Childcare Consultant, Contract

Who we are

Children are at the front and centre of what we do; they are the foundation of our purpose and the basis for our evidence-driven strategy. Our mission is to transform the lives of children, youth and their families by developing and delivering innovative, research-based mental health and early learning programs. At the Child Development Institute (CDI), we are passionate about helping our communities’ most vulnerable members and their caregivers. It motivates each of us to face what can be difficult situations while continuously finding the purest joy in play, in silence, in advice, and in the unbelievable strength and resilience of our young clients. Joining us now is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an organization that is built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families. 

Recognized as a leader and model for measurement-based impact, we are client-centred, family-centred, and data-informed. We are a place where professionals grounded in mental health, care, and well-being of infants, children and youth, come together in collaboration, learning and inclusion. As a multiservice organization delivering social, emotional, and behavioural counselling services, early childhood education, learning disabilities and mental health services, and family violence services, we address the whole person from when they begin their life. Every child and family that reaches out to us is unique, and we value and embrace their individuality. We deliver the tailored support and tools they need to build life-long skills, positive mental health, and resilience. With their trust in us, we guide children and families along a supportive journey. It is an often difficult path and simultaneously the most rewarding experience for providers, children and families.

Who we need

CDI provides child care consultation services to support licensed childcare centres that care for children under 12 with extra support needs. These services are delivered within the Toronto Children’s Services Every Child Belongs service framework, promoting an inclusive childcare system.

We are seeking a Childcare Consultant to join us on a maternity leave contract. As our new Childcare Consultant you will  manage a caseload of approximately 25 children, maintaining the momentum required to set up supports and accommodations. You will collaborate with child care program staff and parents or guardians to develop individualized goals and strategies, supporting each child’s development and inclusion in the program. You will visit designated childcare centres to monitor needs and progress, make recommendations, and refer services and resources as needed. You will independently offer training and guidance to programs in your portfolio on how to build inclusive environments.

This is a maternity leave contract role ending from August 17, 2026 to October 22, 2027. You will be required to travel to and work onsite at various childcare centres across midtown Toronto.

What's in it for you

Purpose. As part of an organization providing child care for over 100 years, you will be among experts who want to share their knowledge and are deeply invested in the success of our programs - and the children and families we work with. Joining CDI is a chance to be part of a genuinely wonderful experience providing access to free childcare consultations for children needing extra support.

A strong support system. You will be part of a collaborative team that shares knowledge, resources, and expertise. With a larger team in place, you will have access to a wealth of support, ensuring you feel empowered in your role.

Growth and opportunity. This role offers the potential to transition into other opportunities within the organization after the contract ends. You will gain valuable experience while building relationships that could lead to future career paths within CDI.

As our Childcare Consultant, you will:

• Consult and build solutions. You will conduct consultations to identify and meet the needs of individual children. You will conduct observational visits, leverage screening tools, assess strengths and needs, and recommend plans and accommodations. You will provide workshops, resources and program consultations to childcare staff. You will develop and support the implementation of individual consultation plans and active referral and service coordination.
• Collaborate. You will consult with childcare providers, parents and guardians, and internal CDI staff. You will coordinate services from different resources to meet the needs of identified children. You will participate in committees and networks.
• Engage families and community partners. You will take a diverse and flexible approach to working with families, creating communications, and connecting to other resources as needed. You will deliver training, education, and service planning.
• Track details. You will maintain open communication, stay up-to-date on follow-up visits, and update detailed documentation.

What you bring:

• The knowledge. You have a degree in Early Childhood Education or an Early Childhood diploma combined with a Resource Educator diploma. You are a member in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators. You have sound knowledge of child development and behaviour guidance. You have experience in an early learning/childcare setting, including working with infants, preschool and school-age children with various types of special needs, such as developmental delays, ASD, and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
• The practical and strategic skills. You have experience offering targeted workshops to both parents and professionals. You have a proven ability to screen and assess specialized needs for children and families from diverse backgrounds. You can seamlessly manage cases, build and document strategic individualized goal plans, and coordinate services from multiple supportive resources. You understand and can maintain the confidentiality and security of client-related and agency information.
• The interpersonal skills . You have flexible communication skills, exceptional listening skills and mental attentiveness. You have the empathy to conduct sensitive conversations with families and directly with children, creating authentic connections and engagement. You are a team player who prioritizes treating everyone equally and has respect and appreciation for individuals and families with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 
• The technical skills. You are proficient in Microsoft Office and confident using technology in your day-to-day work. You can quickly learn and navigate new databases or digital tools, adapting with ease to different platforms used for documentation, communication, and data management.
• The flexibility. You are willing and able to travel within and across midtown Toronto to various centers daily to meet with children and providers.

Apply now

If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with every requirement, we encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application. 

What you can expect from our interview process:

• A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor will discuss your interest in the role. The conversation will be recorded using BrightHire, an AI-powered video interview tool. More details will be shared when you are invited to interview.
• An on-site interview with the Hiring Manager, Director, and an HR Representative to explore the details of the role and the culture of the CDI, the childcare consultation process and the community members you will work with.

Compensation: $69,083 per year and pro-rated based on contract length. This is a contract position under CUPE.

Other Requirements

• All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Credential verifications and references are required. 

CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at View email address on childdevelopmentinstitute. 

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