Specialist, Early Years and Child Care Services

Specialist, Early Years & Child Care Services 

Human Services - Early Years & Child Care Services 

Status: 1 Regular Full Time & 1 Contract Full Time - up to 14 months 

Salary Range: $94,455 - $118,069 per annum  (plus comprehensive benefits, where applicable) 

Hiring Range: $94,455 - $106,262 per annum 

Work Mode: Hybrid *see below for more details about this work mode. 

Location: 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton, ON 

Hours of work: 35 hours per week 

**Join our diverse team and be part of our vision. Think big. Channel your creativity. Make a difference.
At Peel Region, we can create lasting impact, together.**

Reporting to the Advisor, Early Years and Child Care Services, the Specialist is responsible for providing program development and implementation support for early years and child care programs and initiatives with a focus on data analysis and performance measurements ensuring system accountabilities are met and outcomes are achieved.  

Regular Full Time Positon: This Specialist position is intended for candidates with demonstrated experience in planning, implementing and evaluating special needs resourcing/inclusion supports. Working closely with the Advisor, PIRS, the Specialist will lead the planning and oversight of professional learning for inclusion support agency staff, implementation and analysis of an equitable access approach in licensed child care, and a review of screening tools used by resource consultants. The specialist will be responsible for investigating complaints, following up on parent, community partner or program feedback and responding to escalated issues.  This position requires someone with strong facilitation, communication and conflict resolution skills along with the ability to be empathetic to experiences and perspectives. Candidates should have demonstrated system thinking skills with a focus on accountability and continuous improvement including guideline development, process improvements and service delivery standards to support consistent practice. 

Contract Full Time-Up to 14 months: This Specialist position is intended for candidates with demonstrated experience in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, who are motivated to lead DEI work at a divisional level. Working closely with the Advisor, System Access and Inclusion, the Specialist will lead divisional DEI priorities including the implementation of Peel’s early years and child care DEI framework.  The position will work with internal and external partners to embed DEI principles across planning, accountability, communications, and service delivery. Candidates with strong facilitation skills who are comfortable navigating accountability structures such as KPIs, reporting and guidelines, and bring a practical, action-oriented DEI lens are encouraged to apply.

What you will do in this role:

• Develops, implements and evaluates new and existing EYCC program policies/processes, initiatives and accountability mechanisms to support evolving provincial and local direction, and enhanced service manager accountabilities/responsibilities
• Conducts EYCC program research, analysis and evaluations to inform evidenced-based policy development and decision-making, and ensure accountability for funds
• Gathers and analyzes program outcomes and associated performance measures, as well as information, trends, issues, gaps and statistics for planning and reporting purposes. This includes the preparation of accountability mechanisms and outcome measures, complex and specialized documentation, reports and statistical analysis
• Collaborates with both internal and external partners to support transformation within the early years and child care system
• Develops and maintains cooperative, collaborative and strategic relationships with internal and external partners
• Assists in the development of strategic outcomes, policy objectives, and accountability measures for all funding programs under EYCC Funding and supports the ongoing integration of EYCC funds into technology systems
• Assists in the preparation of plans that anticipate and respond to evolving provincial direction, and to Council, corporate and community priorities
• Provides subject matter expertise on projects with internal and external partners, participate on working groups/committees and liaise with other service managers, community and provincial partners as required
• Develops and /or contributes to Council Reports, and internal/community partner reports, communications, briefing notes, program guidelines and service provider resources to support system partners in implementing system transformation and delivering on shared priorities and outcomes
• Develops and/or contributes to responses to proposed EYCC legislative, regulatory, guideline, and/or policy changes as well as recommendations and analysis of local policy development in consultation with internal and external partners
• Supports the service delivery requirements and complies with regulatory requirements as identified but not limited to the following acts; the Child Care and Early Years Act, the Early Childhood Educators Act, the Education Act, Child and Family Services Act, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the Ministry of Community and Social Services Act
• Develops communication materials for project and program roll-outs as well as regularly measures and monitors status

What the role requires:

