Director (Daycare)

Active Start Childcare; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Paid time off

Employee childcare discount

Professional development

Job summary

Active Start Childcare in Edmonton is seeking a Director to oversee educational programming, staff leadership, regulatory compliance, and family engagement. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, deep knowledge of child development, and a commitment to an inclusive, high-quality learning environment.

You will design inquiry-based programming, support educators, hire and mentor staff, and ensure compliance with Alberta regulations while fostering collaboration with families and

Qualifications

• Alberta Child Care Level 3 Certification is 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).

Responsibilities

• Design and oversee inquiry-based programming aligned with Active Start's values.
• Support educators through observation, feedback, and curriculum development.
• Promote inclusive, developmentally appropriate programming across classrooms.
• Hire, train, and mentor educators and support staff.
• Build a collaborative, accountable team culture.
• Provide regular performance feedback and support professional growth.
• Manage daily scheduling, staffing ratios, and operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Alberta Child Care Level 3 Certification

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

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

• 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.