Who we are
Children are at the front and centre of what we do; they are the foundation of our purpose and the basis for our evidence-driven strategy. Our mission is to transform the lives of children, youth and their families by developing and delivering innovative, research-based mental health and early learning programs. At the Child Development Institute (CDI), we are passionate about helping our communities’ most vulnerable members and their caregivers. It motivates each of us to face what can be difficult situations while continuously finding the purest joy in play, in silence, in advice, and in the unbelievable strength and resilience of our young clients. Joining us now is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an organization that is built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families.
Recognized as a leader and model for measurement-based impact, we are client-centred, family-centred, and data-informed. We are a place where professionals grounded in mental health, care, and well-being of infants, children and youth, come together in collaboration, learning and inclusion. As a multiservice organization delivering social, emotional, and behavioural counselling services, early childhood education, learning disabilities and mental health services, and family violence services, we address the whole person from when they begin their life. Every child and family that reaches out to us is unique, and we value and embrace their individuality. We deliver the tailored support and tools they need to build life-long skills, positive mental health, and resilience. With their trust in us, we guide children and families along a supportive journey. It is an often difficult path and simultaneously the most rewarding experience for providers, children and families.
Who we need
We are seeking a Coordinator to join our Early Learning Centre (ELC) team and support the operations of our exceptional care and education programs for young children. You will support the Director in the day-to-day operation and administration of the ELC, nurturing a joyful, safe learning environment for children, guiding the work of staff, and ensuring compliance with all regulations and legislated standards. Our centre provides care for children up to age 4.
This existing vacancy supports both our Wellesley and Crosstown Early Learning Centers, with an alternating weekly schedule of three days at one site and two at the other. Initially, you will work onsite at Wellesley. As Parkdale becomes operational late 2026/early 2027, this role will evolve into a split-site position, with responsibilities shared across both locations.
Who you are
You may be a Coordinator at a Child Care Centre looking for the stability and rewards of a well-established organization, or, you may be an ECE lead looking to move up to a Coordinator level. Either way you have hands-on experience working in a licensed childcare centre and a strong understanding of the standards, regulations, and accountability required to operate in that environment. You have direct experience with the City of Toronto’s Assessment for Quality Improvement (AQI) framework and have contributed to maintaining strong quality and compliance outcomes.
What's in it for you
Rewards. Joining CDI is a chance to be part of a genuinely wonderful experience providing access to subsidized child care for your community members. As part of our team, you will have highly competitive compensation, full benefits, three weeks of vacation, and professional development funding. You will be part of an organization prioritizing self-care.
Access to operations and resourcing support. As part of an organization that has been providing child care for over 100 years, you will be among experts who want to share their knowledge and are deeply invested in the success of your Centre. You will gain exposure to the administrative operations of a child care centre as well as the cross-functional mental health teams at CDI. You will share opening and closing shifts with the Director and have backup support when additional classroom staff are needed.
Career development. You will be part of a highly supportive organization that strives to promote from within and nurtures a continuous learning environment. This is a rewarding opportunity on multiple levels with opportunities to collaborate with our clinical resources, gain support from our Associate Director, and Director of Early Years and Child Care Services, and further expand your leadership and management skills. You will have a number of exciting paths to follow as you build your career here.
As our new Coordinator, Early Learning Centre in Toronto, you will:
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Support the Director, ELC. You will provide support to the Director across their areas of responsibility ranging from staff recruitment and training; co-op student supervision; short-period coverage; implementing changes in policy and ensuring compliance; and overseeing the centre.
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Lead AQI performance and quality standards. You will own the Assessment for Quality Improvement (AQI) process across the centres, conducting weekly in-room audits, reviewing scores, and ensuring standards are consistently met—not just during assessment periods. You will coach and support educators, address gaps in real time, and embed AQI expectations into daily practice to maintain strong, publicly reported scores.
