Staff Mentor and Pedagogical Leader (SMPL- RECE)

Job Title: Staff Mentor and Pedagogical Leader (SMPL- RECE)

Reports To: Centre Director/Program Supervisor

JOB SUMMARY

As a Staff Mentor and Pedagogical Leader, you will play a pivotal role in fostering professional growth and excellence in Early Childhood Education. You will guide, support, and inspire educators through mentorship, coaching, training, and constructive feedback, while promoting reflective practice and continuous learning. In this leadership role, you will model best practices and provide stability in both the development and direct delivery of high-quality programs. You are an energetic, dedicated, and enthusiastic RECE professional who demonstrates maturity, empathy, and professionalism in every interaction.

You will be responsible for:
• Supporting educators in implementing high standards of care, health and safety, and curriculum delivery.
• Ensuring program quality aligns with the organization’s program statement and philosophy, the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), How Does Learning Happen?, ELECT, Assessment for Quality Improvement (AQI), and Public Health guidelines.
• Creating a positive, collaborative learning environment that encourages professional growth and promotes excellence in early childhood education.

As SMPL, you will oversee the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate, engaging, and inclusive programming that meets the needs of all children, while mentoring staff in curriculum best practices and pedagogical leadership.

PROFESSIONAL OBLIGATIONS
• Adheres to the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and all related legislation.
• Complies with the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators’ Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Maintains RECE membership in good standing, with annual proof of registration.
• Ensures compliance with centre policies, health and safety requirements, and confidentiality standards.

SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties and responsibilities for the SMPL include, but are not limited to, the following and any other responsibilities as assigned by the Centre Director/Program Supervisor.

LEADERSHIP
• Collaborates with staff, licensing bodies, and community agencies to meet organizational goals.
• Models open communication and promotes positive working relationships with staff and families.
• Supports compliance with all relevant legislation: CCEYA, ESA, OHSA, AODA, Human Rights Code, Bill 132, AQI.
• Mentors staff to ensure programming aligns with the organization's goals and vision.
• Promotes a respectful and cooperative workplace culture.
• Respects and enforces confidentiality and professional boundaries.

BOARD RELATIONS
• Collaborates with the Centre Director to keep the Board informed of key updates.
• May attend Board meetings to provide operational insights.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
• Keeps the Centre Director/Program Supervisor informed of program, staff, and child-related concerns.
• Collaborates on staff training and development planning.
• Onboards and mentors new staff to ensure success.
• Participates in staff meetings, supports agenda setting, and co-facilitates discussions.

MENTOR/MANAGEMENT OF STAFF
• Provides ongoing coaching, training, and mentorship.
• Guides curriculum development and implementation.
• Supports staff initiatives and innovation.
• Collaborates on performance evaluations and professional growth plans.
• Maintains documentation of all mentoring interactions.
• Observes classrooms and provides timely, constructive feedback.
• Models developmentally appropriate practices and high-quality interactions.
• Guides staff on behaviour management strategies.
• Coordinates professional learning opportunities.
• Promotes team collaboration and open communication.
• Supports reflective practice and individual goal setting.

CURRICULUM OVERSIGHT
• Reviews and provides feedback on weekly curriculum plans.
• Ensures compliance with HDLH, ELECT, AQI, and emergent curriculum principles.
• Coaches staff on instructional improvement.
• Monitors classroom environments and materials.
• Ensures consistent, high-quality documentation and observations.
• Supports culturally responsive and inclusive programming.
• Assists with enrichment program development and delivery.

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT
• Maintains accurate and confidential staff and client records.
• Recognizes and documents incidents of illness, injury, or suspected abuse.
• Reports serious occurrences to required agencies and the Board.
• Maintains records of staff training and professional development.
• Participates in relevant workshops and administrative training.
• Supports general administrative tasks as required.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
• Ensures the program supports the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development of each child.
• Creates child-friendly, rights-respecting environments.
• Supports staff in planning and implementing curriculum based on HDLH, ELECT, AQI, and CCEYA.
• Reviews and elevates pedagogical documentation.
• Promotes a team culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Monitors daily program delivery for alignment with vision and philosophy.
• Shares current research and resources to support best practices.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
• Supports implementation of the centre’s health and safety program.
• Recommends improvements to workplace safety.
• Monitors compliance with safety procedures and protocols.
• Promotes respectful and professional conduct among staff.
• Manages and educates others about risk and harm reduction.
• Ensures the physical and emotional safety of children and staff.

CLIENT/FAMILY RELATIONS
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with families.
• Guides staff in fostering respectful and inclusive communication with parents.
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries.
• Upholds accessibility and human rights standards.
• Responds to parent concerns per the Centre’s complaint policy.
• Provides resources and supports on child development and parenting topics.
• Promotes family engagement in the program.
• Ensures that children with varying needs and abilities are assessed and receive support services as needed.

COMMUNITY RELATIONS/ADVOCACY
• Represents the Centre at community events and networking opportunities.
• Promotes the Centre’s programs and philosophy to the broader community.
• Stays informed on community trends and needs.
• Participates in workshops and professional learning opportunities.

STRATEGIC PLANNING
• Supports the Centre Director in long-term planning for the organization.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUPPLY/SUPPORT STAFF
• Orients supply/support staff to the Centre’s programs and policies.
• Ensures supply and support staff are adequately oriented to the organization and program.
• Models appropriate teaching practices.
• Serves as a resource for questions and guidance.
• Reports any concerns to the Centre Director/Program Supervisor.

RECORD KEEPING
• Ensures staff complete daily logs and program records.
• Documents and reports incidents and accidents in a timely manner.

WORK CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES
• Able to climb stairs and lift up to 30 lbs.
• Comfortable assisting in water-based activities (e.g., swim trips).
• Able to perform a range of physical activities (standing, bending, kneeling, crawling).
• Works in both indoor and outdoor environments with potential exposure to illness, bodily fluids, noise, and inclement weather.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Education or equivalent recognized qualification.
• Current registration in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• Child Care Management or Administration Certificate an asset.
• Knowledge of the Human Rights Code, AODA, OHSA, and conflict management practices.
• Occupational Health and Safety certification an asset.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
• Current registration with the College of ECE
• Valid Police Vulnerable Sector Check (updated every 5 years with annual declarations)
• Valid First Aid and CPR Level C certification
• Health clearance and full immunizations including two doses of COVID vaccine
• Annual sign-off of all required centre policies.
• Strong working knowledge of HDLH, ELECT, AQI, and Public Health protocols

SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Demonstrated strength in emergent curriculum and Ontario's early years frameworks
• Deep understanding of CCEYA, Public Health, and AQI requirements
• Familiarity with CECE Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice, and CPL
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Ability to foster a supportive and cohesive team culture

EXPERIENCE
• Minimum 2 years in a senior childcare RECE leadership role (Supervisor, Assistant Supervisor, Team Lead)
• Experience in licensed childcare, ideally in both non-profit and for-profit sectors
• Experience supporting children of varying abilities (including special needs)