Assistant Manager (Childcare)

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

ASSISTANT MANAGER (CHILDCARE)

 

Title: Assistant Manager         
Department: Early Learning and Child Care
Reports to: Regional Manager, Early Learning and Child Care
Classification: Full-time, Permanent, Non-Management, Salary
Hours: 37.5 Hours/week – Mon-Fri
Location: YWCA DCDC – Dartmouth location

YWCA Halifax is a progressive, multi-service, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of women, girls and their families at critical turning points in their lives. We work to transform lives by providing a continuum of services and programs that drive lasting positive change.  We strive to change the underlying issues that are root causes of inequality, violence, poverty, and homelessness.

Program Overview

YWCA Halifax Early Learning and Child Care programs provide safe and quality Early Learning and Child Care for children 3 months to 5 years, and BAP, (Before and After School care for children ages 5-12 years) when available. YWCA Halifax works with families to provide reliable, safe, accessible, and quality early learning and childcare. Our Early Learning Programs provide a welcoming, culturally responsive environment for children to learn and grow to their fullest potential.

Supervision and Direction Position Receives:

Employee performs duties within established policy guidelines, goals, and objectives, and has primary responsibility for management of an area of work. Only the final results of work accomplished are reviewed – except during the development stages of new programs approaches or grant proposals. The employee establishes operational procedures, as needed within their area of responsibility by recommending and collaboratively developing new operational procedures as needed for approval by the Early Learning and Child Care Provincial Director and ultimately the Executive Director.

General Summary of Competencies:

The Early Learning Centre’s Assistant Manager is responsible to support the Early Learning and Child Care Regional Manager in the day-to-day coordination and administration of the childcare centre, including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, developing, assessing risk management, critical thinking, and supervising a team. The Assistant Manager is responsible for ensuring all policies and procedures are followed.

 

Qualifications and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in Child and Youth studies.
• ECE diploma or training recognized by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
• Early Childhood Administration Course (MSVU preferred)
• Supervisory/management skills, in addition to a minimum of five (5) years classroom experience.
• Knowledge of the Nova Scotia Day Care Act and regulations, NS Curriculum Framework and all associated Standards.
• Understands basic program management, planning, and evaluation in an outcome-based framework.
• Culturally Responsive Practice Training
• Must have excellent program administration skills, and strong supervisory skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Effective interpersonal, supervisory, critical thinking, and organizational skills.
• High level of computer literacy including MS Excel and Word.
• Ability in training/mentoring staff.
• Experience supervising, motivating, and monitoring volunteers and staff.

 

Essential Duties of Position:  

Program Management:

• Assist with Management of program to support achievement of organizational goals.
• Meets with Provincial Director, bi-weekly.
• Research and apply best practices and program ideas.
• Ensure a well-organized and clean facility.
• Monitor program activities.
• Assist Regional Manager with monthly program reports.
• Identify and evaluate the risks associated with program activities and take appropriate action to control risks.
• Assist with scheduling staff.
• Assists Regional Manager with the overall coordination/operation of BAP (Before and After School Program), when available.
• Could be required for ratio when necessary.
• Oversees student placements
• In consultation with Provincial Director, assists Regional Manager in addressing childcare staff performance concerns or interpersonal conflicts.
• The Assistant Manager will convene periodic meetings with the Inclusion Program Coordinator (IPC) and Program Flex (FT substitute/support ECE), BAP Coordinator, as it pertains to Inclusion programming and classroom environments.
• As determined by the Regional Manager, the Assistant Manager will plan and/or assist at staff meetings, attend staff coaching, discipline, or mediation meetings.
• As determined by the Regional Manager, the Assistant Manager in collaboration with the (IPC), and BAP Coordinator, will engage in periodic one-on-one goal-setting conversations with teaching staff.
• The Assistant Manager in collaboration with the Regional Manager, BAP Coordinator, and the IPC, will support teaching staff through challenging situations by facilitating confidential conversations and classroom team meetings to develop improvement strategies:
• Time and classroom management.
• Approach to setting classroom expectations, scheduling, and problem solving.
• Digital skills to facilitate online interactions with families (e.g., – newsletters, digital portfolios on HiMama, Instagram etc.)

Program Administration:

• In collaboration with the Regional Manager, will monitor/manage wait list management, fire safety, orientation of new families, child room transitions, related administration, parent communications, staff orientation, and oversight on child progress reporting.
• Ensure that program activities comply with all relevant legislation, licensing requirements and professional standards.
• Liaise with Classification services regarding any matter pertaining to an employee’s classification. Facilitates the enrollment of Early Childhood Educators in provincial or educational programs or pilot programs that recognize and/or expedite ECE classification based on prior learning and work experience.
• Oversee upskilling opportunities for YWCA cc educators
• Adheres to all program submission deadlines

Financial Management

• Monitor individual (program/classroom) budgets, and program expenditures.
• Coordinates the linkage of program plans with budgets and ordering of supplies.
• Assist Regional Manager with subsidy claim information and reporting.
• Adheres to all financial submission deadlines

 

Working Conditions

Usual office hours, 37.5 hours per week.  Some duties may require off-site work. Occasional evenings or weekends may be required to meet specific deadlines as determined by the Regional Manager or Provincial Director. This position is an “off-floor” position.  May be required for ratio if needed at the direction of Regional Manager and/or Provincial Director.

Special Conditions of Employment: Current First Aid with CPR/AED-C, WHMIS, Criminal Record Check (vulnerable sector), Child Abuse Registry Check.

• Caring for children can be physically and mentally demanding.
• Work may require dealing effectively and calmly with emotional situations
• Work may require heavy lifting, bending, stooping, carrying, and reaching overhead
• Work may require sustained periods of standing or walking
• Will require travel to multiple locations as per scheduled and/or directed/required
• Travel/transportation required
• Flexibility/dependability

YWCA Halifax is committed to diversity, and we welcome all suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. YWCA Halifax is governed by, employs, and serves diverse individuals and community members. Self-identification by applicants does not guarantee an interview but we want you to know that we understand that lived experience of racialization, Indigeneity, disAbility, and gender diversity are their own knowledge and expertise. We value this expertise and consider it as we discern who to interview.

 

If interested, please send your cover letter and resume to Surbhi Sandhir, Regional Manager (Dartmouth) at s.sandhir@ywcahalifax.com.