Executive Director at Whitney Child Centre

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Established in 1983, the Whitney Child Centre (WCC) is a valued part of the Rosedale/Moore Park community in Toronto. The Centre is located in the same building as Whitney Public School. We are provincially licensed for children between 18 months to 12 years old, offering toddler, preschool, kindergarten and school-age programs to the community. The Centre operates as a charity with a volunteer Board of Directors. The mission of the Whitney Child Centre is to provide community child‑care based on learning through play in a dynamic environment.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THIS ROLE

• Strategic Leadership & Centre Operations: Provide overall leadership and oversight of the Centre’s day‑to‑day operations, ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, licensed childcare programs in a safe, responsive, and nurturing environment for children and families. Lead operational planning, administrative systems, and service delivery improvements, including the transition toward a 12‑month operational model.
• Team Leadership & Development: Lead, supervise, and support a team of approximately 20 staff. This includes recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, mentoring, and fostering a positive, collaborative, and accountable workplace culture.
• Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure full compliance with all applicable municipal, provincial, and federal legislation, including the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), Ministry of Education requirements, City of Toronto guidelines, and TDSB policies. Maintain strong health, safety, and licensing standards across all operations.
• Program & Curriculum Leadership: In collaboration with the Program Manager, oversee curriculum implementation and program quality, ensuring alignment with How Does Learning Happen? (HDLH) and Early Learning for Every Child Today (ELECT). Support continuous improvement in programming that promotes children’s emotional, physical, and developmental well‑being.
• Financial Stewardship: Oversee all financial operations of the Centre, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, fee management, accounts payable/receivable, and CWELCC administration. Work closely with the Board, accountant, and auditor to ensure transparent reporting and strong financial accountability.
• Board Governance & Reporting: Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors by providing timely reports, updates, and recommendations. Support governance processes, attend monthly Board meetings, and collaborate on strategic planning and key decision‑making.
• Enrolment & Capacity Management: Lead enrolment strategy and manage waitlists to optimize program capacity, ensure financial sustainability, and support equitable access for families.
• Stakeholder & School Partnerships: Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Whitney Public School leadership and staff, as well as other key partners including the TDSB, Ministry representatives, and community stakeholders.
• Family & Community Relations: Foster strong relationships with families and contribute to a connected and supportive Centre community, promoting trust, communication, and engagement across all stakeholders.
• Documentation & Operational Excellence: Ensure all policies, procedures, records, and documentation are accurate, current, and compliant with regulatory requirements, supporting strong operational integrity and accountability.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Leadership Experience: Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in an Executive Director/Director/Manager within an Ontario childcare centre or a comparable educational institution, with demonstrated ability to lead teams and manage operations.
• Program Oversight Experience: Proven experience overseeing toddler, preschool, kindergarten, and school‑age programs, with a strong understanding of child development and program quality.
• Regulatory & Legislative Knowledge: In‑depth knowledge of applicable legislation and requirements, including the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), Toronto Children’s Services (e.g., AQI, CSIS), Child Care Licensing System, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Employment Standards Act, Ministry of Labour, and Toronto Public Health regulations.
• Financial Management: Demonstrated experience in budgeting and financial oversight, including managing programs within the Canada‑Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) framework.
• Human Resources & Team Leadership: Strong experience in human resources management, including staff supervision, performance management, employee engagement, and professional development.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong interpersonal and problem‑solving abilities.
• Professional Commitment: Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and professional development, with strong integrity, sound judgement, and ethical leadership.
• Education & Professional Credentials: Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma or degree. A member in good standing with the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE).
• Certifications & Other: Valid Vulnerable Sector Police Check; Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification; Food Handler Certification; and up‑to‑date immunizations.

WHAT WHITNEY CHILD CENTRE OFFERS YOU

• An attractive salary range of $115,000-$125,000, commensurate with experience.
• Health benefits (health, mental health, dental, vision, prescription drugs).
• 4 weeks of vacation to start – during Centre closures.
• Part of Canada‑wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC).