100 - Head Office - Director, Programs

Family Day; Toronto; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Generous vacation

Medical appointments

Child Care discount

GoodLife memberships

Training & professional development

Career growth

Employee referral bonus

Diverse work environment

Job summary

Family Day Care Services is a non-profit organization delivering high-quality early learning and child care across Toronto and the GTA. The Associate Director, Programs will lead the planning, coordination and delivery of Early Learning and Care programs, overseeing Program Managers and Assistant Program Managers to ensure program quality and compliance with CCEYA and CWELCC.

Reporting to the Director, Operations, the role focuses on strategic growth, staff development and strong operational

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years in a senior management role with direct experience in Early Childhood Education, overseeing multiple layers of management.
• Experience mentoring and grooming teams, and leading change initiatives.
• Broad knowledge of Early Childhood Education, child development, and Family Support management methodology including CCEYA.
• Knowledge of CWELCC and provincial/federal program priorities and policy context.
• Strategic thinker who can implement organizational directions.
• Experience in a unionized setting and strong reporting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the coordination, planning and delivery of Early Learning and Care programs and services.
• Oversee Program Managers and Assistant Program Managers.
• Provide leadership to drive strategic directions and program quality across regions.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to advance DEIB and community engagement.
• Monitor budgets, resources and program outcomes to ensure compliance and impact.

Skills

Senior management

Mentoring teams

Strategic thinking

Budget management

Program development

DEIB framework

Stakeholder communication

Social media

CWELCC knowledge

CCEYA knowledge

Team leadership

Change initiatives

Education

Degree in Early Childhood Education or related

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Put your training, experience and passion for quality Child Care and Early Learning to work at Family Day

Position Available

Associate Director, Programs, Permanent

Location

Head Office,155 Gordon Baker Rd, Toronto, ON, M2H 3N5

Vacancy Type

New

Start Date

November 2026

About Family Day

Family Day Care Services is a non-profit, charitable organization with a long and distinguished history of providing high-quality early learning and child care services to children and families throughout Toronto, York and Peel Regions. We are a multi service organization with over 700 employees, providing a broad range of services including: 29 Child Care Centres, 49 Before and After Care programs, 204 Licensed Home Child Cares, 9 EarlyON programs, 2 Homework Plus programs, and Special Needs Resourcing for children and their families living in the Greater Toronto Area.

The Position

Reporting to the Director, Operations this newly created position is the result of the growth and the increased need for the services of Family Day Care Services across the GTA.

Job Purpose

The Associate Director, Programs is responsible for the leadership of Family Day’s programs and services. Providing leadership in the co-ordination, planning and delivery of Early Learning and Care programs and services, the successful candidate will oversee Program Managers and Assistant Program Managers.

There are many reasons to work with Family Day

Family Day Offers

• Competitive compensation
• Generous vacation, sick leave and medical appointments
• Child Care discount
• Discounted GoodLife memberships
• Training & professional development funding
• Potential for career growth
• Employee referral bonus
• A positive and diverse work environment

Qualifications and Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Minimum 5 – 7 years in a senior management role with direct experience in Early Childhood Education specifically bringing experience in overseeing multiple layers of management and working with other members of the senior level management team.
• Experience with mentoring and grooming teams, and leading change initiatives.
• Broad knowledge and experience in Early Childhood Education, child development, and Family Support management methodology. Brings sound knowledge of all relevant legislation, including provincial and municipal policies, procedure and guidelines. Current knowledge of Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA).
• Knowledge of CWELCC and the goals and priorities of the program in addition to political pressures from the provincial and federal government levels.
• A visionary and strategic thinker who brings the ability to implement the strategic directions of the organization
• Experience working within a unionized setting
• Strong analytical and organizational skills for the purposes of assessing needs, developing proposals and reports
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills to represent the interests of Family Day both internally and externally
• Strong lens on program quality and pedagogy
• Strong understanding and commitment of a DEIB framework
• Participation in external committee meetings in all three regions
• Strong working knowledge of social media and related technology
• Strong working knowledge of enhanced systems-based technology both internally and externally
• Familiar with “How Does Learning Happen pedagogy”
• Experience in community development and program development (5 years preferable)
• Strong organizational development and management behaviour theory and knowledge
• Good financial acumen and budget management

Assets

• Training in HIGH FIVE®, PHCD or HIGH FIVE® Sport is a definite asset
• Experience in a not-for-profit environment
• Brings quality & best practices in early child care
• Background and education in principles of adult training and education
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (excel, word, etc)

Education

• Degree or Equivalent in Early Childhood Education or related area of study

Diversity and Inclusion

Family Day fosters a positive inclusive workplace culture, with a workforce that is representative of the families and communities it serves. Committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, Family Day encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and those may need accommodation, to apply to join our team.

In accordance with Ontario’s hiring transparency requirements, no artificial intelligence (AI) systems are used to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.

Family Day Care Services is committed to providing a safe environment for children. All applicants will be thoroughly screened using background checks and a review process.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Family Day Care Services will provide a reasonable accommodation to employees and prospective employees to the point of undue hardship upon request and as required in respect of the individual’s particular restrictions and limitations. If you require a specific accommodation because of a disability or a medical need to ensure your equal participation, feel free to contact Human Resources via email: [e-mail].