Assistant Supervisor, Early Learning Centre

Child Development Institute; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized child care

Full benefits

Three weeks vacation

Professional development

Job summary

Child Development Institute in Toronto is seeking an Assistant Supervisor for the Early Learning Centre to support the Director with daily operations, staff supervision, and compliance with AQI and licensing standards.

You will help lead staff, coordinate scheduling across two sites (Wellesley and Crosstown), and ensure high-quality, safe care for children up to age 4. This is a growth role with cross-site responsibilities.

Qualifications

• You have a diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education and are a member in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• An Early Childhood Management or Leadership certificate is an asset.
• You hold a current Standard First Aid and CPR (Level C) certification.
• Hands-on experience in a licensed childcare setting, with leadership responsibilities, is required.
• Strong knowledge of AQI framework, licensing standards, and related regulations is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support the Director, ELC across recruitment, training, supervision, and policy implementation.
• Lead AQI performance and ensure ongoing quality standards across centres.
• Ensure compliance with Ministry licensing standards, AQI, Toronto Public Health guidelines, and ethics standards.
• Support change management and external learning requirements while aligning with City expectations.
• Create a safe, healthy environment and manage centre operations, including communications with families.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Staff supervision

AQI knowledge

Regulatory knowledge

Education

ECE diploma/degree

CEC membership

Leadership certificate

First Aid & CPR

Tools

MS Office

Lillio

HiMama

Dayforce

Job description

Children are at the front and centre of what we do; they are the foundation of our purpose and the basis for our evidence-driven strategy. Our mission is to transform the lives of children, youth and their families by developing and delivering innovative, research-based mental health and early learning programs. At the Child Development Institute (CDI), we are passionate about helping our communities’ most vulnerable members and their caregivers. It motivates each of us to face what can be difficult situations while continuously finding the purest joy in play, in silence, in advice, and in the unbelievable strength and resilience of our young clients. Joining us now is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an organization that is built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families.

Who we need

We are seeking a Assistant Supervisor to join our Early Learning Centre (ELC) team and support the operations of our exceptional care and education programs for young children. You will support the Director in the day-to-day operation and administration of the ELC, nurturing a joyful, safe learning environment for children, guiding the work of staff, and ensuring compliance with all regulations and legislated standards. Our centre provides care for children up to age 4.

This existing vacancy supports both our Wellesley and Crosstown Early Learning Centers, with an alternating weekly schedule of three days at one site and two at the other. Initially, you will work onsite at Wellesley. As Parkdale becomes operational late 2026/early 2027, this role will evolve into a split-site position, with responsibilities shared across both locations.

Who you are

You may be a Coordinator at a Child Care Centre looking for the stability and rewards of a well-established organization, or, you may be an ECE lead looking to move up to a Coordinator level. Either way you have hands-on experience working in a licensed childcare centre and a strong understanding of the standards, regulations, and accountability required to operate in that environment. You have direct experience with the City of Toronto’s Assessment for Quality Improvement (AQI) framework and have contributed to maintaining strong quality and compliance outcomes.

What's in it for you

Rewards. Joining CDI is a chance to be part of a genuinely wonderful experience providing access to subsidized child care for your community members.

• highly competitive compensation
• full benefits
• three weeks of vacation
• professional development funding

You will be part of an organization prioritizing self-care.

Access to operations and resourcing support. As part of an organization that has been providing child care for over 100 years, you will be among experts who want to share their knowledge and are deeply invested in the success of your Centre. You will gain exposure to the administrative operations of a child care centre as well as the cross-functional mental health teams at CDI. You will share opening and closing shifts with the Director and have backup support when additional classroom staff are needed.

Career development. You will be part of a highly supportive organization that strives to promote from within and nurtures a continuous learning environment. This is a rewarding opportunity on multiple levels with opportunities to collaborate with our clinical resources, gain support from our Associate Director, and Director of Early Years and Child Care Services, and further expand your leadership and management skills. You will have a number of exciting paths to follow as you build your career here.

As our new Assistant Supervisor, Early Learning Centre in Toronto, you will:

• Support the Director, ELC. You will provide support to the Director across their areas of responsibility ranging from staff recruitment and training; co-op student supervision; short-period coverage; implementing changes in policy and ensuring compliance; and overseeing the centre.
• Lead AQI performance and quality standards. You will own the Assessment for Quality Improvement (AQI) process across the centres, conducting weekly in-room audits, reviewing scores, and ensuring standards are consistently met—not just during assessment periods. You will coach and support educators, address gaps in real time, and embed AQI expectations into daily practice to maintain strong, publicly reported scores.
• Ensure compliance. You will ensure adherence to all regulations and legislated standards, including Ministry of Education Licensing standards, Toronto Children's Services Assessment for Quality Improvement, Toronto Public Health guidelines, and College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Support change management initiatives. You will help implement evolving program expectations, including land-based and outdoor learning requirements, supporting educators through change, addressing resistance, and ensuring alignment with City of Toronto expectations.
• Create and nurture a safe, healthy, supportive environment for children, staff, and families. You will review program plans to ensure focus on learning experiences and preparation of appropriate materials and activities. You will update program, families, and community info bulletin boards and take minutes at staff meetings and Parent Advisory meetings.
• Support operations. You will, with management approval, manage physical building issues, maintenance, and problems to ensure a safe environment. You will order supplies with management approval for equipment in all centre areas and ensure the safe operation and timely repairs of equipment, furnishings, etc.

You bring:

• The education and credentials. You have a diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education and are a member in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators. An Early Childhood Management or Leadership certificate is an asset. You hold a current Standard First Aid and CPR (Level C) certification.
• The childcare and AQI experience. You have hands-on experience in a licensed childcare setting, either as a Coordinator, Assistant Supervisor, or an experienced Registered Early Childhood Educator (ECE) with leadership responsibilities. You bring direct, practical experience with the AQI framework, including participating in or leading assessments and maintaining strong scores.
• The regulatory and pedagogical knowledge. You have a strong understanding of early child development and are well-versed in key frameworks and legislation, including CCEYA (2014), AQI, ELECT, and HDLH (How Does Learning Happen?). You are confident in navigating the licensing process and ensuring alignment with Ministry, City, and Public Health requirements.
• The operational and technical capability. You are comfortable supporting centre operations, including documentation, reporting, and systems. You are proficient with MS Office and can quickly learn or have experience using tools such as Lillio (HiMama) and Dayforce.
• The leadership and interpersonal skills. You communicate with clarity and intention. You can coach, guide, and influence educators while reinforcing expectations and addressing gaps when standards are not met. You are comfortable having difficult conversations and building trust with staff and families.

Other Requirements

• All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Credential verifications and references are required.

Compensation:

At Child Development Institute (CDI), we believe that compensation should be transparent, fair, and supportive of your experience and growth. For this role, the salary is between $60,000 to $63,000 per annum (based on a 35 hour work week). Salary is determined by the complexity of the position and internal equity, ensuring a fair and competitive salary within our sector.

We believe in transparency and open conversations about compensation. If you have any questions about our approach, we are happy to discuss them throughout the hiring process.

Fostering positive transformations in mental health for over a century, CDI is a world-class leader trusted in helping children, youth and families through a wide range of evidence-informed services to build lasting change.

CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at [e-mail].