RECE Operational Lead CELC - Charles Bowman

CELC01 Compass Early Learning and Care; Bowmanville; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Living wage employer

Health and dental benefits

3% Pension plan (employee)

Professional development

Child care discount 20%

RECE membership dues paid

Paid time off and sick time

Unpaid time-off option

Job summary

Compass Early Learning and Care in Bowmanville, Ontario, is seeking an RECE Operational Lead to oversee program operations and ensure licensing compliance while supporting a values-driven culture.

You will co-lead operations with a Pedagogical Culture Co-Lead, manage payroll and staff records, and foster partnerships with families and community partners. The role is 35 hours/week, Monday to Friday, with a start date of October 14, 2026 (negotiable).

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience in the Early Learning Sector.
• Knowledge of CCEYA and licensing requirements.
• Ability to plan, supervise, and support staff in a licensed centre.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operations and ensure compliance with CCEYA and licensing.
• Co-lead program operations with the Pedagogical Culture Co-Lead.
• Oversee payroll, billing, and staff records with Finance.
• Foster relationships with families, staff, and partners.
• Ensure a safe, engaging learning environment.

Skills

Operations-oriented

Team collaboration

Tech-savvy

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor/Diploma in ECE or related

Registered with College of ECE

Job description

RECE Operational Lead CELC - Charles BowmanCompass ELC

Location: Charles Bowman School Age - Bowmanville, Ontario

Role Title: Operations Co-Culture Lead

Job Type: Permanent

Hours and Schedule: 35 hours/week – Monday to Friday

Anticipated Start Date: October 14, 2026

*Please note that this date is negotiable

Please apply by: October 10, 2026

Hiring 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.

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.

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 families For 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 & 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

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.

Relationships & Collaboration

Welcome and support onboarding of new children, families, and team members into the program. Knowledge of school permits and accountabilities. 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 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 before and after school.

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.

Inclusion 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.

For assistance, please contact our Human Relations – Recruitment and Hiring Coordinator at 705-749-3488 ext. 245, [e-mail]

CC005 Charles Bowman 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.