Pay

· Six-month contract of 30 hours per week: 6-hour days Monday to Friday within program hours of 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

· Compensation starting from $26.87 per hour

· On-site parking

· Casual dress

If interested, please submit your resume by October 8, 2026.

Mothercraft Ottawa is a non-profit multifaceted family support agency offering a wide array of programs for families from pregnancy to school age.

Mothercraft Ottawa is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in concert with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. As such, Mothercraft Ottawa will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the recruitment process.

Mothercraft Ottawa strives to ensure that its employment practices are free from direct and indirect discrimination and is committed to upholding the human rights of those participating in the hiring process. In pursuit of this commitment, Mothercraft Ottawa will not condone or tolerate any acts of discrimination or harassment under any of the grounds protected under human rights legislation. This commitment extends to the hiring process and throughout the course of employment.

Pay: From $26.87 per hour

Expected hours: 30.0 per week

Benefits

- Casual dress
- On-site parking

Application question(s):
- Are you legally able to live and work in Canada?
- Are you a graduate of a recognized Early Childhood Education program in Ontario, and are you in positive standing with the CECE?
- Do you live in the Ottawa or surrounding area?
- Do you have access to transportation to get you to and from our location in Barrhaven?

Work Location: In person

📌 Lead Childhood Educator - 6-Month Term (Nepean)
🏢 Canadian Mothercraft of Ottawa Carleton -Waterbridge Program (Barrhaven)
📍 Nepean