Cochrane, AB | Full-time, Permanent
Total Eligible Compensation: $29.62–$31.62 per hour
(Base wage of $21.00–$23.00 per hour, based on qualifications and experience, plus the Alberta Government Level 3 Wage Top-Up of $8.62 per hour for eligible hours.)
About Us
Smart Little People Learning Centre is a licensed bilingual (English & Spanish) childcare centre located in Cochrane, Alberta.
Our mission is to provide children with a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive. We believe that great childcare begins with great educators, and we are committed to building a supportive workplace where our team can continue to grow professionally.
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Child Development Supervisor to join our leadership team as Assistant Director, working closely with the Director to lead the day-to-day operations of the Centre. You will oversee daily classroom operations, mentor and guide our educators, and ensure children receive high-quality care in a safe, nurturing environment. You will play a key role in maintaining licensing compliance and fostering a positive, collaborative atmosphere for children, families, and staff. Because you will communicate regularly with children, families, and educators in two languages, fluency in English and Spanish is essential for this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise and support daily classroom operations, ensuring adherence to Centre policies, Alberta Child Care Licensing regulations, and early learning frameworks.
- Lead, mentor, and provide guidance to Level 1 and Level 2 Early Childhood Educators and support staff.
- Develop, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate curriculum and lesson plans that promote children's social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development.
- Foster a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and curiosity.
- Observe and assess children's progress and maintain accurate documentation while communicating effectively with families.
- Support children with diverse learning needs by adapting activities, materials, and routines as appropriate.
- Build strong, trusting relationships with families by providing regular communication and addressing questions or concerns in a professional manner.
- Assist with staff scheduling, classroom coverage, and maintaining educator-to-child ratios.
- Participate in program planning, curriculum enhancement, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, sanitation, and Alberta Child Care Licensing requirements at all times.
- Support the Director with administrative responsibilities, including documentation, licensing records, incident reporting, and regulatory compliance.
- Participate in the onboarding, coaching, and ongoing professional development of educators.
- Communicate professionally with children, families, educators, and community partners in both English and Spanish.
- Act as the Director's designate when required and assist with the day-to-day leadership of the Centre.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Alberta ECE Level 3 (Child Development Supervisor) Certification – Required.
- Minimum 2–3 years of experience in a licensed childcare centre, including leadership experience as a Lead Educator, Room Lead, Program Supervisor, Assistant Director, or a similar role.
- Fluency in English and Spanish, written and spoken, is required.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and evaluate age-appropriate curriculum and lesson plans.
- Proven experience mentoring, coaching, and supporting educators.
- Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient in computer operation and administrative tasks (documentation, emails, record systems).
- Current First Aid & CPR Certification.
- Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (or ability to obtain prior to employment).
- Working knowledge of Alberta Child Care Licensing regulations.
- Ability to reliably commute to Cochrane, Alberta, or relocate prior to employment.
Preferred Qualifications (Assets)
- Experience working with children with diverse learning needs or disabilities.
- Training in child guidance, inclusive practices, or health and safety.
- Food Safety Certification.
- Experience preparing for or participating in Alberta Child Care Licensing inspections.
- Experience coaching and developing educators.
- Experience supporting enrolment, family engagement, and parent communication.
What We Offer
- 4% vacation pay on every paycheque.
- Extended Health & Dental benefits.
- On-site parking.
- Paid professional development opportunities.
- Supportive and collaborative leadership team.
- Opportunity for professional growth within our organization.
Schedule
- Monday to Friday
- Full-time
- 8-hour shifts
Join Our Team
If you are passionate about early childhood education, enjoy mentoring others, and are looking for a leadership role where you can make a meaningful impact, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your resume along with a brief cover letter outlining your leadership experience and why you are interested in joining Smart Little People Learning Centre.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Work Location
In person – Cochrane, Alberta
Pay: $29.62-$31.62 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Cochrane, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Do you currently hold an Alberta ECE Level 3 (Child Development Supervisor) Certification?
- Are you fluent in both English and Spanish (written and spoken)?
- Do you have at least 2 years of leadership experience in a licensed childcare centre (e.g. Lead Educator, Room Lead, Program Supervisor, or Assistant Director)?
Work Location: In person
