Director (Daycare)

Job summary

The Director oversees all aspects of centre operations, including educational programming, staff leadership, and regulatory compliance. They are responsible for fostering family engagement and maintaining a safe, high-quality learning environment.

Job details

About the Role The Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of centre operations, including educational programming, staff leadership, regulatory compliance, and family engagement. The successful candidate will bring strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of child development, and a commitment to creating an inclusive and high-quality learning environment. Key Responsibilities . Program Leadership & Implementation Design and oversee inquiry-based programming that aligns with Active Start’s values (fitness, nutrition, imaginative play, and cognitive development) Support educators through observation, feedback, and curriculum development Promote inclusive, developmentally appropriate programming across all classrooms · Team Supervision & Support Hire, train, and mentor educators and support staff Build a collaborative and accountable team culture Provide regular performance feedback and support professional growth Manage daily scheduling, staffing ratios, and operational logistics · Family Engagement & Communication Build strong relationships with families through daily communication, parent meetings, and newsletters Conduct tours and respond to enrolment inquiries professionally and promptly Share updates on children’s development and centre initiatives · Environment & Compliance Maintain a clean, safe, and engaging learning environment Ensure full compliance with Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Regulations Manage child records, documentation, and licensing inspections Qualifications Alberta Child Care Level 3 Certification (required) Minimum 2 years in a Director role, or 5 years in an Assistant Director capacity Strong knowledge of Alberta Child Care Licensing and early learning best practices Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills Current Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire) Why Join Active Start? Exciting Growth Opportunity – Play a key role in launching and expanding childcare centres in Edmonton. Supportive Leadership – Work with a passionate and dedicated team focused on excellence in early learning. Career Development – Gain experience in multi-site management with opportunities for advancement. Competitive Wages - Posted salary does not include government top-up. Industry Leading Benefits – including Health, dental, vision , Paid time off, Employee childcare discount, and Opportunities for professional development.

What you’ll do

The Director oversees all aspects of centre operations, including educational programming, staff leadership, and regulatory compliance. They are responsible for fostering family engagement and maintaining a safe, high-quality learning environment.

Requirements

Candidates must hold an Alberta Child Care Level 3 Certification and have at least 2 years of experience in a Director role or 5 years as an Assistant Director. Strong knowledge of Alberta Child Care Licensing and early learning best practices is required.

Benefits

• Health insurance • Dental insurance • Vision insurance • Paid time off • Employee childcare discount • Professional development

Listed skills

• Regulatory Compliance · Preferred
• Staff Leadership · Preferred
• Team Supervision · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Conflict Resolution · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Child development
• Staff leadership
• Regulatory compliance
• Curriculum development
• Team supervision
• Performance management
• Family engagement
• Operational logistics
• Inquiry-based programming
• Conflict resolution
• Communication
• Organizational skills
• Family Engagement
• Organizational Skills
• Time Off Management
• Newsletters
• First Aid Certification
• Management
• Child Development
• Cognitive Development
• Regulatory Compliance
• Curriculum Development
• Leadership
• Operations
• Scheduling
• Guided Tours

Job areas

• Education
• Management & Leadership
• Social Services
• Daycare Director
• Preschool / Childcare Director
• Child Care Service Managers
• Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare