Operational Lead

CELC01 Compass Early Learning and Care; Lindsay; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Defined Pension Plan

Health and dental benefits

Professional development opportunities

Reduced child care expenses

RECE membership dues

Paid time off

Unpaid time off option

Job summary

Compass Early Learning and Care in Ontario seeks an Operational Lead to co‑lead centre operations, ensuring compliance with the Child Care and Early Years Act and licensing standards while supporting staff and families. The role emphasizes a collaborative, inclusive leadership approach within a large not‑for‑profit network.

You will oversee program operations, payroll, budgeting, scheduling, and staff development, engaging with partners and the community to promote high‑quality, play‑based

Qualifications

• Registered and in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• Strong operations, organizational, and reporting skills.
• Ability to support educators and families while ensuring compliance with regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations of the centre and ensure alignment with CCEYA and licensing requirements.
• Maintain licensing in good standing and ensure staff ratios and safety protocols.
• Lead payroll, billing, scheduling, and workforce planning; support onboarding.
• Foster DEI, collaborative culture, and ongoing professional growth.
• Build relationships with children, families, staff, and community partners.

Skills

Operations leadership

Policy & compliance

Educator support

Tech savvy

Team collaboration

Education

ECE Registration with CCE

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Operational Lead

Compass ELC Location: CKL School Age - City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Role Title: Operations Co-Culture Lead Job Type: Permanent Hours and Schedule: 35 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.

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.

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, racialized 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.

CC908 City of Kawartha Lakes School Age 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.