Infant Director

Position: Infant Director
Department: Kookum's Place Daycare
Competition Number: 2026KP-CD05
Classification: Management, Full Time
Hourly Wage: $35.67
Application Deadline: Until Filled

NETES is a not-for-profit Indigenous organization supporting the success of Indigenous people in Winnipeg. We offer adult education, skills training and employment services, along with wrap-around services such as daycare, student housing, and health and wellness programming. Rooted in community, respect, and Indigenous values, our work helps build a strong, thriving Indigenous community.

The Opportunity

Kookum’s Place is an Indigenous-led, community-centred early learning program dedicated to supporting children and families through relationship-based care that honours Indigenous culture, values, and ways of knowing. Our approach is rooted in respect, connection, and belonging, with a strong emphasis on play-based and land-based learning.   

To Lead, Inspire, and Grow: Indigenous-Centred Early Learning Child Care

We are seeking an experienced Infant Director to lead a 38-space infant program. This role provides pedagogical leadership across programming, operations, team development, compliance, and daily centre operations while fostering a high-quality, nurturing, and culturally rooted childcare environment.

You will play a key role in shaping a program where children, families, and educators feel supported, valued, and deeply connected to the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily centre operations, including staffing, scheduling, and overall program flow. 
• Ensure compliance with Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care (MELCC) licensing standards, policies, and health and safety requirements. 
• Oversee program design and delivery, using play-based and Indigenous-informed approaches. 
• Mentor, support, and develop ECE staff, fostering a strong, collaborative team culture. 
• Manage enrollment, documentation, and administrative systems. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with families, Elders, and community partners. 
• Monitor program quality and support children’s learning, growth and development. 
• Foster a culturally rooted learning environment that reflects Indigenous values, relationships, and ways of knowing.
• Contribute to ongoing program development and continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Provide strategic leadership that supports program sustainability, quality improvement, and organizational goals. 
• Support staff growth through mentorship, supervision, performance feedback, and professional development.
• Foster meaningful relationships with families, Elders, and community partners to strengthen engagement and culturally responsive programming. 

Qualifications

• ECE Level III Certification.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification. 
• Valid Manitoba driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle. 

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in early childhood education, including leadership roles. 
• Strong knowledge of infant and toddler development, MELCC regulations, and childcare operations.
• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, program management, and regulatory compliance. 
• Knowledge of Indigenous (First Nations, Red River Métis, and Inuit) perspectives, culturally responsive practices and land-based learning approaches.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills. 
• Collaborative, adaptable, and community-focused leadership approach. 

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead an Indigenous-centred program grounding in culture, community, and relationships.
• A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Meaningful work that positively impacts children, families, and community.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Join us in creating a place where children thrive, families belong, and Indigenous ways of knowing are honoured every day.

Additional Requirements

NETES requires a clear and satisfactory Criminal Record Check prior to the start of employment. All checks must be dated within three (3) months of the start date.

Apply in person, online at netes.ca/jobs or by email at [email protected] . Please include the competition number in your application. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

NETES is committed to equity and inclusion in employment. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous candidates in alignment with our organizational mandate and the communities we serve.