Early Learning and Child Care Consultant

The Opportunity:

The Early Years Branch Child Care Operations is hiring three Early Learning and Child Care Consultants, one permanent and one 12-month term, located in Saskatoon. Our consultants play an integral role in advancing the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement in Saskatchewan.

• Develop, license, and monitor child care services in accordance with legislation and ministry standards.
• Support parents and caregivers by providing guidance and resources related to child care needs.
• Assist community groups and individuals in identifying and meeting child care requirements.
• Ensure accurate and accessible information about early childhood care and education is available to the public.
• Enforce The Child Care Act and The Child Care Regulations through compliance monitoring and corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including community groups and service providers.
• Mediate and negotiate solutions with various stakeholder groups to resolve issues and promote collaboration.
• Identify needs and issues, analyze options, and determine appropriate courses of action to address concerns.
• Independently plan, prioritize, and manage responsibilities to achieve work objectives in a dynamic environment.

To be successful in this position you will be a skilled verbal and written communicator who is able to:

• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with a diverse group of people;

• Effectively mediate and negotiate solutions with various stakeholder groups in a diplomatic manner;

• Identify needs and issues and determine an appropriate course of action to address concerns; and,

• Independently plan and prioritize responsibilities in order to achieve work objectives.

Job Capabilities:

As a public servant, we are seeking someone who:

• Is accountable, takes ownership of their work by contributing to organizational outcomes and demonstrates the corporate values in our Commitment to Excellence.
• Is innovative and seeks out ways for improvement by thinking creatively, identifying new ideas and taking responsible risks.
• Works collaboratively with others to understand, engage and have meaningful dialogue to achieve work outcomes.
• Is inclusive, identifies and is aware of personal bias, and readily seeks out and appreciates diverse perspectives.
• Is adaptable, continuously learns from experience and applies those learnings to new situations.
• Focuses on achieving public service excellence.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

Typically, the knowledge and experience required in this position would be acquired through:

• Experience as the Director of a child care centre;

• Formal education in early childhood care, child development, and programming;

• Knowledge of the administration of non-profit organizations and an understanding of board dynamics; and,

• An equivalent amount of related education and experience may be considered.

A valid Saskatchewan driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle are necessary for intra-city and provincial travel, as well as overnight stays are required.

The ability to speak and write in French would be considered an asset.

Job Skills:

• Communication (Level C)
• Critical Thinking (Level C)
• Digital Skills (Level B)
• Interacting with Others (Level C)
• Navigating Ambiguity (Level B)
• Managing Self (Level C)
• Health, Safety and Wellness (Level A)
• Data Literacy (Level C)
• Influence (Level C)
• Political and Organizational Awareness (Level B)

Learn more about the Government of Saskatchewan’s Capabilities and Skills Framework here.

What We Offer:

• Dynamic and challenging work
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension
• Vacation, scheduled days off, and other types of leave
• Inclusive work environments
• Career growth, development, and advancement opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements

Our Commitment to Excellence:

The Government of Saskatchewan upholds deep-rooted values of Respect and Integrity, Serving Citizens, Excellence and Innovation, and Acting as One Team.

The Ministry of Education provides leadership and direction to Saskatchewan's education, early learning, library and literacy sectors. The ministry is committed to providing equitable and inclusive education, early years and library systems that benefit all learners. It foundationally places Indigenous knowledge systems, cultures and languages within structures, policies and curricula. The Ministry of Education is advancing reconciliation with early years, PreK-12 and library First Nations, Métis and Inuit partners by acknowledging our shared history to build a brighter future together. The Government of Saskatchewan provides the services, programs and supports the people of Saskatchewan need. We deliver on the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth to build a strong economy, strong communities and strong families, ultimately building a stronger Saskatchewan. Dedicated to service excellence, we demonstrate innovation, collaboration and transparency, practice effective and accountable use of resources and promote engagement and leadership at all levels.