Program Supervisor (Full-Time) — Founding Team

Bright Hope Childcare Centre Inc.; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

RRSP / retirement savings support

Professional development funding

Paid planning time

Mentorship and leadership pathways

Wellness-oriented staff initiatives

Job summary

Bright Hope Childcare Centre is establishing a new Hamilton-based, community-rooted childcare centre. We seek an experienced Program Supervisor to join the founding team and shape programs, systems and workplace culture for children, families and educators.

You will lead infant, toddler and preschool programming, prepare for licensing, and collaborate with the Executive Director to launch a high-quality, responsive learning environment that supports staff well-being and family partnerships.

Qualifications

• Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• At least two years of experience providing licensed child care or as approved for supervisors under Ontario Regulation 137/15.
• Leadership or supervisory experience in a licensed childcare or early learning setting.
• Knowledge of the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 and Ontario Regulation 137/15.
• Understanding of inclusive play-based learning, pedagogical documentation and prohibited-practice requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct and support the daily early learning program.
• Help prepare BHCC for licensing and operational launch.
• Support implementation of BHCC's Program Statement and approved policies.
• Recruit, onboard, mentor and support educators and classroom staff.
• Develop staffing plans and schedules that support children's safety, well-being and required ratios.
• Support meaningful play, inquiry, early literacy, early numeracy, communication, self-regulation, independence and positive relationships.
• Guide pedagogical documentation, observation, reflection and program planning.
• Build respectful, responsive relationships with children, families and staff.
• Ensure staff understand expectations for supervision, prohibited practices, health and safety, inclusion, confidentiality and duty to report.
• Lead staff meetings, professional learning, reflective practice and continuous improvement.
• Develop family communication systems and centre routines.
• Build relationships with local schools, colleges, family-service organizations and community partners.
• Support licensing documentation, compliance, quality assurance and operational readiness.
• Help create a respectful workplace where educators contribute ideas and take ownership.

Skills

Leadership / Supervisory experience

Communication

Organization

Relationship-building

Equity, diversity, inclusion

Child development knowledge

Education

RECE in good standing

Job description

Bright Hope Childcare Centre (BHCC) is a registered non-profit, centre-based early learning organization opening soon at 718 Rymal Road East in Hamilton.

Our centre is under construction, and licensing is in process with the Ontario Ministry of Education. We are seeking an experienced Program Supervisor to join our founding team and help shape the programs, systems, relationships and workplace culture that will support children, families and educators.

This is an opportunity to help build a new, community-rooted childcare centre with a strong commitment to inclusion, meaningful learning, family partnership and educator well-being.

The Opportunity

As Program Supervisor, you will lead the development and implementation of BHCC's infant, toddler and preschool programs. You will work closely with the Executive Director and founding team to prepare the centre for launch and establish a high-quality, responsive early learning environment.

You will help ensure that children are safe, supported, engaged and known, and that educators have the guidance, resources and voice they need to do their best work.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, direct and support the daily early learning program.
• Help prepare BHCC for licensing and operational launch.
• Support implementation of BHCC's Program Statement and approved policies.
• Recruit, onboard, mentor and support educators and classroom staff.
• Develop staffing plans and schedules that support children's safety, well-being and required ratios.
• Support meaningful play, inquiry, early literacy, early numeracy, communication, self-regulation, independence and positive relationships.
• Guide pedagogical documentation, observation, reflection and program planning.
• Build respectful, responsive relationships with children, families and staff.
• Ensure staff understand expectations for supervision, prohibited practices, health and safety, inclusion, confidentiality and duty to report.
• Lead staff meetings, professional learning, reflective practice and continuous improvement.
• Develop family communication systems and centre routines.
• Build relationships with local schools, colleges, family-service organizations and community partners.
• Support licensing documentation, compliance, quality assurance and operational readiness.
• Help create a respectful workplace where educators contribute ideas and take ownership.

Qualifications and Experience

• Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• At least two years of experience providing licensed child care, or otherwise approved by a Ministry director, as required for supervisors under Ontario Regulation 137/15.
• Leadership or supervisory experience in a licensed childcare or early learning setting.
• Knowledge of the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 and Ontario Regulation 137/15.
• Understanding of How Does Learning Happen?, inclusive play-based learning, pedagogical documentation and prohibited-practice requirements.
• Experience supporting children, families and educators from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong communication, organization, judgment and relationship-building skills.
• A collaborative leadership style that supports and develops people.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, Truth and Reconciliation, and family-centred practice.
• Current Standard First Aid including infant and child CPR, or the ability to obtain it before starting.
• A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check, references, health documentation and other licensing requirements before starting.

What BHCC Is Building

• A mission-driven, registered non-profit childcare organization.
• A warm, inclusive centre rooted in the Hamilton Mountain community.
• A workplace where educators are respected as professionals.
• A culture of mentorship, collaboration, reflection and shared leadership.
• Learning environments that encourage curiosity, creativity, inquiry and meaningful relationships.
• Strong partnerships with families, local organizations, schools, colleges and community services.
• A team that believes children thrive when educators and families feel supported.

Planned Staff Supports

BHCC is developing a staff support package that may include:

• Health and dental benefits.
• RRSP or retirement savings support.
• Professional development funding and paid learning opportunities.
• Paid planning time, subject to the final operating model.
• Mentorship and leadership-development pathways.
• Wellness-oriented staff initiatives.
• Staff recognition and appreciation programs.
• Opportunities to lead projects and contribute to centre-wide decisions.
• A supportive onboarding process and regular leadership check-ins.

These are planned offerings only and are subject to final approval, funding, operational requirements, eligibility and the terms of the employment offer. Final benefits will be confirmed in writing before employment begins.

Who Will Thrive in This Role

You may be a strong fit if you:

• Believe children are capable, curious and full of potential.
• Balance warmth, accountability and sound professional judgment.
• Enjoy building systems while keeping relationships at the centre.
• Welcome staff ideas and encourage shared ownership.
• Communicate clearly with families, educators, regulators and community partners.
• Are comfortable in a new organization where systems are still being developed.
• Want to help build a strong, ethical, inclusive and sustainable non-profit childcare centre.

Compensation

To be confirmed based on experience and BHCC's approved compensation framework.

Bright Hope Childcare Centre is an equal-opportunity employer. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process on request. Please email [e-mail].