Daycare Director

Active Start Childcare; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A distinguished early learning institution in Edmonton seeks an experienced Director to launch and lead a new centre. The ideal candidate will oversee operations, educational programming, and staff leadership, ensuring compliance with Alberta regulations. Strong leadership and communication skills, along with Alberta Child Care Certification, are essential. This position offers competitive wages and industry-leading benefits, with growth opportunities in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive wages

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Employee childcare discount

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Alberta Child Care Level 3 Certification (required).
• Minimum 2 years in a Director role, or 5 years in an Assistant Director capacity.
• Strong knowledge of Alberta Child Care Licensing and early learning best practices.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Current Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of centre operations, including educational programming and staff leadership.
• Design and oversee inquiry-based programming that aligns with values.
• Support educators through observation and feedback.
• Hire, train, and mentor educators and support staff.
• Communicate effectively with families regarding development and initiatives.

Job description

Active Start Childcare is a distinguished early learning institution serving children from 12 months through kindergarten. We provide comprehensive daycare, preschool, and before- and after-school programs within state-of-the-art facilities designed to cultivate an inclusive, stimulating, and active environment.

Our inquiry-based curriculum fosters curiosity, creativity, and confidence, while emphasizing physical literacy and holistic child development. Carefully designed indoor and outdoor play spaces ensure children remain engaged and active throughout the year, including during Alberta’s harshest weather.

We maintain strong collaborative partnerships with families to support each child’s growth and prepare them for sustained success.

About the Role

As we expand into Edmonton, we are seeking one more passionate, experienced Director to help launch and lead our new centre.

Key Responsibilities

The Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of centre operations, including educational programming, staff leadership, regulatory compliance, and family engagement. The successful candidate will bring strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of child development, and a commitment to creating an inclusive and high-quality learning environment.

Key responsibilities of the position include (but are not limited to):

• Design and oversee inquiry-based programming that aligns with Active Start’s values (fitness, nutrition, imaginative play, and cognitive development)
• Support educators through observation, feedback, and curriculum development
• Promote inclusive, developmentally appropriate programming across all classrooms
• Hire, train, and mentor educators and support staff
• Build a collaborative and accountable team culture
• Provide regular performance feedback and support professional growth
• Manage daily scheduling, staffing ratios, and operational logistics

Family Engagement & Communication

• Build strong relationships with families through daily communication, parent meetings, and newsletters
• Conduct tours and respond to enrolment inquiries professionally and promptly
• Share updates on children’s development and centre initiatives
• Maintain a clean, safe, and engaging learning environment
• Ensure full compliance with Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Regulations
• Manage child records, documentation, and licensing inspections

Qualifications

• Alberta Child Care Level 3 Certification (required)
• Minimum 2 years in a Director role, or 5 years in an Assistant Director capacity
• Strong knowledge of Alberta Child Care Licensing and early learning best practices
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills
• Current Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search and First Aid Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire)

Why Join Active Start

• Exciting Growth Opportunity – Play a key role in launching and expanding childcare centres in Edmonton.
• Supportive Leadership – Work with a passionate and dedicated team focused on excellence in early learning.
• Career Development – Gain experience in multi-site management with opportunities for advancement.
• Competitive Wages - Posted salary does not include government top-up.
• Industry Leading Benefits – including Health, dental, vision, Paid time off, Employee childcare discount, and Opportunities for professional development