Director of Early Learning 

(Full time – 35 hours per week)

Summary

 $70,000 to $80,000 annually 

The Director of Early Learning oversees the management and delivery of the Parent Resource Centre’s (PRC) EarlyON program.

Purpose: 

The Director of Early Learning oversees the management and delivery of the Parent Resource Centre’s (PRC) EarlyON program, including early childhood development resource planning, and the delivery of parent related resources and services. They further support the EarlyON community by providing workforce collaboration and training through the PRC’s Communities of Practice. The role encompasses building collaborative partnerships with community agencies, funders and stakeholders. As a senior leader within the organization, the Director of Early Learning ensures that service delivery supports the PRC’s strategic priorities and mandate and reports to the Board of Directors, stakeholders, donors and funders as required. They further ensure that the programs and services the PRC offers are based on current, evidence-based best-practices in early childhood development and that programs and services are compliant with all regulatory requirements. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. EarlyON Program Management 

  • Supervise and mentor EarlyON program staff to develop the skills to be successful within the organization; schedule work and assign responsibilities; chair team meetings; participate in hiring and professional development of staff; provide ongoing performance feedback; conduct annual reviews; provide leadership to the EarlyON team and strive to foster a positive work culture. 
  • Lead EarlyON program planning and evaluation to ensure a high quality of service delivery. 
  • Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum including activities and experiences for children 0 to 6 years of age that fosters a sense of belonging, inclusion, and well-being. 
  • Identify parent/caregiver training needs; develop training plans and arrange workshops to meet identified needs; plan and deliver workshops as needed. 
  • Coordinate and provide information, workshops and advice to parents/caregivers on such topics as parenting, developmental milestones, pre/post-natal care etc. 
  • Provide information and assist parents/caregivers to link to other early years programs and services in the community, (eg. childcare services, health services, assessment services) and other programs. 
  • Maintain and develop new EarlyON informational resources for parents/caregivers such as tip sheets, newsletters, blogs, handouts, videos, podcasts etc. related to early years development. 
  • Review and support the development of social media and website content related to the program. 
  • Set annual EarlyON program budget in coordination with the Executive Director; approve expenditures within budgetary guidelines; meet early learning needs within annual budget. 
  • Identify new areas and opportunities for the PRC to foster leadership in early childhood development education for parents/caregivers and sector professionals. 

2. Professional Learning Leadership (Community of Practice)  

  • Develop and facilitate a professional learning Community of Practice (CoP) for the EarlyON and early years sector focused on instructional excellence; identify sector training needs; develop training plans and arrange workshops to meet identified needs; plan and deliver workshops. 
  • Create and implement a professional development plan addressing issues of best-practice in early childhood learning and education that fosters cultural diversity, equity and inclusion. 
  • Engage CoP in individual and group reflective coaching to discuss observations and develop a plan to strengthen challenging areas and build on areas of strength through a sharing of values and ideas. 
  • Identify and develop resources and materials and build professional networks that will support CoP instructional quality and integrate them into program practices (eg. facilitate learning through guest speakers, showcasing new research and international best-practices etc.). 
  • Develop internal systems and procedures that advance CoP excellence and instructional quality and oversee program evaluation and planning.  

3. Community Development & Partnerships 

  • Promote PRC, its mission and services within the community; be pro-active to raise the profile of the organization, including participating in strategic networks and community committees related to programming in coordination with the Executive Director. 
  • Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships and network with other organizations and community groups to identify community priorities and to plan and implement integrated strategies to achieve better community outcomes in the early years sector.   
  • Coordinate and facilitate networking, partnership and collaboration with community stakeholders including the development, implementation and maintenance of appropriate partner agency agreements. 
  • Foster community partnerships based on evidence-based programs, particularly for high needs and priority populations. 

4. Resource & Strategic Planning 

  • Support the development and renewal of PRC’s Strategic Plan in cooperation with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and staff. 
  • Support the development of annual operational plans that reflect identified strategic goals; these plans should consider the annual budget, program plans, communication plan and resource development plan, and well as EarlyON team and individual workplans. 
  • Manage and deliver EarlyON and early years programs and services for parents/caregivers and early years workforce respectively; develop work plans, conduct evaluations, data collection and analysis; stay up to date on the evolving needs of the community and best practices in the field. 
  • Seek additional funding opportunities, prepare grant applications/proposals in collaboration with the Executive Director related to early years program and service delivery. 

What you bring to the role 

  • A visionary and strategic thinker who is able to implement the strategic directions of the organization. 
  • Broad knowledge and experience in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, and Family Support management methodology. 
  • Experience with community development and capacity building (business or people development). 
  • Demonstrated knowledge and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 
  • Sound knowledge of all relevant legislation, including provincial and municipal policies, procedure and guidelines. 
  • Mature leader with a mentoring and coaching leadership style. 
  • Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills to represent the interests of the PRC both internally and externally. 
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills in order to assess needs, develop proposals and reports. 
  • Sound management skills, organizational development technique and experience leading change initiatives. 
  • Sound knowledge, understanding and ability in the area of evaluation, measurement and outcomes. 
  • Experience in community development and program development. 
  • Strong organizational development and management behaviour theory and knowledge. 

Education 

  • Degree in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Management, Child Development, Social Work, Psychology, Counselling or other equivalent post-secondary education training.  

Language 

  • Fluent in English, oral and written  
  • Bilingualism an asset  

Experience, Skills and Abilities  

  • Minimum of 5 years working with children 
  • Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience 
  • Sound knowledge of child development 
  • Sound knowledge of PRC programs and services 
  • Experience writing funding proposals 
  • Budget management experience 
  • Previous supervisory experience working in a large multi-service not-for-profit preferred 
  • Previous experience in implementation and development of new programs and services an asset 
  • Ability to give leadership to and management of multiple staff  

Additional Requirements 

  • Criminal Reference Check for the Vulnerable Sector is required 
  • Ability to work some evening and weekend shifts as required 
  • RECE in good standing with CECE 

Salary: $70,000 to $80,000 annually 

Hours: Full-time position (35 hours/week); some evening and weekend shifts will be required 

Benefits: The PRC offers group health and dental benefits, generous vacation, sick days and personal days annually, as well as professional development opportunities. 

Please send a cover letter outlining your interest and how your skills and experience will support the work of the PRC, along with your resume to selectioncommittee@parentresource.ca