FIRST PLACE EARLY LEARNING CENTRE INC – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Location:
St. Thomas
Position Type:
Executive Director
Rate of Pay:
$75,000 - $85,000 per year
Hours:
Full-time
Closing Date:
Until Filled
Description:
First Place Early Learning Centre INC. is committed to providing quality care and learning experiences for children in a safe environment. Our programs are based on the values of kindness, respect and fairness and enrich the emotional, social, physical and intellectual growth of each child.
Job Summary:
The Executive Director is responsible for providing leadership in all activities related to the successful operation and long-term sustainability of the organization by overseeing legislatively compliant, high-quality child care programs that position First Place Early Learning Centre INC. (First Place) as a community partner and model for child care.
The Executive Director is responsible for the overall planning, development and implementation of age-appropriate programs to enhance the cognitive, physical, social and emotional development according to Child Care Early Years Act 2014 and How Does Learning Happen? All aspects of the Executive Director position will be performed while working within the framework of the vision, mission and value statements and the policies and procedures of First Place and according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.
The Executive Director represents the organization to the greater community to further partnerships, advocacy objectives, programming initiative and community partnership goals. This role will be responsible in partnering and fostering a positive relationship with First Place Community of Kindness and First United Church.
Key Results Areas
The Executive Director has accountabilities in the areas of Governance, Leadership and Administration, Finance, Risk Management, Program and Operations Management, Community Relations, Human Resources, Mentoring and Coaching, Teamwork and Communication, Health and Safety, Information Technology and Professional Learning as outlined below:
Governance, Leadership and Administration
The Executive Director will:
Ensure the organization’s mission, vision and value statements are fully integrated into First Place’s daily operations and decision making.
Liaise with parents/caregivers and community contacts in a professional manner at all times
Act as a spokesperson for First Place.
Creates inclusive and positive culture that supports the overall wellbeing and positive relationships for all staff, parents/caregivers.
Encourages team building by facilitating open communication and positive working relationships with employees.
Administers and directs the complete day to day operations in an efficient and effective manner
Create and maintain the First Place’s Operations Manual.
Develop and review policies and procedures for usefulness and determine if updates are needed to be made to reflect current practice, government expectations and trends and provide recommendations to the Board of Directors.
Directs the employees’ implementation of policies and procedures
Directly oversee all employees to ensure everyone can work effectively as individuals and as a team to meet the goals of the organization.
Represent the organization at community activities to enhance First Place’s community profile.
Identify, assess and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect First Place.
Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Directors on all aspects of First Place’s activities.
Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board of Directors and jointly with the Board of Directors, as appropriate.
In conjunction with the Board of Directors, develop a strategic plan, administer it and track its progress.
Prepare for and attend all Board of Director and committee meetings including the Annual General Meeting.
Provide all Directors with minutes, reports and financial records relevant to the Board Meeting agenda no less than ten (10) days prior to the monthly Board of Directors Meeting.
Ensure the operations of the organization are in accordance with the applicable federal, provincial and city laws and by-laws and regulations.
Ensure Board of Directors are aware of relevant and meaningful professional learning opportunities.
Finance
The Executive Director will:
Oversees the financial viability of the organization through budget management in the area of fee collection, invoicing, for purchase of services, monthly child care fees and balancing revenue and expenditures.
Prepare and maintain complete accurate financial records, including accounts payable, fee statements, receipts, petty cash, bank statements, bank deposits
Work closely with the Treasurer/Board to ensure the financial viability of First Place.
Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed.
Monitor and administer the funds of First Place according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of First Place.
Accurately prepare annual budget for First Place to be submitted to Directors for review at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled Budget Approval meeting.
Ensure that payroll is completed accurately and on time.
Purchase services, supplies and equipment as needed within the budget guidelines.
Ensure that records, statistics and funds required by outside agencies (i.e. Ministry of Education, Revenue Canada, St. Thomas-Elgin Children’s Services) are accurately submitted by deadline dates.
Ensure that year end reports are ready for submission to the auditor when required.
Work with the auditor and Treasurer to ensure that all year end requirements are provided for the completion of the annual audit and to ensure that the Corporate Tax returns are completed on time as required.
Ensure that all governmental reporting and updating after the Annual General Meeting and March Board of Directors meeting are completed as required.
Monitor and pursue alternate funding as appropriate opportunities are identified.
Monitor current sector salary scales to ensure that the organization remains competitive.
Provide the Board of Directors with a monthly compliance report ensuring required payments and submissions.
Work with the Board of Directors to review employee benefits, monitor the mortgage, determine insurance needs, etc.
Act as a liaison and develop a positive working relationship with all banking institutions related to the organization.
Risk Management
The Executive Director will:
Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization’s client, staff, management, volunteers, property, finances, goodwill and image and implement measures to control risks.
Ensure that the Board of Directors and First Place carry appropriate and adequate insurance coverage.
Ensure that the Board of Directors, employees understand the terms, conditions and limitations of insurance coverage.
Provide regular and reliable reports on the organization to the Board
Assesses and report any financial risks or changes in funding.
Program and Operations Management
The Executive Director will:
Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of First Place’s programs and services.
Develop and implement Ontario’s Early Learning Frameworks that is consistent with and meets the requirements of the Child Care and Early Years Act.
Responsible for the day-to-day operations of First Place.
Ensures the programs provided keep up with emerging trends and best practices of early childhood development and learning (i.e. How Does Learning Happen? Quality First, ELECT, Program Statement, Pedagogical documentation etc.)
Develop, maintain and ensure compliance with all First Place’s policies and procedures.
Create a child friendly learning environment that protects and respects the rights of all children.
Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of First Place’s programs.
Maintain a current working knowledge of trends, research, best practices and legislative requirements pertaining to childcare.
