Overview
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Director at Waterloo Co-operative Preschool. The Director’s role focuses on operations, program development, staff management, family engagement, and compliance.
The Director is responsible for overseeing the daily operations including compliance with legislative regulations and standards, financial management, and ensuring a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children. The Director is approved by the Ministry of Education to act as the Supervisor of the centre and is named on the Licence (this is not transferable without Ministry approval).
This role includes managing staff, developing educational programs, maintaining compliance with regulations, and fostering relationships with families to support children's growth and development.
The Director reports to the Board of Directors.
The Director backs up the Supervisor and Administrator and Membership Coordinator during absences.
This is a hybrid position requiring on-site presence four days per week, with one day per week allocated for remote work.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategic plans aligned with organizational objectives.
- Lead, motivate, and manage multiple teams to ensure high performance and engagement.
- Oversee budgeting processes, monitor financial performance, and ensure efficient allocation of resources.
- Foster a positive organizational culture that emphasizes continuous improvement and professional development.
- Establish policies and procedures to streamline operations and enhance productivity.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and community engagement.
- Provide mentorship and training to staff members to cultivate leadership skills within the organization.
- Monitor industry trends and best practices to keep the organization competitive and compliant with regulations.
- Represent the organization at events, meetings, and public engagements to promote its mission and values.
Skills
- Leadership and Team Management: Ability to lead and inspire a team, fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment.
- Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with children, families, staff, and regulatory bodies.
- Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain detailed records.
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Capability to make sound decisions quickly, especially in critical or unexpected situations.
- Knowledge of Early Childhood Development: Strong understanding of child development principles and experience creating programs that support holistic development.
Core Areas of Responsibilities:
1. Operational Management
1 (a) Operational Leadership
- Provide leadership and direction for the organization, overseeing program delivery and day-to-day operations.
- Collect and report required operational and research data, including annual licensing survey statistics, monthly regional statistics, EYE goals, subsidy information, and other operational metrics.
- Support the implementation of pedagogical guidance and recommendations from the Region, and attend regional leadership meetings, professional development sessions, Communities of Practice, and Nursery School Network meetings.
- Develop, revise, and implement policies, guidelines, and recommendations that promote inclusion, equity, staff wellness, and collaborative practice.
1 (b) Compliance and Licensing
- Lead all licensing reviews.
- Oversee compliance with all applicable municipal, provincial, and federal legislative requirements, including the College of ECE Code of Ethics.
- Ensure completion of required reporting to governing bodies including enrollment, attendance, incident reports, and staff certifications.
- Coordinate annual lead testing as required by the Ministry of the Environment.
1 (c) Safety and Health Oversight
- Ensure the safety and security of children, staff, volunteers, and visitors by implementing and overseeing safety and emergency procedures.
- Identify and implement improvements to practices and procedures that strengthen the overall safety of the preschool.
- Ensure compliance with the Fire Safety Plan as a representative on the church Facility Fire Team.
- Facilitate staff committees and chair the Health and Safety Committee.
2. Classroom and Program Development
- Oversee the development of age-appropriate curricula and educational programs that support children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development.
- Regularly review and update programs to reflect children’s evolving needs and current best practices in early childhood education.
- Ensure ongoing orientation for parents and volunteers so they understand school routines and procedures.
- Meet regularly with the Supervisor to review curriculum planning, discuss staffing needs, and share guidance or recommendations from the Region.
- Complete referrals for services such as KW Habilitation and KidsAbility, including SNAP forms.
- Complete subsidy, attendance, and vacancy reports.
3. Board
- Attend monthly Board meetings in an advisory, non-voting capacity.
- Meet monthly with the President to set the monthly Board agenda.
- Prepare meeting agenda templates in collaboration with the Board President and distribute them to Board members.
- Attend all open membership meetings, including the Annual General Meeting in the spring and the welcome meeting in the fall.
- Provide monthly updates at Board meetings, including budget updates, community initiatives, program updates, monthly inspections, and licensing reviews.
- Attend Board Committee meetings.
- Collaborate with the Board President to keep the Board Handbook up to date.
- Work with the Board President to orient new Board Directors.
4. Staff Supervision and Development
- Hire, train, and orient a team of qualified teachers and childcare staff.
- Apply for KW Habilitation funding for support staff and hire support staff. Complete and submit monthly billing for KW Hab enhanced staffing.
- Responsible for SNAP referrals.
- Provide direct supervision to the Supervisor and Office Administrator & Designate.
- Conduct annual performance evaluations for the Supervisor and Office Administrator & Designate, provide ongoing coaching, and foster a collaborative team culture.
- Organize and lead professional development opportunities to enhance staff skills in early childhood education.
- Lead contract renewals in collaboration with the Vice President of the Board.
5. Financial Management
- Ensure the Bookkeeper/Accounts Manager has all necessary information to perform their duties.
- Develop an annual budget to be presented to the Board of Directors.
- Monitor the budget monthly and report to the Board.
- Monitor and maintain report and record-keeping requirements for grants, subsidies, and funding applications.
- Apply for funding at the direction of the Board.
6. Family and Community Engagement
- Create a welcoming environment for parents and guardians by maintaining open communication, building positive relationships, and addressing concerns the Supervisor cannot resolve.
- Organize family events and workshops to promote active involvement and foster a supportive preschool community.
- Represent Waterloo Co-operative Preschool in the community.
- Ensure required agreements with community partners such as Emmanuel Church, the Region of Waterloo, and the Ministry are up to date.
- Point of contact for CHS, CCLS.
- Responsible for communications with legislative bodies and public relations.
- Attend community meetings such as KW Habilitation meetings, EYE meetings, and regional meetings.
- Lead for collaboration initiatives with other service providers.
Qualifications and Experience
- Degree or Diploma in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field.
- Registered ECE in good standing.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in childcare, early childhood education, or a related field, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or administrative role.
- Current certification in First Aid and CPR.
- Knowledge of childcare licensing requirements and regulations.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills with a focus on creating a safe and nurturing environment.
Physical Requirements
The role may involve physical activity, including lifting young children, bending, standing, and being active throughout the day.
Pay: $35.00-$40.00 per hour
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Waterloo, ON N2L 2Y3
