Operational Lead

Compass-Early-Learning-and-Car; Lindsay; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wages

Pension plan

Health benefits

Professional development opportunities

RECE membership dues

Job summary

Compass Early Learning and Care is seeking an Operational Lead for CKL School Age in City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario. The role focuses on program operations, licensing compliance, and a collaborative culture within a not-for-profit environment serving families.

You will co-lead program operations, support DEI initiatives, manage payroll and budgeting in partnership with the Finance Team, and ensure a high-quality learning environment aligned with CCEYA requirements.

Qualifications

• Registered and in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• 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, related legislation, and Compass ELC policies.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations of the centre, ensuring licensing compliance.
• Maintain program licensing in good standing through policies and reporting.
• Lead operations in partnership with the Pedagogical Culture Co-Lead.
• Oversee payroll, billing, subsidy reconciliations, and staff records.
• Coordinate staffing and scheduling; support onboarding of children and families.

Skills

Operations coordination

Organization

Technology literacy

Communication skills

Education

ECE Registration with College of Early Childhood Educators

Tools

Technology platforms

Job description

Operational LeadCompass ELC Location: CKL School Age - City of Kawartha Lakes, OntarioRole Title: Operations Co-Culture LeadJob Type: PermanentHours and Schedule: 35 hours/week – Monday to FridayAnticipated Start Date: September 21, 2026*Please note that this date is negotiablePlease apply by: October 2, 2026Hiring DeclarationsCompass 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.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 familiesFor 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.About Compass Early Learning and Care:Compass Early Learning and Care (CELC) has been in operation since 1981 and is one of the largest not-for-profit childcare organizations serving East-Central Ontario. With over 700 Staff and 80 Home childcare providers, we offer 46 high-quality licensed childcare centers and over 50 licensed homes serving over 4,000 familiesFor over forty years, Compass ELC has been dedicated to early learning and childcare. 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.Please see our attached Vision Framework for more information.Role and Accountabilities:Program Operations & ComplianceSupport 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 & CultureCo-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 & AdministrativeComplete 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 & CollaborationBuild 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 35 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 the children and their 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 yearProfessional 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 hoursPaid RECE membership dues.Paid Time Off - starting at 4% vacation accrued annually on hours worked and 4% personal sick time accrued annually on hours workedUnpaid Time - an option for permanent staff to purchase up to 4 weeks of unpaid time that is prorated off of 24 paysSkills and QualificationsRegistered 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.How to ApplyTo apply, please submit your resume and cover letter directly to the job posting or you can email [e-mail] and AccessibilityTo 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. For assistance, please contact our Human Relations – Recruitment and Hiring Coordinator at 705-749-3488 ext. 245, [e-mail] 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