Supervisor, Early Learning & Child Care Business Administration

theregio03•Kitchener, ON

8d•CA$93,348 - CA$116,680•Hybrid

About The Position

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to: Taking only what we need, Leaving some for others, Keeping the dish clean. This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity. Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community. The Role Supervises administration of business and financial functions for the Division as it relates to early learning and child care agency funding, service contracts, data, and systems, to support the Region’s obligations as Consolidated Municipal Service Manager. Takes a lead role in funding policy development and planning to respond to local system needs and provincial changes. The Region of Waterloo is licensed by the Ministry of Education to directly operate a home child care program for children from birth to age 12. Our team of Home Child Care Consultants, Administration, and Management support approximately 300 caregivers who contract with us to provide quality licensed child care to more than 1,600 children in communities across Waterloo Region. This position will support the administration of business and financial functions for the Home Child Care program. For more information about Home Child Care, please visit, Region of Waterloo - Home Child Care

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as (but not limited to) business or economics, plus progressively responsible related experience.
Knowledge of financial accounting practices and principles, with ability to compile and summarize financial information, data, and research, and perform funding calculations.
Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, collective agreements, provincial guidelines, legislation, and standards (e.g., child care and early years, privacy), and Consolidated Municipal Service Manager obligations.
Project management, research, analytical, problem solving, and continuous improvement skills to implement operational plans; develop and implement business process solutions; and develop/recommend funding policies, procedures, and allocation calculations.
Leadership skills to supervise, develop, motivate, train, and support staff.
Human relations, communication, and presentation skills to communicate service contract and funding requirements, legislation, policies, and procedures with operators, school boards, and community agencies and resolve issues; conduct presentations and facilitate feedback from internal and external stakeholders; and participate as an effective team member.
Ability to read and understand technical and administrative reports, legislation, policy and procedure manuals, and materials.
Ability to write clear, concise, technical and administrative reports and recommendations, training material, articles, policies, correspondence, specifications, and standards.
Ability to implement and monitor compliance with the Departmental vision and philosophy for integrated customer service delivery within the division, across divisions, across departments, and within the boarder community.
Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office (including Excel) and database systems.
Ability to travel within and outside Waterloo Region.
Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

Responsibilities

Supervises program assistants and funding administrators.
Supervises the creation, amendment, and renewal of service agreements related to early learning and child care agency funding as part of provincial and local programming.
Advises staff at licensed early learning and child care agencies and programs, recreation programs, boards of education, and special needs resourcing agencies on policies and practices related to annual business cycle compliance requirements. Provides related training, orientation, and assistance.
Supervises processing and distribution of funding to service providers and community agencies, per legislation and provincial and local policy. Completes reviews of forms, data, and financial information reported to ensure integrity in use of funds.
Supervises child care fee subsidy payments to child care agencies, including licensed and home child care operators, and local boards of education for extended day programs. Reviews payments and data/records to ensure compliance.
With Finance and Manager, monitors budget for the Division related to funds used. Monitors expenditures against approved budgets. Reviews and analyses data related to allocations; identifies areas of under/ over expenditure; develops forecasts; and reports to senior management and Finance, including recommendations for surplus.
Leads funding policy development and planning to support system changes. Develops funding action plans and strategies; recommends funding approaches; and develops policy and guidelines for management approval. Interprets provincial guidelines and develops local strategies to support dispensation of funding.
Engages stakeholders such as Finance, management, and agencies, in the development of funding policies, processes, and resources. Creates engagement tools (e.g., interview guides, surveys), facilitates formal and informal engagement opportunities, and summarizes findings.
Establishes, implements, and reviews accountability structures (e.g., in-year reporting, financial claims, utilization reports, expenditure reports) to support reporting requirements.
Develops and implements policies and procedures to assist with service contracts and funding requirements/templates. Updates local policies and service contracts for operator funding annually, per provincial guidelines and calculations. Develops funding models and calculates funding allocations.
Recommends improved business and administrative processes and automation, ensuring financial integrity with Finance. Leads related project teams.
Develops communication materials as it relates to funding approaches and policies, and presents information to community stakeholders.
Monitors and audits service contracts, funding, and financial information submitted with Finance, to ensure compliance with policy, guidelines, and legislation. Identifies issues of non-compliance, consults with Legal Services, and recommends remedial action to management.
Provides reports for local service planning, OMBI, the Province, Council, and data analysis.
Responds to inquiries and complaints from current and potential operators (e.g., financial transaction details, payments, database access, funding/policy guidelines).
Supervises web-based portal for operators and provides technical support, liaising with IT as needed.
Leads records management for the Section.
Participates in divisional, departmental, and extended management team meetings/work groups. Provides input into departmental strategic plans and integrated divisional plans.
Participates in external events and focus groups.
Exchanges information with peers in other organizations to keep knowledge and best practices current. Contacts the Ministry for clarification regarding interpretation of legislation.
Performs related duties as required.