Job Description

If you are looking to have a positive impact on the lives of children in a FUN active environment, we look forward to hearing from you!

The Organization

Schoolhouse Playcare Centres of Durham is a non-profit licensed childcare operator serving children from 0 - 12 years of age across Durham Region. We offer full-day centre-based childcare, licensed home childcare, licensed summer programs and recreational summer camps. We believe that children and their families deserve high quality learning environments that are responsive to the children's interests and unique needs. We promote an environment of respect and celebrate the rich diversity of the children, their families, and our employees. We believe that open communication, meaningful interactions, and respectful behaviour build positive relationships and support collaboration. We are committed to working in partnership with others to support our children, and their families in reaching their full potential.

Position:

Program Manager, Childcare

Program/Location:

SPC Administrative Office/Head Office

1602 Tricont Ave. Suite 6. Whitby, ON. L1N 7C3

Status:

Permanent, Full Time, 37.5 hours/week

Compensation

$40.20/hour

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Manager of Programs is responsible for the operational leadership and oversite of multiple childcare centres across Durham Region. This individual is responsible for supervising, coaching, mentoring, and collaborating with a team of childcare supervisors to ensure high-quality programs, consistent child and family practices/experiences and adherence to all required policies and legislative requirements. Additionally, this individual works collaboratively with external partners and represents the organization on relevant committees intended to advance the work within childcare and early learning across the region

Responsibilities

Pedagogical Leadership and Program Quality

Works with supervisor and educator teams to develop, implement and monitor a play-based emergent curriculum that integrates How Does Learning Happen? Conducts regular and ongoing centre-visits with the objective to build rapport/celebrate success, assess quality, identify gaps, and create action plans as required Works with supervisors and educators to ensure DROC requirements are being met, and all regulatory/licensing requirements are being adhered to Monitors SPC practices and recommends/updates any changes to ensure a positive, engaging, and inclusive experience for children and families Creates and/or seeks out resources, and professional learning, to ensure a high-quality, developmentally appropriate program Provides leadership/direction to internal committee work designed to improve program quality and enhance the child/family experience
Human Resources

Coaches and mentors supervisors to develop leadership skills and competencies, enhance program quality and improve the child/family experience Supports program supervisors in addressing family concerns/issues, employee concerns/conflict and other complex situations Identifies, coordinates and/or facilitates ongoing professional learning, staff meetings and resources for the supervisory and educator teams Creates a safe environment that encourages open communication and feedback. Maximizes the talents and strengths within the team and recognize accomplishments Works collaboratively with supervisors to identify staffing/recruitment needs and supports recruitment efforts as needed
External Partnerships

Actively participates and contributes to external committees aimed at advancing the work within childcare and early learning across the region as needed Facilitates positive, professional partnerships with external stakeholders, including but not limited to, Durham Region, The Ministry of Education, and the Durham District School Board

The Ideal Candidate - Does this sound like YOU?

Excellent verbal and written communication skills Excellent organizational, time management, planning and facilitation skills Ability to influence, support, mentor, and coach Effective conflict resolution and problem-solving skills Enthusiastic, positive, and solution-focused Ability to contribute to a positive work culture through reliable and trustworthy, professional behaviour Commitment to the organization's mission and values, and to the delivery of program and service excellence Demonstrated commitment and ability to understand, and engage with members of the community who represent all dimensions of diversity (children, families, internal and external stakeholders)

The Ideal Candidate - Qualifications, Education and Experience

Early Childhood Education Degree or Diploma, and in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators Minimum of 3 years of progressive supervisory experience within licensed childcare Demonstrated ability to develop, coach and mentor individuals and/or teams to improve and advance skills, knowledge, and performance levels Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders/partners Sound knowledge of Child Care and Early Years Act, How Does Learning Happen? ELECT and the Durham Region Operating Criteria Demonstrated ability to develop, lead and support early learning experiences reflective of current research and best practices Technologically savvy - working understanding of social media platforms, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

What we offer our employees

Competitive wages, benefits and pension plan. Benefit premiums employer paid 20% discounted rate for school-age childcare and recreational camp programs 6% (3 weeks) vacation accumulation, 3 floater days and accumulate 10 sick days per year (but are not paid out) Professional growth and development with regular ongoing performance reviews A fun, diverse and inclusive work environment
All interested applicants can send their resume to Connie Wynne, Director of Operations, via email to careers@schoolhouseplaycare.ca. Please indicate that you are applying for "Program Manager, Childcare".

Closing Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026 @3:00pm

INTERNAL applicants must include a recent performance overview or appraisal from their supervisor in the application.

We thank all applicants for their interest in joining our team.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Schoolhouse Playcare is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. If you require accommodation at any point during the selection process, please advise.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $40.20 per hour

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Company pension Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance On-site parking Paid time off Vision care
Education:

DCS / DEC (required)
Work Location: In person