Operational Lead

Location: Peterborough County and North Hastings County (Lakefield)

Operational Lead  Compass ELC

Location:

CKL School Age - City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Role

Title:

Operations Co-Culture Lead Job Type: Permanent Hours and

Schedule:

35 hours/week – Monday to Friday Anticipated

Start Date:

September 21, 2026
* Please note that this date is negotiable
About Us  Compass Early Learning and Care (CELC) has been in operation since 1981 and is one of the largest not-for-profit child care organizations serving East-Central Ontario. With over 700 Staff and 80 Home childcare providers, we offer 46 high-quality licensed childcare centres and over 80 licensed homes serving over 4,000 families For over forty years, Compass ELC has been dedicated to early learning and child care.

We believe in creating nurturing environments that celebrate children's curiosity and whole selves. Our organization fosters a culture of growth, collaboration, and inclusivity, where every team member has the opportunity to thrive. We are committed to supporting children and families in our community.
Role and Accountabilities   Program Operations & Compliance
Support daily operations of the centre, ensuring alignment with the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), Ministry of Education licensing requirements, and all applicable legislation (e.g., Occupational Health and Safety Act, Public Health guidelines, Ministry of Environment).
Maintain program licensing in good standing through adherence to policies, procedures, and reporting requirements.
Ensure compliance with staffing ratios, supervision standards, and operational protocols.
Support the implementation and ongoing alignment of the organization’s Vision Framework within the program.
Ensure the learning environment is engaging, inclusive, and enriched with high-quality materials and aesthetics.
Support educators in planning and implementing play-based learning experiences responsive to children’s interests.
Maintain a safe, clean, and well-organized environment, including equipment and materials.
Leadership & Culture
Co‑lead program operations in partnership with the Pedagogical Culture Co‑Lead, fostering a collaborative, inclusive team environment.
Model collaborative leadership practices, including compassionate communication, constructive feedback, and shared decision‑making protocols.
Champion a culture of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), promoting cultural awareness and equity‑focused perspectives across the program.
Support staff engagement, connection, and professional growth so employees feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Financial & Administrative
Complete and oversee payroll, billing, subsidy reconciliations, and maintenance of staff records.
Collaborate with the Finance Team to monitor and maintain a healthy program budget.
Support staffing coordination, scheduling, and workforce planning in alignment with operational needs.
Welcome and support onboarding of new children, families, and team members into the program.
Knowledge of school permits and accountabilities.
Relationships & Collaboration
Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with children, families, staff, volunteers, students, and community partners.
Engage actively within a shared community space, fostering collaboration with partner organizations.
Facilitate and participate in staff meetings, encouraging open dialogue and continuous improvement.
Support succession planning and the strategic placement of children and educators in collaboration with the co‑lead and team.
Role model operational excellence across all program areas.
Benefits   Competitive wages (Living wage employer) (Provincial Wage Enhancements) (Shift Premiums)
Mandatory Defined Pension Plan - 3% employee contribution and 3% employer contribution.
Health and dental benefits, paramedical coverage and…