Coordinator, Early Learning Centre

Child Development Institute • Toronto, ON

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

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. We are seeking a Coordinator for a 12 month maternity leave contract to join our Early Learning Centre (ELC) team and support the operations of our exceptional care and education programs for young children. You will support the Director in the day-to-day operation and administration of the ELC, nurturing a joyful, safe learning environment for children, guiding the work of staff, and ensuring compliance with all regulations and legislated standards. Our centre provides care for children up to age 4. This is a 12-month contract (June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027) supporting our Wellesley and Crosstown Early Learning Centres. Initially, you will work onsite at Wellesley. As Crosstown becomes operational late 2026/early 2027, this role will evolve into a split-site position, with responsibilities shared across both locations.

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education and a member in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR (Level C) certification.
• Hands-on experience in a licensed childcare setting, either as a Coordinator, Assistant Supervisor, or an experienced Registered Early Childhood Educator (ECE) with leadership responsibilities.
• Direct, practical experience with the AQI framework, including participating in or leading assessments and maintaining strong scores.
• Strong understanding of early child development and well-versed in key frameworks and legislation, including CCEYA (2014), AQI, ELECT, and HDLH (How Does Learning Happen?).
• Confident in navigating the licensing process and ensuring alignment with Ministry, City, and Public Health requirements.
• Comfortable supporting centre operations, including documentation, reporting, and systems.
• Proficient with MS Office and can quickly learn or have experience using tools such as Lillio (HiMama) and Dayforce.
• Comfortable stepping into program rooms when required to support ratios or short-term operational needs.
• Ability to communicate with clarity and intention.
• Ability to coach, guide, and influence educators while reinforcing expectations and addressing gaps when standards are not met.
• Comfortable having difficult conversations and building trust with staff and families.
• Empathy, sound judgment, and a consistent, proactive approach.
• Value equity, inclusion, and respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Credential verifications and references are required.

Nice To Haves

• An Early Childhood Management or Leadership certificate is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Support the Director, ELC by providing support across their areas of responsibility ranging from staff recruitment and training; co-op student supervision; short-period coverage; implementing changes in policy and ensuring compliance; and overseeing the centre.
• Lead AQI performance and quality standards by owning the Assessment for Quality Improvement (AQI) process across the centres, conducting weekly in-room audits, reviewing scores, and ensuring standards are consistently met. Coach and support educators, address gaps in real time, and embed AQI expectations into daily practice.
• Ensure compliance with all regulations and legislated standards, including Ministry of Education Licensing standards, Toronto Children's Services Assessment for Quality Improvement, Toronto Public Health guidelines, and College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Support change management initiatives by helping implement evolving program expectations, including land-based and outdoor learning requirements, supporting educators through change, addressing resistance, and ensuring alignment with City of Toronto expectations.
• Create and nurture a safe, healthy, supportive environment for children, staff, and families by reviewing program plans, updating bulletin boards, and taking minutes at staff and Parent Advisory meetings.
• Support operations by managing physical building issues, maintenance, and problems with management approval, and ordering supplies and ensuring the safe operation and timely repairs of equipment, furnishings, etc.

Benefits

• Highly competitive compensation
• Full benefits
• Three weeks of vacation
• Professional development funding
• Access to operations and resourcing support
• Exposure to administrative operations of a child care centre as well as cross-functional mental health teams
• Full health and well-being benefits
• Flexible hours in a planned program environment
• Ongoing paid professional development opportunities and certifications

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree