Early Learning and Child Care Program Manager

Role Summary

The Early Learning & Child Care Program Manager leads the operation of the local early learning and child care sector within the Social Services Department. The role contributes to strategic planning, budget development and management, and the development of policies and procedures. The Program Manager builds strategic internal and external partnerships with stakeholders, various levels of government, and the community to support the development and implementation of Community Services.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Departmental Management

• Provide leadership and supervision to Early Learning and Child Care staff and managers, motivating, guiding, and directing employees toward departmental goals and objectives.
• Maintain a work environment that promotes staff participation, teamwork, and positive labour relations.
• Lead the administration of provincial and federal investments in the early learning and child care system, including more than 2,500 licensed child care spaces, EarlyON programming, Special Needs Resourcing, and other local or provincial initiatives. Ensure Grey County meets its obligations and complies with relevant legislation, including the Child Care and Early Years Act and the Ontario Child Care Service Management and Funding Guidelines.
• Oversee the direct delivery of County-operated licensed home child care and EarlyON programs.
• Direct engagement and partnership development with community partners to advance healthy, engaged communities.
• Lead staff in implementing policies and procedures for the delivery of federal, provincial, and local programs.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and appraisals, and take or recommend employee actions, including new assignments, promotions, training, discipline, or dismissal.
• Develop and maintain a Children’s Services Plan to share with the Ministry of Education and County Council.
• Ensure licensed child care, EarlyON, and special needs program delivery operators comply with purchase-of-service agreements, including through on-site visits.
• Monitor and approve funding administration for eligible licensed child care programs.
• Represent the department at regional and provincial meetings.

Policy and Program Development

• Participate in and provide leadership for strategic planning initiatives for the Early Learning and Child Care Department.
• Develop and implement department goals, objectives, business and strategic plans, policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Develop, plan, and maintain effective training programs to meet changing client needs and Ministry expectations.
• Review, analyze, and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of early learning and child care programs, policies, and initiatives to continually improve operational processes, service quality, and outcomes.
• Review, analyze, and evaluate internal processes, policies, and initiatives to improve operational processes, service quality, and support healthy communities.
• Develop reports for County Council about the department, Ministry program rollouts, and recommendations for the early learning and child care system.
• Develop and maintain collaborative strategic relationships with municipal peers, community leaders, and Ministry staff. Support partnerships and long-term objectives and plans, and design stakeholder consultations to inform service planning and program implementation.
• Implement programs and policies internally and with the broader early learning and child care community.

Budget Development and Financial Management

• Develop and maintain the annual operating budget for Early Learning and Child Care in collaboration with the Finance Department and in accordance with provincial and County financial guidelines.
• Monitor activities and costs related to the resources required to meet operational requirements.
• Participate in annual internal and external audits, including provincial statistical and financial reporting.
• Ensure annual Ministry of Education reporting is completed in accordance with provincial agreements.

Other

• Monitor program outcomes and report to the Director of Community Services.
• Inform the Director of Community Services about local, provincial, and federal policies and initiatives affecting the early learning and child care sector, changes in program trends, and community needs, and recommend action.
• Represent the Department and County at provincial and local community meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Community Services.
• Act in the absence of the Director of Community Services as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Hours are as required to fulfil the position’s requirements. Core hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, with additional time as required for meetings throughout the County, peak periods, and other demands of the position.
• Works in a high-profile capacity. Most time is spent in office conditions at the County Administration Building. Some travel throughout the County and beyond is required.
• Responsible for maintaining service levels and standards consistent with legislative requirements.
• Work is subject to frequent interruption and is carried out in an unstable, high-risk environment.

Contacts

Internal Working Relationships: Reports directly to the Director of Community Services and discusses plans, priorities, and County business with other senior management staff. Works in a leadership role for the Community Services department. Prepares and presents reports to Committee of the Whole or associated task forces.

External Working Relationships: Provincial Ministries, managers of comm...