Internal- Program Leader

Umbrella Family and Child Centres of Hamilton; Balaclava; On-site; CAD 54,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Retirement plan with employer matching

Employee assistance program

Unionized environment

Generous vacation and sick time

Job summary

Umbrella Family and Child Centres of Hamilton invites a Program Leader to join our Balaclava Centre team. You will oversee before/after school programs, supervise staff, and collaborate with families to deliver safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate activities.

Qualified candidates hold an ECE diploma in good standing with the College of ECEs and have at least two years of registered ECE experience. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• ECE diploma and good standing with the College of ECEs.
• Minimum 2 years as a Registered ECE.
• Demonstrated leadership and strong interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of How Does Learning Happen? framework.
• Experience planning programs for JK/SK and school-age children.

Responsibilities

• Welcome children and families and manage sign-in/out records.
• Support children’s emotional, social, and behavioural needs.
• Prepare morning and afternoon snacks following safety practices.
• Engage children in meaningful activities aligned with How Does Learning Happen?
• Lead program planning, enrollment tracking, and subsidy reporting.
• Coordinate groceries, time sheets, and communications with families.
• Support other staff as needed throughout the day.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organization

Flexibility

Teamwork

Education

ECE Diploma

Job description

RECE Program Leader

Permanent, Full-time

Build your career where you truly belong welcome to Umbrella Family.

For over 35 years, we’ve been a trusted leader in early childhood education, powered by passionate staff who make a real impact every day. At Umbrella Family, you’re supported, heard, and empowered to grow in a collaborative environment designed to help you thrive.

Join a workplace that values your contributions and celebrates the connection you make with children and their families. This isn’t just a job it’s your opportunity to be part of something special.

Internal Posting Date:10/02/2026

Internal Closing Date:10/08/2026

Target Start Date:10/23/2026

Internal applicants, please submit your application through this job posting by 12:00PM on 10/08/2026

Location:BalaclavaCentre,280 10 Concession Rd E,Freelton, ONL8B 1H6

Total Hours per Week: 33.75 (includes 6 hours administrative hours per week; plus 1.5 hours programming per week)

Schedule: Monday to Friday,7:00am-9:30am and 3:15pm-6:00pm

Pay Rate (per Collective Agreement, includes wage grants): $31.00per hour

About the Role

As a Program Leader at a Sallelite centre, you will be responsible for supporting children and families by developing and implementing safe, healthy, and developmentally appropriate programs. Each centre operates uniquely, but the core of your role remains the same: to be present, supportive, and engaged. This position includes both Before and After School program responsibilities, administrative duties, and program oversight tailored to your assigned site. You will create meaningful play experiences, provide healthy snacks, supervise indoor and outdoor activities, and maintain a welcoming, inclusive program environment. As a leader for the site, you will also support your site through tasks such as enrollment, attendance tracking, subsidy and statistics reporting, grocery ordering, and communication with families and supervisors.

Qualifications

• Early Childhood Education Diploma (ECE) and member in good standing with the College of ECEs
• Minimum 2 years experience as a Registered ECE
• Demonstrated leadership and strong interpersonal skills to guide a team, support daily centre operations, and build positive relationships with families, staff, and community partners.
• Strong understanding of child development and behavioural guidance
• Ability to effectively interact with children requiring self-regulation support
• Familiarity with How Does Learning Happen?
• Experience planning and implementing programs for JK/SK and school-age children
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills
• Flexibility to adapt to a variety of duties and schedules
• Commitment to fostering a positive, team-oriented environment

Certifications

• Member in good standing with the College of ECE
• Standard First Aid with CPR Level C
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check
• Proof ofup-to-date immunizations(TB, Tetanus, MMR)

Key Responsibilities

• Welcome children and families warmly during arrivals and departures while ensuring accurate sign-in and sign-out attendance records are maintained.
• Support children’s emotional, social, and behavioural needs
• Prepare and offer morning and afternoon snacks following safe food practices
• Engage children in meaningful indoor and outdoor activities aligned with How Does Learning Happen?
• Set up invitations to play using a program cart and developmentally appropriate materials
• Pick up and transition JK/SK groups safely from classrooms
• Facilitate outdoor play and manage necessary equipment
• Communicate professionally with families, colleagues, and school partners
• Perform Program Leader-specific administrative tasks, including:
• Weekly attendance and enrollment updates
• Monthly subsidy and statistics
• Maintaining time sheets and placing orders for groceries
• Responding to emails and phone messages
• Support other staff in the centre as needs arise throughout the day

Why Join Umbrella Family?

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Robust retirement plan with employer matching
• Access to Employee Assistance Program
• Unionized environment supporting work-life balance
• Generous vacation and sick time entitlements
• Priority childcare placement for employees’ children
• Positive, collaborative, and supportive work environment

Commitment to Accessibility

We are committed to providing accommodations in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please let us know if you require accommodations during the hiring process.

Recruitment Process Disclosure

This organization does not use artificial intelligence (AI) systems or automated decision-making technologies in the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants for employment. All applications are evaluated exclusively through a human review process conducted by our Human Resources personnel and hiring managers.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization.