Who we are

Children are at the front and centre of what we do; they are the foundation of our purpose and the basis for our evidence-driven strategy. Our mission is to transform the lives of children, youth and their families by developing and delivering innovative, research-based mental health and early learning programs. At the Child Development Institute (CDI), we are passionate about helping our communities’ most vulnerable members and their caregivers. It motivates each of us to face what can be difficult situations while continuously finding the purest joy in play, in silence, in advice, and in the unbelievable strength and resilience of our young clients. Joining us now is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an organization that is built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families. 

Recognized as a leader and model for measurement-based impact, we are client-centred, family-centred, and data-informed. We are a place where professionals grounded in mental health, care, and well-being of infants, children and youth, come together in collaboration, learning and inclusion. As a multiservice organization delivering social, emotional, and behavioural counselling services, early childhood education, learning disabilities and mental health services, and family violence services, we address the whole person from when they begin their life. Every child and family that reaches out to us is unique, and we value and embrace their individuality. We deliver the tailored support and tools they need to build life-long skills, positive mental health, and resilience. With their trust in us, we guide children and families along a supportive journey. It is an often difficult path and simultaneously the most rewarding experience for providers, children and families.

Who we need

We are seeking a Director to lead our Wellesley Early Learning Centre (ELC) team in providing exceptional care and education for young children. You will be responsible for the day-to-day operation and administration of the ELC, nurturing a joyful, safe learning environment for children, inspiring and guiding the work of staff, and ensuring compliance with all regulations and legislated standards. Currently, our center has five classrooms - one for infants, two for toddlers, and two for preschoolers - with a total of 62 spaces.

Who you are

You may be a Director at a Child Care Centre looking for the stability and rewards of a well-established organization with a strong operational support structure. Or, you may be a Coordinator looking to move up a Director level. 

What's in it for you

Rewards. Joining CDI is a chance to be part of a genuinely wonderful experience providing access to subsidized child care for your community members. With highly competitive compensation, full benefits, four weeks of vacation, and access to professional development funding, you will be part of an organization prioritizing self-care.

Access to operations and resourcing support. As part of an organization that has been providing child care for over 100 years, you will be among experts who want to share their knowledge and are deeply invested in the success of your Centre. From Financial Services support to Regulatory Compliance, you will be part of a team ensuring you have the resources your Centre needs. You will share opening and closing shifts with a Coordinator and have backup support when additional classroom staff are needed. 

Career development. You will be part of a highly supportive organization that strives to promote from within and nurtures a continuous learning environment. This is a rewarding opportunity on multiple levels with opportunities to collaborate with our mental health resources teams, gain support from our Associate Director, and Director of Early Years and Child Care Services, and further expand your leadership and management skills. 

As our new Director, Early Learning Centre in Toronto, you will:

• Ensure compliance. With the support of our Associate Director of Early Learning Centre and Director, Early Years and Child Care Services, you will stay up to date with, implement, and adhere to all regulations and legislated standards, including Ministry of Education Licensing standards, Toronto Children's Services Assessment for Quality Improvement, Toronto Public Health guidelines, and College of Early Childhood Educators Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Create and nurture a safe, healthy, supportive environment for children, staff, and families. You will ensure program quality through pedagogical leadership and collaboration with other CDI Childcare Centre Directors and the cross-functional mental health teams. You will respond effectively to elevated parent concerns and complaints. 
• Develop effective strategies to engage families and community partners. You will take a diverse and flexible approach to working with families, creating communications, hosting our annual open house, providing feedback, and connecting to other resources as needed.
• Provide robust, reflective, and responsive leadership. You will support continuous professional development opportunities for educators. You will inspire and provide support to ensure high performance from your staff. You will recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff within the mandate of a Collective Agreement. You will coordinate staff scheduling and coverage as appropriate for service delivery.
• Manage operations. You will ensure the safety and financial viability of the Early Learning Centre. You will contribute to policies and procedure development, updates, and staff adherence. You will communicate with the Early Learning Centre's external partners and participate in professional network meetings, conferences, etc. You will monitor enrollment to ensure the site is at capacity and communicate with Toronto Children's Services regarding subsidies, waiting lists, and statistics. You will complete serious occurrence reports as required.
• Coordinate with stakeholders. You will order supplies with management approval for equipment in all centre areas and ensure the safe operation and timely repairs of equipment, furnishings, etc. You will work with external catering and cleaning companies.

What you bring:

• The practical knowledge. You have a diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education and an Early Childhood Management-Leadership certificate would be an asset. You are a member in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Education. You have experience in an early learning/childcare setting, including experience supporting or directly leading staff, programs, and communications. You have a proven ability to provide and sustain a diverse learning environment that supports the highest program quality, equity, and inclusion for children, staff, and families. You understand and can maintain the confidentiality and security of client-related and agency information.
• The pedagogy. You have an in-depth understanding of early child development and pedagogy, knowledge of CCEYA (2014), AQI, ELECT, HDLH Ontario's Pedagogy for the Early Years, and experience with the Licensing Process and AQI program assessment. You possess a current Standard First Aid and CPR (Level C) certification.
• The leadership. You are a collaborative leader who understands how to run a business, including financial management skills. You can motivate and evaluate staff and communicate with stakeholders, vendors, and community members. You can manage conflict, negotiate, and influence without authority. You can gain trust and display empathy and patience. You are both proactive and responsive. 
• The technical skills. You are proficient with MS Office Suite and have used or can get up to speed on the Lillio (formerly HiMama) Child Care App and Dayforce.
• The interpersonal skills. You have flexible communication skills, exceptional listening skills and mental attentiveness, and you can focus on the needs of individuals or groups to probe, analyze, synthesize, and create authentic connections and engagement. You prioritize treating everyone equally and have respect and appreciation for individuals and families with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

Other Requirements

• All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Credential verifications and references are required.

Join us.

Fostering positive transformations in mental health for over a century, CDI is a world-class leader trusted in helping children, youth and families through a wide range of evidence-informed services to build lasting change.

At CDI, we prioritize the mental well-being and work-life balance of our teams. We acknowledge the reality of the emotionally demanding work each of us puts in every day. To that end, we strive to create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity flourish by offering:

• Full health and well-being benefits.
• Flexible hours in a planned program environment.
• A focus on cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Ongoing paid professional development opportunities and certifications. 

If you want to be part of our vision to make a measurable lifelong impact on the mental health and well-being of children, youth and their families, join us.

Apply now

If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with every requirement, we encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application. 

What you can expect from our interview process:

• A virtual interview with our Talent Advisor to review your skills, interest in the opportunity, and the role.
• An on-site interview to help you understand your future work environment. You will meet with the Director, Associate Director, and an HR Representative to explore the details of the role and the culture of the CDI, the Child Care Centre and the surrounding community.

CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at