Location: Cambridge, Ontario
Status: Contract – pregnancy leave (approx 12-18 months)
Salary Range: $80,000 – $90,000 per year
Reports to: YWCA Cambridge CEO
The Opportunity
YWCA Cambridge is seeking an experienced Director of Child Care Services to join our senior leadership team on a contract basis to cover a pregnancy leave (approximately 12-18 months). This role provides strategic and operational leadership for five licensed child care centres, with planning and oversight for a new centre opening in September 2026, serving the communities of Cambridge and North Dumfries.
Reporting to the CEO, the Director is accountable for high-quality, inclusive and financially sustainable early learning and child care services and serves as the primary organizational lead for Region of Waterloo Children’s Services as the Consolidated Municipal Service Manager (CMSM), including full oversight of Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) participation and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and oversight of licensed child care operations, ensuring compliance with the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and the Ministry of Education requirements
- Lead CWELCC implementation, funding compliance, reporting and accountability
- Manage licensing, service agreements, inspections and compliance with Region of Waterloo Children’s Services
- Manage budget development and monitoring
- Ensure implementation of How Does Learning Happen? and inclusive play-based learning environments following the Reggio Emilio Philosophy
- Lead and support Centre Supervisors and promote workforce stability
- Represent YWCA Cambridge at regional tables and sector planning initiatives
Qualifications and Experience
- Degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education or a related field
- Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in good standing (required)
- 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in licensed child care, including multi-site operations
- Experience working within a CMSM framework, including funding and compliance
- Strong knowledge of CWELCC, Region of Waterloo Children’s Services policies and Ministry of Education requirements
YWCA Cambridge is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from women, racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and people of all gender identities and expressions. Accommodations are available through the recruitment process upon request.
Only those people invited for an interview will be contacted.
Interested candidates should send their resume by Friday February 13, 2026 to:
Kim Decker, CEO
k.decker@ywcacambridge.ca