Executive Director, Into the Woods Early Learning Child Care Studio

About Into The Woods Early Learning Child Care Studio: 

Into the Woods Early Learning Child Care Studio is located in a natural setting, where educators guide children’s connection to our local community and environment as a starting point for learning. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on, real-world learning experiences helping children make a stronger connection with the natural world in a way that will increase environmental stewardship.

This provincially-funded project has been the vision of many dedicated community child care advocates, in partnership with the Town of Qualicum Beach.  ITW is founded on a strong commitment to best early childhood development practices in nature-based programming, intergenerational relationships, and adaptive and reflective practice.  

Job Summary: 
 

The Board of Directors for “Into the Woods Early Learning Child Care Society” is seeking a full-time, skilled and experienced Executive Director to manage a nature-based, holistic, non-denominational early childhood development centre. The Board is made up of members of our community passionate about early childhood education, dedicated to collaborating and supporting the new Executive Director. The Executive Director will oversee two rooms: the Infant-Toddler room (0-36 mos) with four full-time staff, and the Early Learning room (3-5yrs) with 4 full-time staff, for a total of 36 children. 

Location:
 

“Into the Woods Early Learning Childcare Studio '' is located in a brand new, custom-designed building with every amenity needed to achieve our commitment to offering the best early childhood development program possible. The centre is located at 330 Dorset Road, Qualicum Beach, a vibrant community on the East Coast of Vancouver Island. Qualicum Beach offers year-round opportunity to be immersed in nature, with access to local beaches, parks, trails and mountains. For more information please visit: 

www.qualicumbeach.com/ 

www.visitparksvillequalicumbeach.com/ 

www.qcews.com/ 

Job Description: 
 

The Director, in collaboration with the Board of Directors, is responsible for all aspects of ITW management and operations; including finances, human resources, pedagogy, curriculum, and engagement with community and other stakeholders. As this is a relatively new program, the role offers the opportunity for the Director to provide critical input to the board and practice leadership in the development of pedagogy and curriculum specific to nature-based learning. The Director will also work with the board to establish and sustain operational structures and systems, and build and nurture a strong community of staff, children,and parents. 

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Manage daily operations in accordance with established procedures and policies, and seek direction from the Board to set new policies and procedures as the need arises.

Daily operational management includes:

• • overseeing budget and finances, including payroll and childcare funding
  • managing staff and volunteers, including scheduling, performance reviews and ongoing professional development
  • engaging with families and members of the community
     
• Provide monthly reports to the board on all aspects of ITW operations, including finances, staffing, enrollment, pedagogy and curriculum, and engagement within the community 

Pedagogy, Curriculum, and Educational Practice: 
 

• With support and feedback from the Board, develop pedagogical approach, curriculum, and learning resources based on the BC Early Learning Framework to support a nature-based learning program.
• Support ongoing in-service professional development which includes opportunities for educators to learn, receive feedback, discuss challenges and opportunities, and be coached in the improvement of practice. 
• Support educators and staff to plan and carry out activities that respect children’s ways of being in nature, building strong knowledge and relationships with the early childhood education community and family members. 
• Support educators to conceptualize, develop, plan, implement, and evaluate approaches to strengthen “community” and understanding among children, staff, parents, and community members. 
• Engage in ongoing learning, reflection, and adaptation of both explicit and implicit approaches practices (including pedagogy and curriculum) and facilitate/coach educators and staff to do the same. 

Learning and Research: 
 

• Represent ITW in both potential & established research and learning partnerships with universities, other early childhood centres, and other institutions and stakeholders. 

Qualifications:

Basic ECE

Additional Qualifications:

Mandatory Credentials: 
 

• Canadian citizenship or permanent residency to legally work in Canada 
• Degree or Diploma in Early Childhood Education, preference given to candidates with IT Certification
• Current British Columbia Provincial Certification to Practice
• Standard First Aid and CPR Training 
• Criminal Record Check 
• Driver’s License
• Knowledge of BC provincial licensing regulations 
• Knowledge of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Knowledge of BC Early Learning Framework 
• Knowledge of child custody, child abuse, special needs, diversity /inclusion,and labour laws pertaining to the program Preferred Skills, Attributes and Experience: 
• Capacity and willingness to learn, reflect, and adapt own practice; and support/coach others to do the same 
• Commitment to servant leadership 
• Ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary and diverse team and coordinate effectively with different stakeholders 
• Strong written and oral communication skills 
• Experience working with children and families of diverse backgrounds 
• Experience in a nature play-based early childhood development and care setting 
• Experience as a Director/Supervisor of an early childhood development and care program, or other community-based program or centre working with children and families 
• Experience working with a Board of Directors or Non-Profit Society 
• Experience managing financial applications such as bookkeeping software and payroll
• Experience managing an employee benefits program 

Required Experience:

Compensation & Benefits: 

Salary & Benefits:

Compensation & Benefits: 

• This is a full-time position, M-F 35-40hrs
• The salary will be from $65,000 annually; candidates who qualify for the BC wage enhancement can expect to earn up to $77,000
• Extended, medical and dental benefit packages and RSP benefits 
• Paid vacation days, including two breaks during Summer and Winter holidays
• Five paid sick days

Application Process: 
 

• Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter describing their interest and fit for this position. Please email to: karen.charlesworth1@gmail.com 
• Shortlisted candidates will participate in an interview process. They will also be required to provide three professional references. 
• This posting will be open until the position is filled. 

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only persons shortlisted for interviews will be contacted.

Additional Information:

Application Process: 
 

• Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter describing their interest and fit for this position. Please email to: karen.charlesworth1@gmail.com 
• Shortlisted candidates will participate in an interview process. They will also be required to provide three professional references. 
• This posting will be open until the position is filled. 

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only persons shortlisted for interviews will be contacted.