Early Years Program Strategist (Temporary Full-Time) (County of Dufferin)

The County of Dufferin is an upper tier municipality which sits on the fringe of the Greater Toronto Area, about 100 km northwest of Toronto. It is largely a rural county with three urban settlement areas.  The region is well known for its rivers, rolling hills and excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. The UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, the Niagara Escarpment and the world famous Bruce Trail, run through Dufferin offering spectacular vistas and hiking opportunities. Home to over 67,000 residents the area boasts fabulous restaurants, shopping and amenities.  We are currently recruiting for a:

EARLY YEARS PROGRAM STRATEGIST
TEMPORARY FULL-TIME (12-18 months contract)
JOB ID: C46-24
JOB TYPE: TemporaryFT
LOCATION: Remote & 30 Centre Street, Orangeville
DEADLINE TO APPLY:  4:30 p.m. on April 19, 2024
 
Reporting to the Program Manager, Early Years and Child Care, the Early Years Program Strategist is responsible for leading and contributing to the implementation of assigned early years programs, and supporting the enhancement of access, inclusion, and quality across licensed child care settings in the early years sector throughout the County of Dufferin, in accordance to the Ministry of Education guidelines, frameworks, early learning pedagogy, and service system requirements.
 
What we can offer YOU!
  • A competitive hourly wage ranging between $44.62 – $52.20 (April 1, 2024 Non-Union Pay Grid)
  • Enrolment in our defined benefit pension plan
  • Access to Perkopolis; discount, reward and benefits program
  • Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program
  • Unlimited access to live and interactive webinars offered by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI)
  • A supportive and collaborative work environment
What you’ll do
  • Develop innovative program requirements, application processes, guidelines, reporting protocols, and risk management frameworks tailored to various funding programs within the Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) sector.
  • Prepare reports and/or internal/external communications on program delivery, financial, and administrative reporting requirements for submission to Ministry as well as to senior leadership, committees of Council, and other stakeholder groups as required.
  • Select appropriate tools, processes, methodologies, and reporting practices related to data collection and analysis and funding for Early Years and Child Care programs in Dufferin County, in collaboration with the Data Analysis Coordinator.
  • Recommend and implement changes as necessary to adapt to the evolving landscape of the ELCC system.
  • Identify service providers in need of additional business support. Collaborate with licensed child care operators and relevant agencies to address service provision concerns and ensure contract/program compliance.
  • Develop, update, and maintain internal policies/procedures, accountability mechanisms, child care provider resources and tools, service agreements, and letters/forms as new information is released from the Ministry of Education regarding Ministry of Education initiatives.  Prepare background information for recommendations for the allocation of child care resources as needed.
  • Liaise with the Ministry of Education, vendors, service providers, community agencies, other County departments, other service delivery agents, and provincial and community partners to maintain a current understanding of Early Years and Child Care needs, issues, best practices, and all relevant child care policy and legislation; as well as to understand funding impacts and support service providers to meet their needs.
  • Other duties as assigned
What you’ll bring
  • University degree or college diploma in either Early Childhood Education, or Social Sciences or another suitable combination of education and/or experience.
  • Minimum of three (3) years in the Early Years and/or municipal government sector, with experience in strategic planning, and program evaluation preferable.
  • Proficient in the use of M365, basic graphic design software such as Canva, and ability to quickly learn other software such as learning management systems.
  • Comprehensive understanding of Ontario’s Pedagogy of How Does Learning Happen, Ministry of Education legislation, policy, vision, and pedagogy.
  • Innovative thinking, initiative, and a self-starting attitude.
  • Experience in event planning.
  • Knowledge of Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and the CCEYA manual and Early Years and Child Care funding program
  • Relationship and conflict management skills to work effectively with all levels of contacts both internal and external.
  • Demonstrated communication skills to effectively communicate ideas in an objective manner, and adapt communication style to suit situation and audience.
  • Knowledge and understanding of equity and inclusion approaches and principles in early years settings, including groups that face the greatest barriers to child care access, including special needs, Black, Indigenous, Racialized, and other under-represented families.
  • Analytical, organizational, problem solving, and continuous improvement skills for long-term visioning and to interpret and apply legislation, policies, and procedures.
  • Valid Class G or G2 driver’s license and access to reliable transportation required.
  • Must provide clear criminal reference check including vulnerable sector screening
  • Suitable work from home environment including reliable high speed internet
The County of Dufferin strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. To effectively do so, all positions at the County of Dufferin require a commitment to upholding the County’s equity mandate through on-going and mandatory training and examining our day-to-day operations and impacts through an equity lens. Therefore, throughout the selection process, candidates will have demonstrated their ability to be anti-racist, equitable, inclusive, and respectful.
 
Ready to apply?
Interested applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter before the closing date and time to: hr@dufferincounty.ca.

As an organization, we recognize the value of diverse perspectives and lived experiences, and the importance of creating an environment that embraces and supports these. We are committed to creating and fostering a workplace where all employees feel a sense of dignity and belonging. As such, we seek to attract, develop, and retain highly talented employees with a variety of identities and backgrounds, to better reflect the growing diversity of our region.

We actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to:
  • First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples.
  • Members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin.
  • Persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities.
  • Persons who identify as women; and
  • Persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
We value the contributions that each person brings and are committed to ensuring full and equal participation for all in our workplace.
 
All applicants are thanked for their interest. Those chosen for next steps in the selection process will be advised by April 23, 2024. Information collected will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of job selection and will not be used for any other reason. Accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.