Director of Early Learning & Development

Ivy Prep-Early Learning Academy has an opportunity for an experienced Director of Early Learning & Development to join our growing team. We are seeking a dynamic and visionary individual to lead our childcare program, ensuring the delivery of high-quality care and education that supports children's development and learning. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership and interpersonal skills, inspiring and guiding a team of educators while fostering a respectful, professional, and collaborative workplace culture.

ABOUT IVY PREP

At Ivy Prep Early Learning Academy, we believe that every child is full of potential, like a seed ready to grow. Our mission is to provide a nurturing, inspiring environment where children develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning.

Located in West Edmonton, Ivy Prep is more than just a childcare center - it’s a place where children are encouraged to explore, discover, and flourish. With a curriculum rooted in Alberta’s FLIGHT framework and enriched with literacy, numeracy, and hands-on experiences, we create meaningful learning opportunities that set the foundation for future success.

We understand the importance of a child’s early years, which is why we’ve designed a space that fosters creativity, independence, and resilience. Our team of dedicated educators partners with families to ensure each child receives the care, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive.

At Ivy Prep, we don’t just prepare children for school - we empower them for life.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director's primary goal is to ensure the delivery of a responsive, high-quality program that supports children’s development and learning. They will oversee all aspects of the childcare program, including hiring and managing staff, maintaining compliance with regulations, and supporting educators in implementing an emergent curriculum with intentional learning outcomes.

Our incentive plan rewards performance, innovation, and dedication, aligning individual and team contributions with company success. Through performance-based incentives, we foster a results-driven culture that supports employee growth and organizational excellence.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Education from a recognized post-secondary institution.
• A Degree in Human Resource Administration or a related field, with an emphasis on child development, is an asset.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in the childcare field, including program planning in emergent curriculum, administration, financial management and staff supervision.
• Child Development Supervisor Certificate (Level 3) required.
• Valid First Aid/Child Care Certificate approved by Alberta Child Care Services.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing policies, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with childcare regulations.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a team.
• An innovative and forward-thinking mindset, with the ability to develop creative solutions, adapt to changing needs, and implement new strategies to enhance childcare services.
• Visionary leadership to set and achieve goals for high-quality care and educational programming.
• Sound judgment, dependability, and accountability in decision making.
• Commitment to fostering a respectful, professional, and collaborative workplace culture.
• Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving skills, with a growth mindset to navigate challenges.
• Dedication to professional ethics and continuous learning, with a willingness to pursue leadership training.
• Completion of FLIGHT Curriculum Framework training. (or willingness to complete within the first six months).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Criminal record check, including a Vulnerable Sector Search, completed within six months prior to the start date.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the License Holder to review and develop, and implement policies, ensuring compliance with Early Learning & Child Care Licensing Regulations and health, fire, and safety standards.
• Lead the development and enforcement of procedures that align with the Centre's goals and mission.
• Act as the primary liaison among the License Holder, staff, parents, schools, and Child Care Licensing authorities, ensuring timely communication of information and concerns.
• Oversee staff recruitment, screening, onboarding, and orientation to ensure compliance with regulatory and organizational requirements.
• Maintain accurate and confidential family, staff, and program records in accordance with Alberta Licensing standards.
• Regularly review and update records, including attendance logs, financial documents, and curriculum materials, to ensure compliance and readiness for audits.
• Collaborate on budget development and manage expenditures to ensure alignment with approved financial plans.
• Oversee fee collection, payroll processing, grant management, and petty cash to ensure financial accountability.
• Prepare and present financial reports and projections to support long-term planning.
• Lead staff recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation processes to foster a high-performing, collaborative team.
• Develop and implement professional development plans for staff, encouraging innovation and continuous learning.
• Strategically manage schedules to meet child/staff ratio requirements and optimize team efficiency.
• Establish and oversee partnerships with post-secondary institutions to provide meaningful student training placements.
• Provide parents with clear orientation on Centre policies and maintain open, transparent communication channels.
• Address individual family concerns with empathy and connect them to external resources when appropriate.
• Facilitate opportunities for family involvement in programming, field trips, and special events.
• Lead the creation of a stimulating environment that supports children’s physical, social, emotional, creative, and intellectual growth.
• Guide staff in designing and implementing an emergent curriculum with intentional and measurable learning outcomes.
• Evaluate and enhance program quality through regular observations, feedback, and the integration of integration of innovative practices.
• Represent the Centre at industry meetings, seminars, and community events, advocating for early childhood education best practices.
• Build strong relationships with schools, community organizations, and government departments to foster collaboration and resource sharing.
• Ensure staff remain informed of current research, emerging trends, and innovative approaches in childcare and safety.
• Provide staff with access to professional resources and training materials aligned with the Centre’s philosophy and vision.

Thank you to all applicants for their interest in this opportunity and in Ivy Prep-Early Learning Academy. We sincerely appreciate the time and effort invested in each application. While we carefully review all submissions, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. We appreciate your understanding and wish you the best in your career endeavors.