Manager, Early Childhood Education

The JCC @ Burquest

Job Title: Manager, Early Childhood Education

Reports to: Director, Early Childhood Education

Overview: The Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation and leadership of the assigned child care site, ensuring a high-quality program that supports children's intellectual, physical, social, and emotional growth. The Manager oversees staffing, licensing compliance, curriculum, facility needs, and staff support while maintaining an active role in the classroom and required child-to-staff ratios. Working within the organization's policies and procedures, the Manager exercises initiative and sound judgment in daily operations and keeps the Director informed of significant concerns and decisions requiring broader oversight.

Qualifications

● ECE certificate, with Infant/Toddler or Special Needs certification as required.

● Minimum 3 years' experience working with children in a licensed group setting.

● Supervisory or management experience in a licensed early childhood setting is preferred.

● Strong knowledge of Provincial Child Care Licensing Regulations and the BC Early Learning Framework.

● Experience developing play-based environments and emergent curriculum.

● Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

● Ability to manage competing priorities, adapt to changing situations, and work independently.

● Strong computer and time-management skills.

● Fluent in English, spoken and written.

● Valid Criminal Record Check.

● Valid First Aid Certificate with CPR.

● Three references.

● Energy, enthusiasm, and a commitment to inclusive, child-centred care.

Responsibilities, as listed but not limited to:

Administration and Program Planning

● Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of responsive, developmentally appropriate programming guided by the BC Early Learning Framework and Sheva – The Jewish Early Learning Framework for the JCCA of North America.

● Uphold the ECEBC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, Provincial Child Care Licensing Regulations, and organizational policies and procedures.

● Oversee daily site operations, ensuring program quality, consistency, and effective functioning.

● Lead and support educators in curriculum planning, professional practice, and maintaining a positive learning environment.

● Attend scheduled check-in meetings with the Director and communicate significant operational needs, concerns, and developments.

● Maintain appropriate records, documentation, and administrative systems in an organized and timely manner.

Site Operations and Licensing

● Maintain a thorough working knowledge of applicable licensing requirements and ensure daily practices, staffing, documentation, and facility operations meet required standards.

● Coordinate and communicate with licensing officers regarding inspections, site-related matters, and follow-up requirements, keeping the Director informed of significant findings and concerns.

● Monitor compliance on an ongoing basis, address identified gaps, and follow through on corrective actions.

● Maintain children's files and records, including attendance, emergency contacts, health information, care plans where applicable, and relevant family communications.

● Ensure required incident reports, notifications, drills, and other licensing documentation are completed and maintained.

● Monitor supplies, equipment, food, and program materials; identify purchasing needs and arrange replenishment in accordance with organizational procedures.

● Oversee on-site purchasing and supply needs, manage day-to-day spending within the approved budget, and follow organizational purchasing procedures.

● Oversee the cleanliness, organization, maintenance, and safety of the facility. Identify hazards, repairs, and equipment needs and ensure appropriate follow-up.

● Maintain the site calendar, family newsletters or weekly “Ma Nishma” communications, photo organization, and other routine site communications.

● Check and respond to emails in a timely and professional manner.

● Plan and contribute to regular staff meetings, including preparing agendas as appropriate.

● Act as the primary on-site contact for the landlord regarding routine facility needs, maintenance requests, repairs, and other property-related matters, keeping the Director informed of significant issues and required follow-up.

Staffing and Team Leadership

● Manage staff scheduling and arrange coverage for sick days, vacations, and other absences, ensuring required staffing levels and child-to-staff ratios are maintained.

● Ensure appropriate staffing levels, staff qualifications, supervision, and child-to-staff ratios are maintained in accordance with licensing requirements. This includes hiring in consultation with the Director

● Communicate scheduling changes and coverage arrangements promptly and clearly.

● Provide day-to-day leadership, guidance, and support to educators, promoting respectful communication, accountability, and teamwork.

● Support staff in understanding and following licensing requirements, organizational policies, and program expectations.

● Address routine operational and staffing concerns and bring significant performance issues, conflicts, or matters requiring further intervention to the Director's attention.

● Monitor staff certification and training requirements and communicate upcoming renewals or identified gaps.

Curriculum and Work with Children

● Take an active role in all areas of the program, working directly with children and maintaining required child-to-staff ratios.

● Model positive, respectful, and culturally sensitive interactions that preserve children's dignity and support their emotional and social well-being.

● Guide and support children's learning, independence, communication, problem-solving, and development of positive self-concepts.

● Support educators in creating inclusive, engaging, and responsive learning environments.

● Ensure daily programming reflects children's interests, developmental needs, and the organization's educational philosophy.

Families and Communication

● Build positive, professional relationships with families through open, respectful, and confidential communication.

● Keep families informed about programming, site information, and relevant child-related matters.

● Respect family diversity, culture, and individual needs while maintaining appropriate program routines and policies.

● Respond to routine questions and concerns and bring significant complaints, sensitive matters, or issues affecting children's well-being to the Director's attention.

Health, Safety and Emergency Preparedness

● Ensure the environment is clean, safe, and well maintained, following applicable health, safety, sanitation, and nutrition requirements.

● Ensure appropriate supervision, head counts, safe transitions, and required staffing arrangements throughout the day.

● Maintain familiarity with emergency procedures and ensure staff understand their roles and responsibilities.

● Coordinate required fire drills, the annual ShakeOut drill, Hold and Secure drills, and other applicable emergency procedures; maintain required records.

● Monitor first aid supplies, emergency equipment, and safety procedures, ensuring identified deficiencies are addressed.

● Follow legal requirements for child protection reporting, medication administration, illness and injury documentation, and incident reporting.

● Promptly address immediate safety concerns and notify the Director of significant incidents, risks, or licensing concerns.

Centre and General Responsibilities

● Represent the JCC's mission, vision, and values through professional conduct and inclusive, family-centred care.

● Participate in Centre functions, including social, holiday, and fundraising events, as required.

● Maintain confidentiality regarding children, families, staff, the Centre, and its affiliates.

● Take ownership of daily site needs, anticipate operational challenges, and ensure responsibilities are followed through to completion.

● Exercise sound judgment in routine decisions and seek the Director's guidance or approval for significant matters, decisions outside the scope of the role, or issues with broader organizational implications.

● Participate in professional development and contribute to the ongoing quality and improvement of the program.