The Program Director oversees all aspects of centre operations, including staff management, regulatory compliance, program quality, and community relations. This leadership role ensures the centre delivers nurturing, safe, and enriching care to children while meeting licensing and policy standards.
The Director reports to the Regional Director and the Management team
Key Responsibilities
- Program Leadership & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with Alberta’s childcare licensing standards and health & safety regulations. Ensuring children’s attendance records are correct and child-to-adult ratios are always maintained, all administrative records (children and staff) are up to date.
- Supervise center operations, including staff training, scheduling with Director of HR, and performance management.
- Plan, evaluate, and enhance programming aligned with developmental goals and 1st Class philosophy.
- Performs New Staff Training, Orientation and Coaching.
- Ensures monthly licensing checklists are completed.
- Support staff in their roles, addressing issues, and providing guidance to ensure smooth program functioning.
- Administrative & Financial Management
- Oversee budgets, expenditures, and resource allocation.
- Maintain accurate records and reporting for administration, funding, and regulatory audits.
- Oversee enrollment, parent communications, and daily operational functions.
- Staff & Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide ongoing mentorship, support, and coaching to educators.
- Model respectful leadership and foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
- Build strong relationships with families and community partners.
- Address parent concerns and discuss unresolved issues/concerns.
- Strategic & Operational Planning
- Ensure adherence to company policies and procedures, operational plans, and improvement initiatives.
- Communicate key objectives and updates effectively across all stakeholders.
- Performs other related duties as requested by the management team.
- Flexibility to cover a shift different from the scheduled shift.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Education & Certification
- Must have an ECE Diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field (i.e. ECE – Level 3).
- Up-to-date First Aid and CPR certification.
- Must have up-to-date Police Clearance with vulnerable sector.
- Experience
- Several years of experience in early childhood settings, with a strong track record in leadership roles.
- Experience in managing a team of people is preferred.
- Experience in program administration, compliance, and team supervision.
- Skills & Attributes
- Strong organizational, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to lead change, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to evolving regulations.
- Strong Communication skills (both written and oral).
- Knowledge of the Alberta Childcare Act and best practices.
- Attention to detail with a focus on 1st Class mission and goals.
- Intermediate Computer skills, able to use all programs utilized by the company, i.e. Ms. word, Excel, Timesavr, HRIS system , etc.
- Good organizational and time management skills are necessary to manage daily operations.
- Professionalism & Professional Development
- Maintain confidentiality as defined by 1st Class Confidentiality Agreement.
- Remain current on industry news, trends and childcare-related issues by participating in professional development or training opportunities and/or continuing education courses.
- Work conditions and physical capabilities
- Repetitive tasks
- Physically demanding
- Attention to detail
- A combination of sitting, standing, and walking
- Bending, crouching, kneeling
- Lifting and moving weights ranging from 20 lbs. to 35 lbs.
- Dental plan
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment
- Health care plan
- Vision care benefits
