Infant Director

Job summary

The Infant Director will lead daily operations, staff development, and program delivery for a 38-space infant childcare program. They are responsible for ensuring compliance with licensing standards while fostering a culturally grounded, play-based learning environment.

Job details

Position: Infant Director Department: Kookum's Place Daycare (Infant Centre) Competition Number: 2026KP-CD05 Classification: Management, Full Time Hourly Wage: 35.67 Application Deadline: Until Filled Who We Are NETES is a not-for-profit Indigenous organization committed to supporting the success of Indigenous people in Winnipeg. We provide adult education, skills training, employment services, and job placement, along with wraparound supports such as daycare, student housing, and health and wellness programming. Grounded in culture and respect, our programs are designed to create meaningful opportunities that contribute to a strong, thriving Indigenous community. The Opportunity Kookum’s Place is an Indigenous-led, community-centred early learning program that strives to support children and families through culturally grounded, relationship-based care. Our approach is rooted in respect, connection, and belonging, with a strong emphasis on play-based and land-based learning. To Lead, Inspire, and Grow: Indigenous-Centred Early Learning Child Care We are seeking an experienced Infant Director to lead a 38-space infant program. This role provides leadership across programming, operations, compliance, and team development, ensuring a high-quality, nurturing, and sustainable childcare environment. You will play a key role in shaping a program where children, families, and educators feel supported, valued, and deeply connected to the community. Key Responsibilities Lead daily centre operations, including staffing, scheduling, and overall program flow. Ensure compliance with Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care (MELCC) licensing standards, as well as health and safety requirements. Oversee program design and delivery, including play-based and Indigenous-informed approaches. Mentor, support, and develop ECE staff, fostering a strong, collaborative team culture. Manage enrollment, documentation, and administrative systems. Build and maintain strong relationships with families, Elders, and community partners. Monitor program quality and support children’s growth and development. Contribute to ongoing program development and continuous improvement initiatives. Qualifications ECE Level III Certification Valid First Aid and CPR certification Clear Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check Valid Manitoba driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle Experience and Skills Minimum of 5 years’ experience in early childhood education, including leadership roles Strong knowledge of infant and toddler development, MELCC regulations, and childcare operations Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, program management, and regulatory compliance Knowledge of Indigenous (First Nations, Red River Métis, and Inuit) perspectives and land-based learning Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills Collaborative, adaptable, and community-focused approach Additional Requirements NETES requires a clear and satisfactory Criminal Record Check prior to the start of employment. All checks must be dated within three (3) months of the start date. Apply in person, online at netes.ca/jobs or by email at employerrep@abcentre.org. Please include the competition number in your application. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. NETES is committed to equity and inclusion in employment. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous candidates in alignment with our organizational mandate and the communities we serve.

What you’ll do

The Infant Director will lead daily operations, staff development, and program delivery for a 38-space infant childcare program. They are responsible for ensuring compliance with licensing standards while fostering a culturally grounded, play-based learning environment.

Requirements

Candidates must hold an ECE Level III Certification and have at least 5 years of experience in early childhood education, including leadership roles. A clear criminal record check, vulnerable sector check, and child abuse registry check are mandatory requirements.

Listed skills

• Mentorship · Preferred
• Regulatory Compliance · Preferred
• Leadership · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Early childhood education
• Staff supervision
• Program management
• Regulatory compliance
• Infant development
• Toddler development
• Indigenous perspectives
• Land-based learning
• Leadership
• Communication
• Organizational skills
• Community engagement
• Administrative systems
• Mentorship
• Play-based learning
• Program Design
• Organizational Skills
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification
• First Aid Certification
• Valid Driver's License
• Program Development
• Adult Education
• Regulatory Compliance
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Early Childhood Education
• Operations
• Program Management
• Team Building
• Scheduling
• Program Flow

Job areas

• Education
• Management & Leadership
• Social Services
• Infant Teacher
• Program Officer
• Policy and Planning Managers
• Managers, All Other