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Program Manager

Location:

SPC Administrative Office/Head Office

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

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Work Term:

Permanent Full Time - 37.5 hours per week

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Compensation:

$40.20/hour

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The Position:

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

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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

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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

Professional Attributes

  • 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)

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

  • 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

Interested?

​Submit your cover letter and resume to Connie Wynne, Director of Operations, at careers@schoolhouseplaycare.ca. Please indicate that you are applying for “Program Manager, Child Care".

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

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Internal applicants must have the endorsement/support of their immediate supervisor to apply.

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We thank everyone who has submitted their applications, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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Offers of employment are contingent upon a valid Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening issued within 6 months of the date of hire. 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 will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code. Applicants need to make any accommodation requests for the interview or selection process known in advance by contacting Human Resources.

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