• University Degree in human services or related field, such as social sciences, business/public administration, and early years and child care, with at least 5 years job-related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong foundation in research, data analysis, program planning and public policy development with relevant experience in program design, implementation and evaluation, and strategic and project planning
• Knowledge of Project Management Principles and Practices, with the ability to execute complex and multi-year policies and plans
• Knowledge of performance measurement to ensure evaluation and continuous improvement is built into the implementation framework
• Experience directly applying quality control and assurance best practices such as Six Sigma, LEAN, SWOT analysis, process mapping and process re-engineering would be an asset
• Knowledge of Early Years and Child Care funding programs, as well as related provincial legislation and policies would be an asset
• Experience in applying change management principles and methodologies and the ability to lead as well as manage and support change
• Knowledge of technology and software systems used to support the delivery of Human Services programs and services such as all Microsoft Office programs
• Demonstrated experience working in partnership with community partners
• Strong knowledge of community resources/services available to residents of Peel Region
• A satisfactory Level 1 Criminal Record Check obtained directly from a police station (third-party background checks will not be accepted)

Skills/Abilities: 

• Highly developed communication skills, both oral and written; proven ability to present to and facilitate discussions with various audiences both internal and external
• Effective interpersonal and relationship building skills to work collaboratively with internal and external partners/stakeholders
• Demonstrates sound judgment and political acuity in communications and recommendations
• Ability to lead, manage, influence and motivate internal and external stakeholders and teams
• Ability to work independently and as part of internal and external teams
• Proven ability to problem solve and resolve conflict responding with tact and diplomacy
• Ability to manage time and priorities within a context of multiple competing priorities 

Perks @ Peel and why you will love working for us: 

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision benefit plan (effective start date)
• Automatic enrolment into OMERS pension plan  
• Accrue Vacation on a monthly basis up to 3 weeks per annum 
• 3 Paid personal days and floating holidays (non-union) 
• Flexible hours supporting your wellness and wellbeing (non-union) 
• Annual performance review and merit increases based on performance (non-union/ where applicable) 
• Supportive leadership and a culture of respect and inclusion 
• Access to tuition reimbursement (where applicable) and learning and development resources 

Be bold. Think big. Join us.

In this role, you’ll benefit from the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement that prioritizes meaningful in-person connection. A minimum of two days per week on-site is expected, with additional in-person presence as operational needs evolve. This arrangement allows for a blend of in person and hybrid work that adapts to support both organizational priorities and employee flexibility and is subject to change over time.

It's important to note that your off-site work location must be within the province of Ontario. This ensures that we're compliant with all regulations and policies.

The Region of Peel offers job based flexible hours of work that allows employees to manage personal and professional responsibilities while at the same time ensures business operational needs and customer service expectations are achieved. 

Interview: Our recruitment process will include video conference technology

Kindly ensure to regularly monitor your spam and junk email folders, as important communications regarding your application may be directed there.

If this opportunity matches your qualifications and experience, please apply on-line. 

Peel Region consists of the cities of Brampton and Mississauga, and the town of Caledon.  Peel Region delivers essential services to more than 1.5 million residents and approximately 200,000 businesses.

We’re working to create a community that is safe, inclusive, and accessible.  A place where everyone feels they belong and can access the services they need to thrive throughout each stage of life.

Our workforce is 6,700 strong and since 1974, we’ve been delivering a wide range of resident focused services. Our services include paramedic services, health programs, long-term care and services for seniors, child care support, garbage collection and recycling, waste water and water treatment, road maintenance, financial assistance, and housing support. 

Recognized by Canada's Healthy Workplace Month® with the Great Employer Award presented by Excellence Canada, Peel Region is a place where everyone feels they belong. We strive to develop a workplace that values and respects diversity, practices inclusion, recognizes the unique contributions and abilities of all people and facilitates innovative thinking. At Peel Region, people come first. Each employee has an important role within our community and when we work together, it’s impactful. We encourage you to join us in delivering essential services and programs to our diverse community. You won't find a better opportunity than Peel Region.

Peel Region is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is respected and valued for their contributions, and where everyone is treated fairly and has opportunity to grow and develop. As one of the most diverse regions in Canada, we are committed to establishing a qualified workforce that is reflective of the population we serve.

Peel Region is committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process, upon request. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. Accessible formats and communication supports are available. Please contact zzg-hrtalentacquisition@peelregion.ca 

Please be advised, Peel Region uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. It is the applicant’s responsibility to include an updated email address that is checked daily and accepts emails from unknown users. As we send time sensitive correspondence via email (i.e., testing bookings, interview dates), it is imperative that applicants check their email regularly. If we do not hear back from applicants, we will assume that you are no longer interested in the position and your application will be removed from the competition.