Operational Lead

CELC01 Compass Early Learning and Care; Hartley Bay; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Professional development opportunities

Reduced child care expenses

Paid RECE membership dues

Paid time off

Job summary

Compass Early Learning and Care seeks an Operational Lead to oversee daily centre operations, ensuring compliance with CCEYA and licensing standards. You will collaborate with the Pedagogical Culture Co‑Lead to foster a supportive, inclusive team environment and manage payroll, subsidies, and staff records.

The role focuses on maintaining a high-quality learning environment, coordinating scheduling, and supporting onboarding for children, families, and staff, with a 37.5 hour week, Monday to

Qualifications

• Strong operations, organization, research, and inquiry abilities.
• Comfortable with technology and learning new software processes.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in the Early Learning Sector.
• 1–2 years of Operations experience in a licensed child care centre.
• Knowledge of CCEYA and related legislation and Compass ELC policies.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations of the centre, ensuring alignment with CCEYA, licensing requirements, and legislation.
• Lead and co-lead program operations with the Pedagogical Culture Co‑Lead to foster a collaborative, inclusive team environment.
• Oversee payroll, billing, subsidy reconciliations, and staff records; collaborate with Finance on budgeting.
• Support onboarding of new children, families, and team members; coordinate staffing and scheduling.

Skills

Operations mindset

Tech-savvy

Education

ECE Registration

Job description

Operational Lead

Location: Beehive - Campbellford, Ontario

Job Type: Permanent

Hours and Schedule: 37.5 hours/week – Monday to Friday

Anticipated Start Date: September 21, 2026 *Please note that this date is negotiable

About Us

Compass Early Learning and Care (CELC) has been in operation since 1981 and is one of the largest not-for-profit child care organizations serving East-Central Ontario. With over 700 Staff and 80 Home childcare providers, we offer 46 high-quality licensed childcare centres and over 80 licensed homes serving over 4,000 families. For over forty years, Compass ELC has been dedicated to early learning and child care. We believe in creating nurturing environments that celebrate children's curiosity and whole selves. Our organization fosters a culture of growth, collaboration, and inclusivity, where every team member has the opportunity to thrive. We are committed to supporting children and families in our community.

Job Posting Declarations

Compass Early Learning and Care does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make hiring decisions. We value authentic applications that accurately reflect each candidate's skills, experience, and qualifications. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all information submitted is truthful and represents their own work and experience.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Role and Accountabilities

Program Operations & Compliance: Support daily operations of the centre, ensuring alignment with the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), Ministry of Education licensing requirements, and all applicable legislation (e.g., Occupational Health and Safety Act, Public Health guidelines, Ministry of Environment). Maintain program licensing in good standing through adherence to policies, procedures, and reporting requirements. Ensure compliance with staffing ratios, supervision standards, and operational protocols. Support the implementation and ongoing alignment of the organization’s Vision Framework within the program. Ensure the learning environment is engaging, inclusive, and enriched with high-quality materials and aesthetics. Support educators in planning and implementing play-based learning experiences responsive to children’s interests. Maintain a safe, clean, and well-organized environment, including equipment and materials.

Leadership & Culture: Co‑lead program operations in partnership with the Pedagogical Culture Co‑Lead, fostering a collaborative, inclusive team environment. Model collaborative leadership practices, including compassionate communication, constructive feedback, and shared decision‑making protocols. Champion a culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), promoting cultural awareness and equity‑focused perspectives across the program. Support staff engagement, connection, and professional growth so employees feel valued, supported, and empowered.

Financial & Administrative: Complete and oversee payroll, billing, subsidy reconciliations, and maintenance of staff records. Collaborate with the Finance Team to monitor and maintain a healthy program budget. Support staffing coordination, scheduling, and workforce planning in alignment with operational needs. Welcome and support onboarding of new children, families, and team members into the program. Knowledge of school permits and accountabilities.

Relationships & Collaboration: Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with children, families, staff, volunteers, students, and community partners. Engage actively within a shared community space, fostering collaboration with partner organizations. Facilitate and participate in staff meetings, encouraging open dialogue and continuous improvement. Support succession planning and the strategic placement of children and educators in collaboration with the co‑lead and team. Role‑model operational excellence across all program areas.

This position will be 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday. You must have availability from 6 am to 6 pm every Monday to Friday. Hours will be determined according to the peak hours and needs of the program to support children and families.

Benefits

• Competitive wages (Living wage employer) (Provincial Wage Enhancements) (Shift Premiums)
• Mandatory Defined Pension Plan - 3% employee contribution and 3% employer contribution.
• Health and dental benefits, paramedical coverage and EFAP (Sparrow) Health Savings Account (HSA)- $500.00 per year
• Professional Development Opportunities (internal and External) (12 hours per year compensated in time in lieu of completed outside work hours)
• Reduced Child Care Expenses (20% discount) when working a minimum of 15 hours
• Paid RECE membership dues.
• Paid Time Off - starting at 4% vacation accrued annually on hours worked and 4% personal sick time accrued annually on hours worked
• Unpaid Time - an option for permanent staff to purchase up to 4 weeks of unpaid time that is prorated off of 24 pays

Skills and Qualifications

• Registered and in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• Strong disposition towards operations, organization, research, and inquiry.
• Comfortable with technology and learning new software processes.
• A clear understanding of CCEYA (Child Care Early Years Act), related legislation, and Compass ELC policies and procedures.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in the Early Learning Sector.
• 1-2 years of Operations experience in a licensed child care centre.
• Possess required training and documents as per Ministry of Education, Compass Early Learning and Care, and Child Care Early Years Act requirements.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

To address issues of systemic inequity within our communities, we strongly encourage individuals from communities and groups that have historically been disadvantaged and/or marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous Peoples of Canada, racialised persons, persons with disabilities, individuals who identify as women and/or gender diverse, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, and persons with lived or living experience of homelessness to apply. We are committed to reducing barriers to employment, providing accommodations upon request and ensuring an accessible interview process. We encourage you to bring your true or whole self and way of being to the interview process.

CC003 Beehive Compass ELC is a non-profit, charitable organization established in 1981. We are a purpose-led, value-based organization where children are at the heart of all that we do. We currently offer early learning and care (licensed infant, toddler, preschool, kindergarten and school age; EarlyON; Forest and Nature programs) at over 40 locations and support many licensed Home Child Care programs.