RECE Program Leader

Umbrella Family and Child Centres of Hamilton•Hamilton, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As an Out-of-Program Program Leader at a Full Day centre, you will play a key leadership role in supporting children, families, staff, and overall centre operations. While maintaining a strong understanding of daily program delivery and remaining actively engaged in the centre environment, this position primarily focuses on leadership, administration, and operational support rather than direct in-ratio supervision responsibilities. Each centre operates uniquely, but the core of your role remains the same: to be present, supportive, collaborative, and engaged in ensuring a high-quality experience for children, families, and staff. This position includes administrative responsibilities, operational oversight, and leadership duties tailored to your assigned site. You will support program quality, staff success, and family engagement while helping to maintain a welcoming, inclusive, and well-organized centre environment. As a leader at the site, you will support responsibilities including enrolment, attendance tracking, subsidy and statistical reporting, grocery ordering, staff support, and ongoing communication with families and supervisors.

Requirements

Early Childhood Education Diploma (ECE) and member in good standing with the College of ECEs
Minimum 2 years experience as a Registered ECE
Demonstrated leadership and strong interpersonal skills to guide a team, support daily centre operations, and build positive relationships with families, staff, and community partners.
Strong understanding of child development and behavioural guidance
Ability to effectively interact with children requiring self-regulation support
Familiarity with How Does Learning Happen?
Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills
Flexibility to adapt to a variety of duties and schedules
Commitment to fostering a positive, team-oriented environment
Member in good standing with the College of ECE
Standard First Aid with CPR Level C
Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check
Proof of up-to-date immunizations (TB, Tetanus, MMR)

Responsibilities

Provide daily leadership and administrative support to a full-day child care centre serving children from infant to school age.
Support the Program Supervisor by communicating operational updates and escalating concerns that may impact program delivery or performance.
Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations, contractual agreements, and Umbrella Family policies and procedures.
Identify potential risks, health and safety issues, or liabilities and report concerns to the Program Supervisor in a timely manner.
Coordinate service delivery in the absence of the Program Supervisor, ensuring smooth and consistent centre operations.
Implement high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming aligned with How Does Learning Happen? and Umbrella Family’s mission, vision, and values.
Act as a key point of contact for families regarding general questions and concerns when the Program Supervisor is unavailable.
Support enrolment processes including centre tours, play visits, and enrollment packages, and assist with maintaining accurate waitlists and ongoing communication with families.
Maintain regular communication with program staff, the Program Supervisor, and community partners; attend staff meetings as required.
Build positive relationships with community partners, school board personnel, Ministry/Public Health officials, and families to support strong program partnerships.
Participate in professional development opportunities as recommended to enhance knowledge, performance, and leadership capacity.