Assistant Director

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Halifax; On-site; CAD 41,823 - 48,767; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complimentary YMCA membership

Access to virtual fitness programming

Discounts on YMCA camp programs

Three weeks of vacation

Comprehensive health benefits

Pension plan

Counselling services

Job summary

Kaizen Lab Inc. is seeking a Full-Time Assistant Director for the LakeCharlotte YMCA Early Learning Childcare Centre to foster a nurturing environment that promotes early childhood development. The ideal candidate will be responsible for supporting staff, ensuring operational compliance, and leading programming initiatives.

This role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including health and dental, and opportunities for professional growth in a supportive and inclusive community.

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 2 with Nova Scotia Classification required.
• Strong knowledge of Early Learning and Child Care Licensing Acts.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Create a safe and nurturing environment for children.
• Support YMCA curriculum and program targets.
• Act as primary designate in the Centre Director's absence.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Early Learning knowledge

Child Development understanding

Compliance with licensing acts

Education

Early Childhood Education Diploma (or equivalent)

Job description

Location: LakeCharlotte YMCA Early Learning Childcare Centre

Program: Licensed Childcare

Position Status: Full-Time, Permanent

Compensation: $30.36 – $35.40 per hour

What We Offer

• Complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
• Access to YMCA Y at Home virtual fitness programming
• Discounts on YMCA camp programs
• Three (3) weeks of vacation entitlement and paid wellness days
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits package
• Pension plan
• Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

About the Role

Reporting to the Centre Director, the Assistant Director is responsible for helping create a stimulating, safe, and nurturing environment where children can learn and thrive at our new LakeCharlotte YMCA Early Learning Childcare Centre. Working collaboratively with the Centre Director and childcare team, the Assistant Director fosters a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for children, families, and staff while contributing to high-quality programming, professional growth, and overall centre success.

Leadership & Program Quality

• Support, coach, and model the YMCA Playing to Learn Curriculum in collaboration with program staff while supporting the achievement of established program targets
• Utilize a variety of teaching and leadership techniques, including modeling, observing, questioning, demonstrating, and reinforcing best practices
• Foster a positive and inclusive team environment by demonstrating YMCA leadership competencies, building strong relationships, and promoting a sense of belonging for all staff and members
• Consistently represent the YMCA’s values, mission, and purpose in all aspects of the role

Operations & Coverage

• Act as the primary designate in the absence of the Centre Director, including flexibility in daily scheduling to ensure operational coverage
• Collaborate with the Centre Director on staff scheduling and staffing coverage requirements
• Work in daily scheduled ratio to support centre operations
• Provide operational support to other childcare programs within the Childcare Engagement Department as required
• Demonstrate flexibility to work outside standard operating hours for staff meetings, training sessions, and YMCA association-wide events

Administration & Compliance

• Complete administrative duties as assigned by the Centre Director
• Ensure compliance with YMCA policies and procedures, Child Safeguarding standards, Provincial Licensing requirements, and Occupational Health and Safety regulations
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all operational, staff, and family-related matters
• Support budgetary and financial responsibilities, including completion of grant and subsidy applications as required

Staff & Family Engagement

• Respond to parent and staff concerns in a professional and timely manner, escalating issues to the Centre Director when appropriate
• Assist with the completion of annual staff performance reviews
• Collaborate with the Centre Director to plan and facilitate family committee meetings (minimum of two annually)
• Build and maintain relationships with community and external partners to enhance supports and services for children and families

Other Duties

• Perform other related duties as assigned

Education and Skills Qualifications

• Early Childhood Education Diploma (or equivalent) with Nova Scotia Classification; minimum Level 2 required
• Previous supervisory experience is considered an asset
• Strong knowledge of and practical experience in Early Learning, Child and Youth Development, Inclusion, and Nova Scotia Child Care Licensing Acts and Regulations
• Current First Aid and CPR certification
• Clear Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Check
• Up-to-date Child Abuse Registry Check
• Completion of all required Child Safeguarding training

Successful candidates will be required to provide:

• Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check (less than six months old), if 18 years of age or older
• Attendance at Child Safeguarding Training upon hire
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification

Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis. Any offenses will be assessed in relation to the position requirements and Child Safeguarding standards and may not automatically eliminate a candidate from employment with the YMCA.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences strengthen our organization, enabling us to better serve our communities and fulfill our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour; racially diverse individuals; 2SLGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse individuals; people with disabilities; members of ethnic minorities and faith communities; foreign-born residents; and veterans.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform us in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.