Scheduling and supervision of all First Place staff to ensure appropriate supervision of children in each classroom
Develop, plan and implement monthly staff/team meetings
Provide opportunities and delegate staff to oversee the supervision and direction of students/volunteers placed within First Place and prepare necessary monitoring reports.
Meet individually, regularly with the direct reports to be kept current about the workings of First Place that they are responsible for.
Ensure direct reports attend relevant and meaningful professional learning opportunities.
Community Relations
The Executive Director will:
Establish and maintain a supportive and respectful relationship with all employees, clients and community partners of First Place.
Establish, partner and foster relationship with First Place Community of Kindness and First United Church.
Represent First Place in a positive image to funding, regulatory and licensing bodies, families, partner agencies, community organizations and the general public.
Participate on relevant local, regional and provincial committees on an ongoing basis.
Represent First Place in situations that involve the media and consult and/or advise with the Board of Directors as required.
Client/Family Relations:
The Executive Director will:
Develop ongoing communication strategies maximizing the use of IT
Supports a culture of respect for all current and potential clients by adhering to the current Ontario Human Rights legislation and the Accessibility for Ontarians Act.
Creates an inclusive environment that welcomes families and provides opportunities for parents to participate in the program.
Provides support and resources to families and children
Responds to all inquiries from prospective clients, current clients and/or regulatory bodies within two business days.
Deals with parent/client complaints/concerns by adhering to the organization’s Parent Complaint policy and procedures
Provide leadership when dealing with difficult situations related to child behaviour and/or development issues
Human Resources
The Executive Director will:
Ensure the effective management of human resources directly related to hiring, supervision, evaluations and disciplinary action.
Ensures that all hiring and disciplinary procedures and practices are compliant with all applicable provincial and federal legislation
Determine staffing needs, recruit, hires and releases employees based on the organization’s personnel policies approved by the Board of Directors
Oversees the implementation of the Organization’s Human Resources policies, procedures and practices including the development of accurate job descriptions for all employees
Ensure that all newly hired employees complete all paperwork, provide a satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check and receives an orientation and any required training prior to commencing employment with the organization.
Monitor and evaluate new employees prior to the completion of their probationary period
Maintain accurate and up to date personnel files in a safe confidential manner and in compliance with legislated requirements.
Addresses performance issues, concerns and discipline employees when required.
Consult with the Board Chair regarding any significant concerns regarding employee performance or behaviour.
Implement and maintain a performance management process for all employees which includes monitoring performance of Supervisory staff on an ongoing basis and conduct an annual performance review.
Supports and encourages employee initiatives.
Mentoring and Coaching
The Executive Director will:
Supervise, coach and mentor employees.
Share knowledge of current legislation, and policies and procedures related to professional practice, leadership and to the care and education of young children to direct reports and the Board of Directors.
Provide professional development opportunities for all employees either within First Place or through attendance at seminars, workshops, webinars and courses.
Teamwork and Communication
The Executive Director will:
Work closely with direct reports in order to support them in their work.
Communicate professionally, effectively and confidently with all involved with First Place and present solutions to problems as required.
Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
Work collaboratively with all office staff to ensure the successful operation of First Place
Establish partnerships with external resources and work cooperatively with them.
Work cooperatively with the Treasurer/Board to monitor the financial viability of First Place.
Communicate with all Administrative staff to ensure clarity and accuracy of his/her work.
Respect timelines and deadlines and check the accuracy of information in regards to messages, forms, reports and updates such that no one is delayed in the progression of their own work load.
Health and Safety
The Executive Director will:
Ensure the organization is in compliance with the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act
Ensure that work area is kept safe and clean.
Develop and follow and enforce health and safety policies and procedures from First Place.
Identify any potential or actual health or safety concern and address the situation.
Monitor employees to make sure all work is done safely and in compliance with the organization’s policy and procedures and provincial and federal legislation.
Ensure all employees and placement students has had adequate training in understanding their roles and responsibilities in keeping the workplace safe.
Information Technology
The Executive Director will:
Be responsible for the use and security of all technological devices.
Be aware of the technology needs of the organization and stay current with them
Be competent in navigating web-based programs.
Use technology effectively and responsibly to meet position requirements.
Professional Learning
The Executive Director will:
Seek out and attend professional learning opportunities that pertain to the position.
Attend professional learning that is required by First Place.
Stay current in research and practice on curriculum and program development, community initiatives and all legislative requirements.
Other:
The Executive Director will:
Perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Travel may be required for meetings, training, purchasing items etc. Reimbursement for mileage as per the policy set by First Place.
Hours of work dictated by needs of First Place.
Qualifications
Education, Qualifications and Certifications
Diploma in Early Childhood Education Diploma or equivalent-qualifications from an accredited college or university
Registered in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators
Proof of satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check
Valid Standard First Aid and level CPR-C
Valid Driver’s License
Demonstrated knowledge and skills in Human Resource Management, financial management and risk management
Experience
Minimum of 2 years of demonstrated proficiency as an Executive Director or in a supervisory capacity
Skills and Abilities
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams and drive organizational change
Positive customer service skills
Experience managing budgets, financial planning and resource allocation effectively is an asset
Some accounting/payroll software knowledge an asset
Above average accuracy and attention to detail
Excellent written, verbal and comprehensive communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences, parents/caregivers, staff and external stakeholders effectively
Computer proficiency in word processing, data entry, Excel, web-based programs
Ability to multitask and work independently, as well as in a team atmosphere
Time management and organizational skills
The ability to learn new tasks quickly and proficiently
Ability to work cooperatively, collaboratively, while fostering a climate of shared respect
Benefits
To work with Board of Directors to co-develop (will include paid time off, professional development, RRSP match)
To Apply:
For full details, please see the following document: Executive Director Job Posting