Executive Director and Registered Early Childhood Educator (Supervisor, RECE)
About Our Program
Gingerbread House Co-operative Preschool understands that each child is a unique individual. It is our job to continuously examine and reflect on our environment so that children feel confident and comfortable expressing themselves while they are with us. We strive to create a program where children and families feel connected and valued. Gingerbread House is a licensed, board-led program funded under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system.
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking a collaborative, dedicated, and experienced leader to guide our cooperative childcare community. As the senior leader within the organization, you will oversee day-to-day operations, strategic direction, and financial management while maintaining compliance with all regulatory and provincial frameworks. This role is uniquely designed for a leader who loves being directly in the program rather than strictly confined to an office; you will balance executive administration with active, hands-on engagement in the classroom.
Hours of Work & Location
- Hours: 32.5 hours per week. This role features a daily requirement of 4 hours on-site, combined with the flexibility to work from home on a set schedule.
- Location: Gingerbread Co-operative Preschool, Guelph, Ontario.
- Reporting: Reports directly to the Executive Board of Directors.
Position Summary
The Executive Director holds the dual title of Child Care Supervisor under Ontario law. This role is responsible for the high-quality day-to-day operational management, pedagogical leadership, and regulatory compliance of the child care centre. Working under the governance of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director ensures compliance with all legislative requirements (including the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA), policies, procedures, guidelines, philosophical approach and curriculum at all times. This position balances administrative management with active classroom support and works collaboratively with the Board of Directors, staff, and families to fulfill the mission and vision of the organization. There is a requirement to adhere to the College of ECE’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
What You Will Need to be Successful
- Must be a Registered Early Childhood Educator in good standing with the College of ECE’s.
- Two year college diploma in Early Childhood Education or a letter of equivalency issued by the Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario and proof of education.
- Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in child care, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
- Thorough, demonstrable understanding of the CCEYA, the Ontario Child Care Licensing System (CCLS), and CWELCC frameworks
- Well developed communication skills, written and verbal.
- Clear Vulnerable Sector Check (upon hire and every five years thereafter).
- Valid Standard First Aid & CPR Level C.
- Up to date immunization record.
- In-depth knowledge of our local community and surrounding family support networks is a strong asset.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership & Governance
- Provide leadership and direction in line with the organization’s mission, vision, and policies.
- Ensure that all operations meet or exceed requirements under the CCEYA, Public Health guidelines and Wellington County guidelines.
- Serve as an ex-officio, non-voting resource to the Board of Directors, attending scheduled board meetings to deliver updates on operations, compliance, enrolment data and strategic initiatives. Provide the Board Chair with agenda requests in advance of scheduled meetings.
- Act as the primary contact for the Ministry of Education, managing all corporate profiles in the Child Care Licensing System (CCLS).
- Collaborate with the Child Care Administrator in ensuring all necessary documentation and procedures are conducted as per Ministry and County standards.
- Attend regional Supervisor Network and Operator meetings, coordinating professional development for the organization.
Financial Management
- Maintain primary operational signing authority for authorized financial transactions and legal agreements, subject to parameters set by the Board of Directors.
- Oversee the centre’s financial controls, monitoring the Child Care Administrator's execution of bookkeeping, QuickBooks data entry, and accounts receivable/payable.
- Draft the annual operational budget based on historical data provided by the Child Care Administrator, presenting it to the Board of Directors for final adjustment and formal approval.
Human Resources
- Supervise, motivate, mentor, and evaluate all program staff and the Child Care Administrator, including conducting annual performance reviews and ensure professional development opportunities for all staff.
- Manage staff scheduling to ensure continuous compliance with legislated qualifications/staff-to-child ratios under the CCEYA and board-approved hours.
- Recommend and lead staff hiring, terminations, and disciplinary actions, subject to final review and approval by the Board of Directors.
- Manage staff orientation, training and attain all required documents as they apply to Ministry standards.
- Organize and lead weekly preparation meetings, monthly staff meetings and regular one-on-ones with program staff, and act as the first point of contact for issues, payroll concerns, etc.
Pedagogical Leadership and Classroom Delivery
- Direct the implementation of an inquiry-based, emergent, play-based curriculum that strictly aligns with the Ministry of Education's pedagogical framework, "How Does Learning Happen?"
- Split daily/weekly hours between administrative duties and active classroom delivery as required to satisfy safety ratios, staff breaks, or emergency coverage.
- While on the floor, model excellent early childhood education practices, actively engaging with children, maintaining inclusive programming, and supporting sanitary standards.
- Oversee the creation and execution of Individualized Support Plans (ISPs) for children with diverse needs, in collaboration with program staff and external community professionals.
Family and Community Engagement
- Act as the primary professional face of the preschool to families, community stakeholders, funders and municipal and regional agencies.
- Manage the escalation of parent or staff concerns, applying center policies fairly and consistently to resolve disputes
- Lead, or delegate the leadership of parent orientations, facility tours, and family intake procedures.
- Review and approve the final layout and content of the monthly parent newsletter prior to its distribution by the Administrator.
- Effectively communicate with parents, staff, community professionals, students, and volunteers with respect to program philosophy, policies and procedures, protocols, roles and responsibilities.
Salary
- Hourly Wage: $35.00 per hour
What We Can Offer You
- Flexible Schedule: A 32.5-hour work week combining 4 hours of daily on-site leadership with scheduled work-from-home time.
- Health & Wellness Stipend: An annual $500.00 wellness allowance paid at the start of the calendar year.
- Paid Professional Fees: Full coverage of your annual College of ECE membership fees and First Aid/CPR recertifications.
- Paid Winter Break and Closures: Full regular pay during the annual winter break closure (aligned with the UGDSB schedule) and 11 statutory holidays.
- Paid Personal Days: 10 paid personal days per year (carry forward up to 6 days).
- Bereavement Leave: Up to 6 paid days for immediate family and 2 days for close relations.
- Professional Development: Financial support and expense reimbursement for approved ECE conferences, courses, travel, and meals.
Application Deadline: August 7, 2026
Pay: $35.00 per hour
Licence/Certification:
- RECE (Registered Early Childhood Educator) (required)
Work Location: In person
