Childcare Centre Manager – Aspen Ridge (Maternity Leave Coverage)

Ymca; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The YMCA of Saskatoon is seeking a strong childcare leader to provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of the Aspen Ridge licensed childcare centre. This full-time maternity leave coverage position supports high-quality programming, safety, inclusion, and developmentally appropriate care for children and families.

Reporting to the Childcare Director, you will coach staff, manage enrolment and staffing needs, maintain licensing compliance, and partner with families and YMCA leadership to

Qualifications

• ECE level certification required (Level III preferred).
• Minimum three years of progressive experience in a licensed childcare setting, including supervisory responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of Saskatchewan childcare legislation, licensing requirements, and developmentally appropriate practice.
• Knowledge of the YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum is an asset.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification is required.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction for the Aspen Ridge childcare centre.
• Oversee centre operations to ensure a safe, inclusive, welcoming, and engaging environment for children.
• Lead, coach, and support educators in delivering high-quality programming.
• Support the implementation of the YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Conduct regular program observations and provide coaching to strengthen curriculum delivery and child engagement.
• Promote a positive, collaborative workplace culture and model YMCA values.
• Recruit, onboard, schedule, supervise, and support childcare employees with HR partners.
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels and child-to-staff ratios.

Skills

Leadership

Staff coaching

Program quality

Curriculum implementation

Communication skills

First Aid & CPR

Education

ECE Level II/III Certification

Job description

About the Role

The YMCA of Saskatoon is seeking a strong childcare leader to provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of our licensed childcare centre at the Aspen Ridge location.

This is a full-time term position providing maternity leave coverage and is not a permanent position. Depending on organizational needs and the availability of suitable roles, there may be opportunities to be considered for other leadership positions with the YMCA during or following the term.

Reporting to the Childcare Director, the Aspen Ridge Childcare Centre Manager is responsible for leading centre operations, supporting staff, maintaining licensing and safety standards, and ensuring children receive high-quality, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate care.

This role works closely with educators, families, and YMCA leadership to create a safe, welcoming, and well-organized childcare environment. The Centre Manager also plays an important role in coaching staff, maintaining operational consistency, supporting enrolment and staffing needs, and ensuring the YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum is effectively implemented.

The successful candidate will bring strong people leadership skills, sound judgment, and a genuine commitment to quality early learning and childcare.

What You’ll Do

Leadership & Program Quality

• Provide day-to-day leadership and direction for the Aspen Ridge childcare centre.

• Oversee daily centre operations and ensure children are provided with a safe, inclusive, welcoming, and engaging environment.

• Lead, coach, and support educators in delivering high-quality programming.

• Support the implementation of the YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum and developmentally appropriate practices.

• Conduct regular program observations and provide coaching and feedback to strengthen curriculum delivery and child engagement.

• Promote a positive, collaborative, and accountable workplace culture.

• Model the YMCA values of honesty, respect, caring, acceptance, responsibility, and fairness.

People Leadership & Staffing

• Recruit, onboard, schedule, supervise, and support childcare employees in collaboration with the Childcare Director and Human Resources.

• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and child-to-staff ratios are maintained.

• Lead regular staff meetings, performance discussions, and employee development planning.

• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, and support to employees.

• Encourage professional development and recognize employee contributions and accomplishments.

• Ensure YMCA human resource and childcare policies and procedures are applied consistently.

• Work in ratio when required to support staffing coverage and maintain safe centre operations.

Licensing, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure the centre operates in accordance with Saskatchewan childcare legislation and licensing requirements, public health requirements, YMCA policies, and established quality standards.

• Maintain accurate and current documentation related to licensing, attendance, incidents, staffing, and safety requirements.

• Monitor indoor and outdoor environments to ensure they remain safe and appropriate for children, employees, and families.

• Respond promptly to health and safety concerns and manage emergency situations in accordance with YMCA procedures.

• Maintain required staff qualifications, certifications, and documentation.

• Support the Childcare Director during licensing inspections, visits, and required follow-up.

Family & Community Relationships

• Build strong, respectful relationships with children and families.

• Communicate openly and professionally with parents and caregivers.

• Respond to parent questions, concerns, and feedback in a timely and supportive manner.

• Encourage family participation and help foster a strong sense of belonging within the centre.

• Represent the YMCA positively within the community.

• Support relationships and partnerships that contribute to strong childcare experiences for children and families.

Administration & Centre Operations

• Support enrolment, attendance, waitlist management, and occupancy planning.

• Maintain accurate centre records, reporting, and documentation.

• Monitor supplies, inventory, equipment, and facility needs.

• Support budgeting, expense monitoring, and responsible use of centre resources.

• Ensure operational information is accurate and submitted within required timelines.

• Participate in YMCA meetings, organizational initiatives, training, and professional development as required.

What You Bring

We are looking for a leader who combines strong childcare knowledge with the ability to support employees, families, and the day-to-day operational needs of a busy licensed childcare centre.

The successful candidate will have:

• Early Childhood Educator Level III Certification. Candidates with Level II Certification who are actively working toward Level III may also be considered.

• A minimum of three years of progressive experience in a licensed childcare setting, including supervisory or leadership responsibilities.

• Strong knowledge of Saskatchewan childcare legislation, licensing requirements, and developmentally appropriate practice.

• Knowledge of the YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum.

• Completion of the YMCA Playing to Learn Championship Program considered an asset.

• Strong leadership, coaching, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy childcare environment.

• Comfortable using computers and administrative systems.

• Current First Aid and CPR certification.

• Valid driver’s licence and reliable transportation.

• Clear Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Search.

YMCA Core Competencies

Leadership & Influence
Guides, supports, and motivates employees while creating accountability and clear expectations.

Teamwork & Collaboration
Builds positive working relationships and encourages open communication across the childcare team.

Planning & Organization
Sets priorities, organizes resources, and follows through on operational requirements.

Relationship Building
Creates strong and respectful relationships with children, families, employees, and community partners.

Flexibility & Managing Change
Adapts effectively to changing staffing, operational, and program needs.

Service Orientation
Looks for opportunities to strengthen the childcare experience for children and families.

Commitment to YMCA Mission & Values
Demonstrates and promotes the YMCA values of honesty, respect, caring, acceptance, responsibility, and fairness.

Work Environment

• Full-time, term position providing maternity leave coverage, based at the YMCA Child Development Centre – Aspen Ridge.

• This position is temporary and is expected to continue for the duration of the maternity leave coverage period.

• Work is primarily Monday to Friday, with scheduling flexibility required to meet centre operational needs.

• Occasional early morning, evening, or weekend work may be required.

• The Centre Manager may be required to work in child-to-staff ratio when necessary to maintain safe staffing coverage.

• Active participation in YMCA meetings, organizational initiatives, training, and professional development is expected.

Why Work With the YMCA?

At the YMCA of Saskatoon, our childcare programs provide children with safe, inclusive, and engaging environments where they can learn, grow, and thrive.

As the Aspen Ridge Childcare Centre Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated childcare team, support strong relationships with families, and help create a high-quality early learning environment for children in our community.