Do you have a passion for working with children and exploring the outdoors? Do you view your work as more than just a job? If the answer is yes to these questions, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Wee Wild Ones is seeking a highly organized, self-directed Program Director to lead our Buffalo Run location. The Program Director supports the management of all areas and team members within their centre, inclusive of Educator Staff, Childcare and Operations. This individual lives the Wee Wild Ones values, believes in its mission, and works to achieve its visionary standard. Collaborating with the Administrative Director, they are responsible for the direct training, coaching, and support of the Team Supervisor, Educators and centre support staff, families and the smooth daily operations of the centre.
This position reports to the Executive Program Director.
Background
Wee Wild Ones is a Calgary-based, women-founded childcare organization serving children ages 6 months to 12 years. Founded in 2013, we are guided by a child-led, inquiry-based philosophy inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. We are deeply committed to nature-based learning, diversity, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship. Our mission is to nurture curious, confident, and compassionate children — and to uplift the families we serve.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Level Three Early Childhood Educator Certification
- Operational knowledge of childcare licensing requirements, Alberta Health Services (AHS), and fire safety regulations
- Advanced Food Handling Certification
- Must be physically capable of performing the essential duties of the role, including lifting up to 50 lbs
- Experience with the Reggio Emilia approach, Alberta’s Flight Framework, or similar child-led, inquiry-based philosophies
- Highly organized and self-directed, with the ability to take initiative and work independently
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to anticipate needs
- Clear and consistent communication skills
Preferred
- Experience in a leadership role
- Demonstrated experience leading or supporting a centre through licensing and regulatory approval
- A genuine passion for nature-based learning and outdoor environments
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Licensing, Regulatory & Safety
- Prioritize safety and compliance, following all <Alberta licensing and AHS directives>
- Primary point of contact with all regulatory bodies
- Ensure the centre meets all provincial regulations and requirements at all times
- Valid certification/licence/declarations for fire and food handling
- Lead and maintain the full childcare licensing process through transitions and centre changes
- Maintain required educator-to-child ratios in compliance with licensing standards
- Ongoing coordination of all Alberta Health Services (AHS) requirements
- Pest control, Kitchen grease trap cleanings
- Conduct regular safety audits and compliance monitoring
- Coach and correct the team through licensing and AHS corrections as needed.
- Responsible for maintaining all emergency procedures and training
- Ensure all staff have a clear understanding of evacuation and lockdown procedures
- Schedule and manage all fire inspections and approvals
- Ensure all staff are trained and compliant with all safety procedures
- Ensure all staff are trained and compliant with medication storage and distribution
- Report all escalated employee and child related concerns or incidence to executive leadership in a timely manner
Centre Operations and Team Leadership
- Responsible for the daily operations of the centre
- Follow and enforce all operating requirements, policies and procedures (hygiene, safe food handling and labeling, cleaning protocols and environment/classroom setup requirements)
- Responsible for front desk responsibilities, including greeting families and responding to inquiries as needed.
- Ordering of all materials required by the centre
- Create and support the management of Child Care Plans
- Staffing and onboarding of the Educator team and support staff
- Ensure all environments, materials, and systems reflect Wee Wild Ones standards and philosophy
- Ensure programming aligns with Wee Wild Ones’ child-centered, nature-inspired philosophy
- Ensure educators support the development of every child using Reggio Emilia-based, Flight Framework, nature- and movement-focused curricula
- Ensure the support of children’s emotional regulation, independence, and positive behavior while creating a calm, patient, and nurturing environment
- Manage external partnerships (I’m for Kids, Practicum Placements, ARCQE)
- Responsible for the training, development and performance of the Educator team (day 1-5/shadowing; 30 day; 90 day)
- Prepare and deliver formal performance reviews for the individual Educators every six months
- Effectively communicate information from the Executive or Services Teams in a timely manner
- Identify and take initiative on all tasks required to keep the centre fully operational including in class and kitchen coverage when required
Administration and Reporting
- Conduct daily administrative tasks including email correspondence and internal communication updates, including staff room postings (newsletter,birthdays, anniversaries, special events)
- Perform regular classroom check-ins to monitor program quality, staff engagement, and overall classroom environment
- Review all documentation including attendance records, incident reports, cleaning logs, licensing and regulatory for compliance
- Maintain up to date records for staff certifications and training
Self-Management
- Adhere to Code of Ethics and Employee Conduct Standards
- Follow centre scheduling and positive attendance record
- Demonstrate professionalism, reliability, and adaptability in all duties
- Engage in ongoing learning and skill development
Culture and Teamwork
- Communicate effectively with team members/leadership
- Work collaboratively with all staff to share responsibilities and maintain smooth operations
- Attend mandatory staff meetings and workshops
- Engage in centre-led community initiatives
- Provide any additional support across classrooms as needed (e.g., breaks, coverage, transitions, maintenance, cleanliness)
Why Wee Wild Ones?
We genuinely love and care for children and see our work as more than just a job. We strive to make a difference in the lives of children and others by developing our future critical thinkers, problem solvers and leaders of tomorrow.
It is our mission to elevate, continuously innovate, and challenge the standard of high-quality childcare for the modern family. In doing so, our innovative culture values our youngest citizens, engages team members, partners with families, and strengthens our community to best serve and sustain the well-being of all.
If this sounds like something you’d be a great fit for, please apply by submitting your resume and cover letter on Indeed. We would love to hear from you and look forward to chatting with you soon!
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $57,000.00-$62,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Extended health care
- On-site childcare
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Experience:
- director: 3 years (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Level Three Early Childhood Educator certification (required)
- Level 'C' CPR certification (required)
Work Location: In person
