Early Learning and Child Care Program Manager

Purpose

The Early Learning & Child Care Program Manager leads the operation of the local early learning and child care sector within the Social Services Department. They will contribute to strategic planning, development of budgets, management of operating budgets, development of policies and procedures.

The Early Learning & Child Care Program Manager will build strategic internal and external partnerships by working with stakeholders, various levels of government and 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 in a manner that motivates, guides, and directs employees to the realization of 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 into the early learning and child care system, including over 2500 licensed child care spaces, EarlyON programming, Special Needs Resourcing and any other local or provincial initiatives while ensuring Grey County is meeting all obligations in compliance with relevant legislation including but not limited to 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 the engagement and development of partnerships with community partners to advance healthy, engaged communities.
• Lead staff in the implementation of  policy and procedures related to the delivery of Federal, Provincial, and local programs.
•  conducts of regular performance reviews, appraisals and follow up action. Takes and/or recommends action for employees, i.e.,, new assignments, promotions, training, disciplinary action, or dismissal.
• Develop and maintain a Children’s Services Plan to be shared with the Ministry of Education and County Council.
• Ensures licensed child care, EarlyON and special needs program delivery operator  activities are in line with purchase of service agreement by on site visits.
• Monitors and approves administration of  funding to eligible licensed child care programs.
• Represents the department at regional and provincial meetings.

Policy and Program Development

• Participate and provide leadership in strategic planning initiatives for Early Learning and Child Care Department.
•  develop and implementn of department goals, objectives, business and strategic plans, policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Develops, plans, and maintains effective training programs to meet the changing needs of clients 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 service outcomes.
• Review, analyze and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of internal processes, policies, and initiatives to continually improve operational processes, service quality and support healthy communities
• Develop reports to County Council including information about the department, information about Ministry program roll out and recommendations for the early learning and child care system.
• Develop and maintain collaborative and strategic relationships with municipal peers, community leaders and Ministry staff to solidify partnerships, long-term objectives and plans as well as design stakeholder consultations to inform service planning, implementation of programs and services delivered by the department.
•  Implements programs and policies internally and with the broader early learning and child care community.

Budget Development and Financial Management

• Develops and maintains the annual operating budget for Early Learning and Child Care  consistent with established financial guidelines of the province and the County in collaboration with the Finance Department.
• Responsible for monitoring activities and costs as related to the overall utilization of resources required to meet operational requirements.
• Participates in annual internal and external audit processes, including provincial statistical and financial reporting.
• Ensures annual Ministry of Education reporting is completed in line with provincial agreements.

Other

• Monitor program outcomes and reports to the Director of Community Services
• Apprise Director of Community Services of local, provincial, and federal policies and initiatives that impact on the early learning and child care sector, change in trends in programs, community needs and recommend action.
• Represent the Department/County on provincial and local communities and meetings.
• Performs 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 of work are as required to fulfil the requirements of the position. Core hours are 8:30AM - 4:30PM, 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. Majority of time is spent in office conditions at the County Administration Building. Some traveling throughout the County and beyond is required for performing the work.

This incumbent is responsible to maintain 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 community service agencies and organizations, consultants, developers, contractors, and the general public.

Knowledge and Skill

• Well-developed leadership skills and demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and consensus
• Registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators and/or a Graduate of a recognized university with 5 years’ management experience in Social Services or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, investigative, report writing, communication, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Experience in staff supervision.
• Ability to respect confidentiality, and to communicate effectively and courteously with all levels of staff, external government agencies/authorities, elected officials, media, the development community, business groups, special interest or user groups and the general public.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.

Impact of Error

Errors in the delivery of programs or services has the potential to harm the public image of the Corporation. Technical errors can lead to increased costs or legal action related to the ministry legislated programing requirements.

Failure to oversee departmental operations will reduce program effectiveness and increase costs of service delivery. Management errors have the potential to place liability onto the County, decrease employee involvement or morale, lead to negative public relations and inconvenience to the public.