Program Director Reports To: Executive Director

Position Type: Full-Time

Position Summary The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and daily operations of the centre. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, safe, and developmentally appropriate care and early learning experiences for children while maintaining compliance with all applicable licensing regulations, policies, and standards.

The Director provides leadership and support to staff, builds positive relationships with families, oversees administrative and financial operations, and fosters a welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Program Management

- Oversee the daily operations of the centre to ensure smooth and effective functioning.
- Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
- Ensure the centre provides a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment.
- Monitor program quality and ensure activities support children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
- Promote positive guidance, respectful interactions, and age-appropriate learning practices.
- Ensure programs reflect children's individual needs, abilities, cultures, and interests.

2. Staff Supervision and Development

- Recruit, hire, orient, supervise, and evaluate staff.
- Develop staff schedules and ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios are maintained.
- Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
- Conduct staff meetings, performance reviews, and training sessions.
- Promote teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and a positive workplace culture.
- Address staff concerns and performance issues fairly and promptly.
- Ensure required staff qualifications, certifications, and background checks are maintained.

3. Child Safety, Health, and Well-Being

- Ensure children's safety, supervision, and well-being at all times.
- Maintain compliance with applicable child care licensing requirements, health regulations, and safety standards.
- Ensure emergency procedures, evacuation plans, and incident reporting processes are in place and followed.
- Oversee medication administration, allergy management, sanitation, and illness prevention procedures.
- Ensure accidents, incidents, injuries, and child protection concerns are documented and reported appropriately.




- Maintain accurate attendance records and ensure children are released only to authorized individuals.
- Identify and address potential safety hazards promptly.

4. Family and Community Relations

- Build positive, respectful, and professional relationships with parents and guardians.
- Communicate regularly with families regarding children's progress, development, and well-being.
- Respond to family questions, concerns, and complaints in a timely and professional manner.
- Support family involvement in centre activities, events, and program planning.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding children's, families', and employees' information.
- Develop positive relationships with community organizations and relevant support services.

5. Administration and Record Keeping

- Maintain accurate child files, staff records, attendance records, and licensing documentation.
- Ensure enrolment, registration, waitlists, and withdrawal procedures are managed effectively.
- Prepare reports, policies, schedules, and other required administrative documents.
- Monitor compliance with centre policies and applicable legislation.
- Maintain records of staff training, certifications, inspections, and career development.
- Ensure documentation is organized, current, secure, and accessible to authorized personnel.

6. Financial and Resource Management

- Assist with developing and managing the centre's annual operating budget.
- Monitor expenses, supplies, equipment, and resource allocation.
- Oversee enrolment, fee collection, billing, and account follow-up in accordance with centre policies.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and program quality.
- Report financial and operational concerns to the ED.

7. Licensing and Regulatory Compliance

- Ensure the centre complies with all applicable child care legislation, licensing requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Prepare for licensing inspections and ensure required documentation is available.
- Address inspection findings and implement corrective actions promptly.
- Stay informed about changes in legislation, policies, and early childhood education practices.
- Ensure required notifications, reports,



and documentation are submitted to the appropriate authorities within required timelines.

Qualifications and Requirements

- Diploma, certificate, or degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or a related field, as required by applicable licensing regulations.
- Previous supervisory, management, or leadership experience in child care or early learning.
- Knowledge of child development, early learning practices, positive guidance, and inclusive programming.
- Knowledge of applicable child care licensing regulations and health and safety requirements.
- Vulnerable sector check, first aid and CPR certification.
- Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to lead a team, manage competing priorities, and make sound decisions.

Required Skills and Competencies

- Leadership and team management
- Effective communication and conflict resolution
- Planning, organization, and time management
- Decision-making and problem-solving
- Professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality
- Knowledge of child development and early learning
- Commitment to child safety and family engagement
- Cultural awareness, inclusion, and respect for diversity
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff, families, and community partners

Working Conditions

- Full-time position with hours based on the centre's operating schedule.
- May require occasional early mornings, evenings, or attendance at special events and meetings.
- Requires regular interaction with children, families, staff, licensing representatives, and community partners.
- Requires the ability to respond calmly and effectively to emergencies and unexpected situations.
- May involve time spent in classrooms, offices, and other areas of the centre.

Performance Expectations The Director will be evaluated based on:

- Compliance with licensing regulations and centre policies.
- Quality and consistency of child care and early learning programs.
- Children's safety, supervision, and overall well-being.
- Staff performance, retention, professional development, and teamwork.
- Family satisfaction and quality of communication.
- Accuracy of records and completion of administrative responsibilities.
- Effective budget management and responsible use of resources.
- Achievement of centre goals and continuous improvement initiatives.

Pay: $22.00-$24.00 per hour

Benefits

- Dental care
- On-site parking
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Program Director (Edmonton)
🏢 Sweet Grass Child and Family Resource Centre
📍 Edmonton