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Ensure compliance. You will ensure adherence to all regulations and legislated standards, including Ministry of Education Licensing standards, Toronto Children's Services Assessment for Quality Improvement, Toronto Public Health guidelines, and College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
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Support change management initiatives. You will help implement evolving program expectations, including land-based and outdoor learning requirements, supporting educators through change, addressing resistance, and ensuring alignment with City of Toronto expectations.
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Create and nurture a safe, healthy, supportive environment for children, staff, and families. You will review program plans to ensure focus on learning experiences and preparation of appropriate materials and activities. You will update program, families, and community info bulletin boards and take minutes at staff meetings and Parent Advisory meetings.
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Support operations. You will, with management approval, manage physical building issues, maintenance, and problems to ensure a safe environment. You will order supplies with management approval for equipment in all centre areas and ensure the safe operation and timely repairs of equipment, furnishings, etc.
You bring:
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The education and credentials. You have a diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education and are a member in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators. An Early Childhood Management or Leadership certificate is an asset. You hold a current Standard First Aid and CPR (Level C) certification.
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The childcare and AQI experience. You have hands-on experience in a licensed childcare setting, either as a Coordinator, Assistant Supervisor, or an experienced Registered Early Childhood Educator (ECE) with leadership responsibilities. You bring direct, practical experience with the AQI framework, including participating in or leading assessments and maintaining strong scores. You understand how AQI standards translate into daily practice and can interpret results, identify gaps, and implement improvements that strengthen program quality and compliance.
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The regulatory and pedagogical knowledge. You have a strong understanding of early child development and are well-versed in key frameworks and legislation, including CCEYA (2014), AQI, ELECT, and HDLH (How Does Learning Happen?). You are confident in navigating the licensing process and ensuring alignment with Ministry, City, and Public Health requirements.
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The operational and technical capability. You are comfortable supporting centre operations, including documentation, reporting, and systems. You are proficient with MS Office and can quickly learn or have experience using tools such as Lillio (HiMama) and Dayforce. You are also comfortable stepping into program rooms when required to support ratios or short-term operational needs.
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The leadership and interpersonal skills. You communicate with clarity and intention. You can coach, guide, and influence educators while reinforcing expectations and addressing gaps when standards are not met. You are comfortable having difficult conversations and building trust with staff and families. You bring empathy, sound judgment, and a consistent, proactive approach. You value equity, inclusion, and respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Other Requirements
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All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
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Credential verifications and references are required.
Compensation: At Child Development Institute (CDI), we believe that compensation should be transparent, fair, and supportive of your experience and growth. For this role, the salary is between $60,000 to $63,000 per annum (based on a 35 hour work week). Salary is determined by the complexity of the position and internal equity, ensuring a fair and competitive salary within our sector.
We believe in transparency and open conversations about compensation. If you have any questions about our approach, we are happy to discuss them throughout the hiring process.
Join us.
Fostering positive transformations in mental health for over a century, CDI is a world-class leader trusted in helping children, youth and families through a wide range of evidence-informed services to build lasting change.
At CDI, we prioritize the mental well-being and work-life balance of our teams. We acknowledge the reality of the emotionally demanding work each of us puts in every day. To that end, we strive to create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity flourish by offering:
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Full health and well-being benefits.
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Flexible hours in a planned program environment.
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A focus on cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.
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Ongoing paid professional development opportunities and certifications.
If you want to be part of our vision to make a measurable lifelong impact on the mental health and well-being of children, youth and their families, join us.
Apply now
If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with every requirement, we encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application.
What you can expect from our interview process:
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A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor to discuss your interest in joining the company and in the role. The conversation will be recorded using BrightHire, an AI-powered video interview tool. More details will be shared when you are invited to interview.
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An on-site interview to help you understand your future work environment. You will meet with the Director, Associate Director, and an HR Representative to explore the details of the role and the culture of the CDI, the Child Care Centre and the surrounding community.
CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at [email protected].
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