Job Description
Program Director – Early Learning and Childcare Centre
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 diagnosed disabilities, offering family-centred programming to meet their unique needs.
As a trusted Program Unit Funding (PUF) provider of inclusive education and early intervention therapy services, Community Options is seeking a visionary and values-driven Executive Director to lead us into the future of growth, impact, and sustainability.
About the Role
The Program Director – Early Learning and Childcare Centre 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, Long-term Disability, Basic Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, RRSP, and Personal Development Allowance. Cost to be shared between employer and employee.
Work-life Balance: Enjoy a total of 2 weeks, plus paid statutory holidays, five personal paid days off, 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.
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 diagnosed disabilities, offering family-centred programming to meet their unique needs.
As a trusted Program Unit Funding (PUF) provider of inclusive education and early intervention therapy services, Community Options is seeking a visionary and values-driven Executive Director to lead us into the future of growth, impact, and sustainability.
About the Role
The Program Director – Early Learning and Childcare Centre 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, Long-term Disability, Basic Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, RRSP, and Personal Development Allowance. Cost to be shared between employer and employee.
Work-life Balance: Enjoy a total of 2 weeks, plus paid statutory holidays, five personal paid days off, 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.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Program Director - Parkwest position is now open for candidates interested in the Operations Executive Jobs sector. This role in Edmonton offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Operations Executive Jobs is a plus.
