Center Director

Overview:

The Center Director manages the daily operations of an individual academy, ensuring a safe, nurturing and educational environment for children. This role is also responsible to ensure the Academy is always in compliance with regulations, educational standards and delivers exceptional programming that align with Fueling Brains' philosophy. This role focuses on staff leadership, parent engagement, and operational efficiency to achieve academic and business goals. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role ensures the successful start-up and opening of a new Academy, as well as its ongoing excellence. The Center Director will play a key role in building the Academy’s culture, team, and reputation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Facility Start-Up and Launch

• Oversee the setup of classrooms, play areas, and learning environments.
• Collaborate on hiring, training, and onboarding of new staff to ensure a smooth opening.
• Develop daily routines, operational processes, and safety protocols aligned with provincial regulations.

Leadership and Team Management

• Hire, supervise, and mentor the team of ECEs, assistants, and float teachers.
• Conduct performance reviews, provide regular feedback, and facilitate professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment with regular staff meetings, staff engagement events, etc.
• Ensure staff adhere to all childcare policies, safety protocols, and provincial regulations. 

Program Implementation

• Oversee the implementation of Fueling Brains programs and learning strategies, ensuring alignment with our philosophy.
• Monitor child progress, program quality, and staff performance to ensure high standards.

Operational & Program Management: 

• Oversee daily operations, ensuring adherence to policies, procedures, and health and safety standards.
• Monitor enrollment targets and collaborate with marketing to attract new families.
• Manage scheduling, budgeting, and resource planning for the center.
• Oversee the implementation of developmentally appropriate, inclusive and engaging learning programs and activities that support the development of children’s executive functions. 
• Ensure educational practices are aligned with the Fueling Brains research, data and strategies.

Parent and Community Engagement:

• Act as the main point of contact for parents, ensuring open, honest and effective communication regarding their child’s development, behavior, and any concerns.
• Organize and lead parent-teacher meetings, facility tours, and parent engagement events.
• Promote the Academy in the community to drive enrollment.
• Address any concerns, complaints, or incidents promptly and professionally.

Compliance and Licensing:

• Ensure the childcare facility complies with the provincial Child Care Licensing Regulations.
• Maintain all required documentation, including health and safety records, and compliance reports. 
• Regularly liaise with licensing bodies, government agencies, and inspectors to meet all operational standards.
• Maintain appropriate child-staff ratios at all times and ensure classrooms are adequately maintained.

Child Safety & Well-being

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children under care, conducting regular safety checks and maintaining a clean and hazard-free environment. 
• Create and implement emergency protocols and conduct regular drills, as required. 
• Monitor children’s health and development, working closely with parents and caregivers to address any concerns. 

Administration & Financial Management

• Manage day-to-day administrative tasks, including enrollment, scheduling, staffing, payroll and maintaining accurate records.
• Monitor the facility’s budget and expenses, ensuring financial sustainability.
• Ensure that the facility is properly equipped and stocked with educational materials, safety supplies, and other necessities.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in Education, ECE Certificate Level 3, or related field from a recognized institution
  • Certification in center management or leadership is preferred.
  • Additional training or certification in Childcare Management or Administration (preferred)

• Experience
  • Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in a licensed childcare facility, including supervisory or leadership roles.
  • Experience with starting up a new childcare center (preferred but not required)
  • Strong experience in team leadership and operational management.
    

• Key Skills
  • Leadership - Strong ability to lead, manage, and inspire a team of early childhood educators
  • Communication - Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with staff, parents, children and licensing authorities. 
  • Organizational -Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to handle administrative, financial, and educational tasks simultaneously. 
  • Problem Solving - Ability to handle unexpected situations with professionalism and creativity.
  • Knowledge: Strong understanding of child development, safety regulations, and early learning standards. 
  • First Aid & CPR - Current certification in First Aid and CPR.
  • Commitment to Inclusion -  Experience working in culturally diverse environments or with children from various backgrounds is valued. 
  • Familiarity with Digital Tools - Experience using digital platforms for attendance management, child management, and parent communication is an asset.

Work Environment Requirements

• Full-time role with flexibility required for early mornings or late afternoons depending on the facility’s hours. 
• Environment - Indoor work in a childcare center with children aged 3-5 years, with some outdoor supervision required. 
• Physical demands - Active involvement with children, including physical play and attending to their safety, may involve lifting and assisting children. 
• High level of responsibility and interaction with children, staff and parents

Additional Requirements

• Criminal Record Check: Successful completion of a criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector search.
• First Aid Certification: Valid Child Care First Aid and CPR or willingness to obtain within the first three months of employment.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to engage in active play and lift up to 40 lbs.

We thank all those applicants who have applied; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Fueling Brains is an equal-opportunity workplace, and we are committed to building and fostering an environment where our employees feel included, valued, and heard. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities and/or people with intersectional identities.