The Role

Supervises the delivery and administration of the Region’s licensed Home Child Care Program , and participates in the development of same. Supervises a team of Home Child Care Consultants and provides guidance and expertise to same to ensure quality child care services and program compliance with legislation and policies. Oversees contracted caregivers and agreement contracts with caregivers and clients.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Supervises Home Child Care Consultants and Program Assistants (Home Child Care). Supervises student placements.
• Coordinates daily case management program activities, ensuring client needs are met through appropriate and timely referrals by staff to contracted caregivers. Consults with staff on program policies, legislation, invoicing/payment processes, caseload, and resources. Formulates case plans/solutions for unusual problems/difficult cases. Monitors caseloads and compliance through file audits and review of monthly statistics and recommends adjustments, as required.
• Authorizes purchase of service agreements for new caregivers. Administers wage enhancement subsidy for caregivers (e.g., reviews applications, collates information, calculates amounts).
• Oversees caregiver payment process (invoicing/billing), ensuring payments are accurate based on attendance records. Investigates payment issues (e.g., over/underpayments, subsidy/full fee adjustments). Follows up with families regarding delinquent payments, options, and contract terms, including suspension of service.
• Develops and delivers caregiver and community educational training program. Evaluates program and adjusts same to reflect caregiver and community needs.
• Liaises with community partners and Home Child Care Association of Ontario to coordinate annual conference.
• Develops and administers caregiver service recognition program.
• Supervises the use and maintenance of information in the child care registration and wait list system. Troubleshoots system issues; provides access; and runs reports. Supervises the intake and processing of new clients and other related administrative activities.
• Develops and implements marketing strategies to recruit new caregivers and raise public awareness of the program. Oversees production of quarterly newsletter for caregivers and families.
• Identifies staff training needs and develops opportunities for skill development. Arranges for training events and designs and supports individual learning plans. Provides expertise to staff on pedagogy related to early child development and learning.
• Supervises developmental screening of children and facilitates referrals to community agencies for formal assessments. Maintains resources and assessment/screening tools. Convenes/participates in case conferences. Coordinates specialized services for children with special needs and authorizes placements for same.
• Develops, recommends, and maintains policies and procedures to ensure program compliance.
• Responds to inquiries, resolves complaints, and explains legislation/policies to parents, caregivers, and the public.
• Documents and reports child abuse to Child & Family Services. Evaluates incidents and serious occurrence and oversees submission/follow up. Documents and reports serious occurrences to the Ministry as required by legislation.

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Analyses the maintenance and tracking of program and service enrolment statistics.
• Represents the Region in Provincial initiatives, and committees.
• When working at the Cambridge office, oversees facility matters (e.g., attending tenant committee meetings, addressing security issues, maintaining keys).
• Assists the Manager in budget forecasting and implementation. Controls petty cash. Has a purchasing card for program purchases and supplies. Authorizes staff purchasing card statements. Approves caregiver payments. Investigates and resolves billing discrepancies with Finance and caregivers. Maintains an inventory of lending library toys, resources, and equipment.
• Consults with other departmental staff regarding clients. Consults with Legal Services regarding contracts and child injuries. Consults with Public Health regarding communicable disease control.
• Exchanges information and collaborates with Ministry staff and other home child care agencies and child care programs. Consults with boards of education and community agencies for referrals. Contacts community groups to arrange speakers and exchange information. Maintains relationships with service clubs, community groups, child care programs, and school boards to market the program.
• Backs up the Manager and other supervisors in their absence.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the developmental and educational needs of children; understanding of children with special needs and up-to-date knowledge of diagnostic screening tools; research methods; current research and best practices related to high quality standards for early learning and child care, and administrative policies and procedures, normally acquired through a University Degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent field, plus progressively responsible experience in a licensed child care setting or community services field.
• Must meet and maintain requirements detailed in the Child Care & Early Years Act.
  If hired with an Early Childhood Education diploma/degree, must be registered and in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, and related legislation (e.g., bylaws, privacy, early childhood education, child care and early years, child and family services, health and safety, Fire Code, Public Health).
• Analytical, organizational, problem solving, and continuous improvement skills to interpret and apply relevant legislation , policies, and procedures; manage competing demands; audit case record notes and new caregiver files; make decisions regarding quality of service, child safety, child abuse/neglect; develop training/orientation program and resources; and set program goals and directions with Manager.
• Leadership, human relations, facilitation, team building, and presentation skills to supervise, train, motivate, develop, and support staff; promote services ; develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders; respond to inquiries and complaints using tact and diplomacy; support clients in crisis; conduct presentations and information sessions; develop and facilitate training; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read, interpret, synthesize, and explain legislation, policies, procedures, contracts, regulations, and collective agreements. Ability to write and edit correspondence, newsletters, program resources, training materials, surveys, and draft policies.
• Computer skills using software such as Microsoft Office, program-specific databases (e.g., web attendance system, child care wait list), and project management systems.
• Must provide proof of and maintain a record of immunizations including TB test, as recommended by the local Medical Officer of Health.
• Must complete and maintain valid certification in standard first aid (including infant and child CPR).
• Must provide a vulnerable sector Police Records Check, prepared no earlier than six months before hire, and every five years thereafter, and complete an annual "Offense Declaration."
• Ability to participate in an official standby/on-call rotation to respond to legislated or time sensitive demands beyond regularly scheduled work hours.
• Ability to travel within and outside Waterloo Region.
• Ability to implement and monitor compliance with the Departmental vision and philosophy for integrated customer service delivery within the division, across divisions, across departments, and within the broader community.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities