Program Director - Daycare

Every child deserves a great start. At Community Options, we make that possible through quality childcare and inclusive support for children and their families. For nearly 50 years, we’ve empowered families and created positive, lasting impacts on children’s futures by fostering environments where every child can thrive, regardless of their abilities.

Through charitable initiatives, we enrich children’s lives, supporting lifelong learning, behaviour, health, and quality of life while strengthening families with tailored community support. Across Edmonton, we deliver inclusive early childhood education for children with diagnosed disabilities, offering family‑centred programming to meet their unique needs.

About the Role The Program Director – Parkwest is responsible for the oversight, sustainability, and daily operations of the Parkwest Daycare Program.

Reporting to the Executive Director, you will lead a multidisciplinary team of Early Childhood Educators and staff while ensuring:

Compliance with licensing, health, safety, and funder requirements

Delivery of high‑quality, inclusive early learning experiences

Strong family partnerships

Financial stewardship and operational sustainability

You will play a key leadership role in shaping the culture, quality, and long‑term impact of the program.

Key Responsibilities Quality & Programming Excellence

Implement and monitor a play‑based, emergent curriculum aligned with Alberta’s FLIGHT framework

Ensure programming supports holistic child development in a nurturing, inclusive environment

Oversee enrollments and individualized programming for children

Complete and submit required provincial reporting

Maintain accurate documentation for licensing and regulatory compliance

Promote inclusive practices that support children of diverse abilities and backgrounds

Operations & Team Leadership

Oversee daily operations and ensure compliance with licensing and health and safety standards

Supervise, mentor, and support a team of educators and staff

Conduct performance evaluations and support professional growth

Foster a positive, collaborative workplace culture

Manage administrative responsibilities including:

Budget oversight

Enrollment management

Fee collection

Staffing schedules

Work collaboratively with Finance and Human Resources to maintain operational excellence

Family & Community Engagement

Build strong, trusting relationships with families

Communicate program updates clearly and consistently

Engage families in events and initiatives

Represent Parkwest with community partners and regulatory agencies

Support enrollment growth and community awareness

What We’re Looking For We’re looking for a leader who inspires with clarity, connection, and courage. This person balances strategic thinking with hands‑on compassion, navigating policy one moment and connecting with a preschooler the next.

Qualifications

Valid Alberta Childcare Certification (Level 3) – Required

Experience as a Daycare Director or similar leadership role in Out of School Care or Preschool programs

Demonstrated experience managing staff, budgets, and regulatory compliance

Strong communication and organizational skills

Proficiency with computer systems for documentation and reporting

Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Clearance (obtained within the past 6 months or more recent to hire date at applicants’ expense).

Standard Child Care First Aid and CPR/AED or Standard First Aid and CPR/AED (within 3 months of hire, at candidate’s expense).

Child Intervention Check (within 3 months of hire).

Attributes

Leads with empathy, resilience, and vision

Communicates clearly and builds strong relationships

Is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Creates psychologically safe and collaborative team environments

Balances operational excellence with compassionate leadership

Manages competing priorities with confidence and clarity

Why Join Us? At Community Options, you’ll lead with purpose, work alongside people who care deeply, and see your impact every day in the lives of children and families.

Compensation

Competitive Salary:

$45,000–$64,500 Annually, based on relevant training, education and experience

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Dental Care, Extended Health Care, Basic Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, RRSP, Cost to be shared between employer and employee.

Work‑life Balance:

Enjoy a total of 2 weeks, plus paid statutory holidays and minimal evening or weekend commitments.

Mission‑Driven Work:

Lead an organization where your leadership will directly impact the lives of children and the strength of families across Edmonton. Influence real systems change in early childhood education and inclusive community development.

Supportive Culture:

Join a compassionate team that values trust, compassion, humour, and the belief that every child deserves a chance to thrive.

Meaningful Leadership:

Shape the future of inclusive education and community development. Align your personal values with your professional life and find deep purpose in your work.

We are committed to fostering a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive space. As an inclusive and equitable employer, we encourage and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the Program Director role at Community Options. Please also include in your cover letter the Community Options’ vision slogan that can be found at the top of the homepage on the website. We are grateful to all who apply and will be in touch with the best‑matched candidates for an interview.

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