Area Director

About Active Start

Active Start Childcare and its subsidiary, Magic Mountain Child Development Centre, is seeking a passionate and experienced Area Director to lead three centres in Calgary and Airdrie. This is a key leadership opportunity for someone committed to excellence in early childhood education and operational success.

We are distinguished early learning institutions serving children from 12 months through kindergarten. We provide comprehensive daycare, preschool, and before- and after-school programs within state-of-the-art facilities designed to cultivate an inclusive, stimulating, and active environment.

Our inquiry-based curriculum fosters curiosity, creativity, and confidence, while emphasizing physical literacy and holistic child development. Carefully designed indoor and outdoor play spaces ensure children remain engaged and active throughout the year, including during Alberta's harshest weather.

We maintain strong collaborative partnerships with families to support each child's growth and prepare them for sustained success.

About the Role

As Area Director, you will provide strategic oversight and operational leadership across multiple childcare centres, ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance. You will work closely with Centre Directors, educators, families, and support teams to foster nurturing, engaging environments that support child development and staff satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Oversight: Ensure smooth daily operations across assigned locations, maintaining compliance with Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Act and Regulations, Alberta Health, Fire Regulations, Occupational Health & Safety (OHS), and company policies.
• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, train, and mentor Centre Directors and other management team members, fostering a strong and positive workplace culture.
• Program Quality & Compliance: Oversee curriculum implementation, safety standards, and regulatory compliance to provide exceptional early learning experiences.
• Child Registration & Records Management: Oversee the child enrollment process, ensuring all required documentation is completed accurately and kept up to date.
• Financial & Administrative Management: Oversee adherence to budgeting, enrollment growth, and allocated employee payroll hours.
• Family & Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with families, the community, and stakeholders to enhance our reputation and reach.
• Address Parent Concerns: Manage and resolve parent complaints or concerns related to classroom programs to ensure a positive experience.
• Direct Supervision of Centre Directors: Oversee daily responsibilities, ensuring that Centre Directors are supported and empowered in their roles.
• Crisis Management: Implement Crisis Management Plans in response to accidents, disasters, or pandemics, ensuring a safe environment for all.
• Facilities Oversight: Assess the appearance and condition of each site, including equipment, furniture, cleanliness, and outdoor spaces.
• Staff and Customer Feedback: Review survey results and develop Action Plans for improvements as needed, ensuring continuous progress.
• Staff Training: Provide training for administration and staff on new policies and procedures to maintain compliance and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in early childhood education or childcare operations.
• Alberta Child Care Certification (Level 3) or equivalent qualifications.
• Strong knowledge of Alberta Early Learning and Child Care Licensing Regulations and best practices in early learning.
• Proven experience in managing multiple locations is an asset.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and travel between locations as needed.

Why Join Active Start?

• Exciting Growth Opportunity – Play a key role in growing and expanding childcare centres.
• Supportive Leadership – Work with a passionate and dedicated team focused on excellence in early learning.
• Career Development – Gain experience in multi-site management with opportunities for advancement.
• Industry Leading Salary & Benefits – Enjoy a rewarding compensation package with benefits, including Health benefits package, Paid time off, Employee childcare discount, and Opportunities for professional development.