Home Child Care Consultant

**Our Story**:
Committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations, the Region of Waterloo is an inclusive, thriving and sustainable region of connected rural and urban communities with global reach. Our mission is to serve, engage and inspire, by delivering quality services to a diverse population of 630,000+, while creating a healthy, collaborative environment of learning, respect and innovation.

This is a place where employees are valued and recognized for their talents and contributions to our success. Our employees take pride in making a difference in people's lives through the work that we do. We are looking for people like you to help make it happen.

**The Opportunity**:
Maintains a portfolio of home child care providers and clients accessing home child care services. Determines caregiver eligibility for contract of service with the Region, and provides ongoing support as it relates to programming, resources, and compliance with legislation and policies. Recommends placements for children with home child care providers. Acts as a liaison between caregivers and clients to promote positive, collaborative relationships in the best interest of children.

Inspects caregiver homes initially and quarterly to ensure compliance with contract obligations. Updates agreements and schedules. Assists with annual Ministry licensing inspections (e.g., home visits, paperwork).

Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with caregivers, parents, and children.

Responds to client, caregiver, and public inquiries. Provides advice and support to caregivers and clients regarding child care issues. Acts as liaison between clients and caregivers as needed to facilitate positive communications.

Investigates complaints and compiles information. Takes action to correct contract violations. Documents and reports serious occurrences to supervisor per legislation and policy.

Assesses client child care needs to recommend home child care options for children with special needs, clients in receipt of subsidy, and full-fee clients. Interviews families and reviews information from medical and community agencies. Contacts clients to monitor caregiver service upon placement and ongoing. Arranges alternate care when regular caregivers are unavailable and adjusts information in payment system. Establishes rate of care/billing information for full-fee clients and submits to Finance.

Maintains documentation (electronic, hard copy) related to interactions, annual client updates, and caregiver contract renewals.

Prepares and presents workshops, resources, and provides consultation to caregivers regarding child development and related topics (e.g., behaviour guidance, nutrition, safety, health). Suggests and monitors programming for stages of development. Develops and leads activities in caregiver homes, and organizes outings and playgroups.

Acts as a mentor/trainer to caregivers enrolled in the child development practitioner apprenticeship program. Provides support, evaluation, and feedback on program activities/requirements.

Completes child developmental screens. Provides support, information, and referrals to families, including those in crisis situations. Participates in case management meetings with agencies and families. Supports and educates caregivers regarding children with special needs. Contacts other staff in the department and public health to receive information regarding children with special needs, discuss referrals, and obtain resources.

Reviews billing to confirm accurate invoicing per attendance and subsidy eligibility, and follows up regarding over/underpayments.

Verifies caregiver employment (e.g., status, earnings) for third parties, as requested.

Notifies child care subsidy staff regarding changes impacting eligibility (e.g., hours, employment, education, address).

Has a p-card to purchase toys, equipment, and supplies in consultation with supervisor. Maintains supplies and equipment in resource library.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Your Experience at the Region of Waterloo

Knowledge of early childhood education teaching methods, principles, and practices, acquired through a 2-year diploma or degree in early childhood education, plus 2 years of related experience, as mandated by provincial legislation.

Must be a registered early childhood educator in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario. Must meet and maintain requirements in the Child Care & Early Years Act.

Must provide proof of and maintain a current record of immunizations and negative tuberculosis test. Must have and maintain a valid certificate in standard first aid and infant and child CPR.

Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, related legislation, and regulations. Ability to monitor compliance with legislation and regulations for licensing requirements.

Ability to keep knowledge current as it relates to child development, children with special n