Transition Coordinator – Aboriginal Head Start & Daycare Program

Employment Opportunity:
Transition Coordinator – Aboriginal Head Start & Daycare Program

Location:

Halifax, NS

Salary Range: $70,000.00 per year

Employment Term:
July 2026 to March 31st, 2027, Full time hours (35 hours/ week)

Reports To:

Executive Director

General Description:

Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre is centrally located in the urban Indigenous community of Halifax and is looking for one (1) Transition Coordinator – Aboriginal Head Start & Daycare Program. The Transition Coordinator is a temporary leadership role responsible for supporting the development, stabilization, and transition of the MNFC’s integrated Aboriginal Head Start and licensed childcare program into a fully operational Aboriginal Head Start & Daycare Director position.

Working with leadership, staff, families, and community partners, the Coordinator will strengthen operational, administrative, cultural, and regulatory systems; support licensing and program readiness; coordinate staffing and processes; and ensure continuity of culturally grounded services throughout the transition. The role will help align the program with Aboriginal Head Start standards and Nova Scotia childcare licensing requirements while supporting the integration of Mi’kmaw culture, language, and community values.

This temporary position will remain in place until the permanent Aboriginal Head Start & Daycare Director role is established and filled.

Key Responsibilities

Support the transition and development of the integrated Aboriginal Head Start and licensed childcare program

Assist in establishing operational systems, procedures, schedules, and program structures that support long-term sustainability

Assist with achieving and maintaining compliance with Nova Scotia childcare licensing requirements

Support the development and organization of policies, procedures, and documentation required for licensing and Head Start program standards

Monitor program practices to support a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment

Assist with maintaining accurate records related to children, staffing, incidents, and program operations

Support day-to-day coordination of childcare and Head Start operations during the transition period

Assist in developing administrative systems, workflows, forms, and reporting processes

Support budget tracking, purchasing coordination, and documentation related to funding requirements

Provide guidance, coordination, and day-to-day support to program staff

Assist with staff scheduling and maintaining staffing levels that support licensing compliance

Support recruitment, onboarding, orientation, and mentorship of staff where required

Encourage collaborative teamwork and culturally safe workplace practices

Build positive and respectful relationships with Indigenous families and community members

Support parent and family involvement in program activities and planning

Assist with establishing and supporting a Parent Committee aligned with Aboriginal Head Start principles

Support the delivery of inclusive and developmentally appropriate programming that promotes school readiness and holistic child development

Assist with implementation of health protocols, illness procedures, food safety practices, and emergency preparedness

Help coordinate access to additional supports and services for children and families when needed

May perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Early childhood education certification is required

Education in or an equivalency/ University Degree Diploma in the Community Programs & Services (child/family social services) Indigenous Studies, Social Work, Education, Community Development, or a related field is an asset

Experience working in early childhood education, childcare, Indigenous programming, or community-based services

Supervisory, coordination, or project management experience considered an asset

Knowledge of Aboriginal Head Start principles and Indigenous early learning approaches considered a strong asset

Experience working with Mi’kmaw and/or urban Indigenous communities considered a strong asset

Knowledge of Nova Scotia childcare licensing requirements considered an asset

Equivalent combinations of…