Assistant Director-Regulated Child Care

Job Description

About Us

Creative Kids Education Centre (CKEC) is a well established, regulated childcare program committed to providing high-quality learning environments where children thrive and educators are supported. We value consistency, strong leadership, professional growth, and respectful team culture. CKEC offers toddler, preschool and school age programs with a multi-level, multi-age, hands-on, play-based approach. The environment, activities, programs and interactions are a whole that shape the preschool/school age communities.

The centre has a beautiful natural outdoor environment situated on over 4 acres of forested land with an emphasis on the outdoors as part of our learning and play spaces.

Who We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• leads with professionalism, warmth, and strong boundaries
• understands the balance between operational leadership and educator support
• communicates clearly and confidently with staff and families
• can assess quality, coach performance, and support consistency across classrooms
• an independent self-starter who is able to manage the busy day-to-day responsibilities of operating a large childcare centre
• works collaboratively and respectfully as part of a leadership team
• understands that quality childcare requires strong systems, strong relationships, and accountability
• is an established childcare professional with proven success supporting educators, mentoring teams, and leading through change in a regulated environment.

This role is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to program excellence while working within a leadership team that understands the realities of licensed childcare and values strong operational structure.

Reporting to the Director, the Assistant Director plays a key role in daily operations, program quality, staff supervision, licensing compliance, and supporting a strong workplace culture.

Must have own transportation. The centre is not on a public transportation route.

General Accountability Statement:

The Assistant Director supports the implementation of centre-wide policies, procedures, staffing practices, and program expectations while maintaining a high-quality learning environment for children and a stable, supportive culture for staff.

The successful candidate will be a visible daily presence in classrooms, a steady support for educators, and an active contributor to maintaining compliance with Nova Scotia childcare regulations and quality initiatives.

This role includes acting as the primary onsite leader when the Director is not present.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Centre Operations

• Support the centre's mission, vision, values, and operational priorities
• Assist in daily centre leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving
• Model professionalism, positivity, and strong leadership presence
• Support implementation of policies, procedures, and organizational documentation
• Promote the program philosophy and goals of Creative Kids Education Centre
• Assist with marketing and community visibility initiatives
• Assume leadership responsibility when the Director is absent

Program Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Support program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement
• Ensure programming aligns with the Nova Scotia Early Years Curriculum Framework
• Support Early Years Branch quality initiatives including QIG, ISG, and quality measurement directives
• Observe classroom environments to assess program quality and child engagement
• Identify strengths and concerns, celebrate success, and address quality gaps proactively
• Support inclusion and referrals alongside the Inclusion Specialist when needed
• Assist with subsidy claims, grant documentation, and fundraising initiatives

Staff Supervision & Coaching

• Provide leadership, direction, and coaching to staff in a respectful and supportive manner
• Support performance development through observation, feedback, and problem-solving
• Assist with scheduling, delegation, and timesheet accuracy
• Maintain daily classroom connections through consistent walk-throughs and check-ins
• Support staff in following behaviour guidance expectations and centre procedures
• Assist with recruitment, interviews, onboarding, and training of new staff
• Support practicum students in collaboration with classroom educators.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build strong and professional relationships with children and families
• Support family admissions processes including subsidy navigation
• Ensure a welcoming and responsive environment for families
• Strengthen community partnerships and support connections to external resources.

Health & Safety Leadership

• Proactively monitor for safety concerns and respond immediately
• Maintain awareness of emergency procedures and health practices
• Support monthly emergency preparedness procedures (fire and other drills)
• Monitor indoor and outdoor spaces to ensure safe environments
• Support end-of-day routines, transitions, and closing procedures

Administration & Record Keeping

• Support licensing readiness and compliance documentation
• Assist with maintaining accurate HR files and program records
• Support inventory management of supplies, materials, and equipment.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Applicants must demonstrate the following:

• Diploma or Degree in EarlyChildhood Education
• Minimum 3 years experience supervising staff in a licensed childcare setting
• Strong understanding of Nova Scotia childcare regulations and standards
• Demonstrated administrative competence and professional communication skills
• Ability to lead calmly, consistently, and effectively in a busy childcare environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general administrative systems
• Business Administration education/training or a willingness to complete an administration program if required to support role expectations.

Screening & Certification Requirements

• Current First Aid & Child CPR certification
• Clear Vulnerable Sector / Criminal Record Check (within the past 2 years)
• Clear Child Abuse Registry Check

Physical Requirements

This role requires the ability to function actively within a childcare setting, including:

• Lifting/carrying up to 20 kg
• Standing/walking for extended periods
• Bending, kneeling, crawling, and moving quickly when needed
• Walking outdoors over uneven terrain
• Performing routine computer and office tasks.

Benefits

• Insurance benefits, LTD, pension through the provincial ECE program
• Personal/Sick Days

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30.36-$35.40 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Discounted or free food
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Application question(s):

• Do you have reliable transportation as the center is not on a public transportation route?
• Do you have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or an ECE diploma?

Education:

• DCS / DEC (required)

Experience:

• administrative in a regulated childcare centre: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Level 2 or Level 3 ECE classification in Nova Scotia (required)

Work Location: In person