Specialist, Early Years and Child Care Services

Human Services/Early Years and Child Care Services

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

Early Years Partnerships: This role will directly support Service System Manager responsibilities for capacity building; diversity, equity, inclusion; and quality in the early years and child care system.

Child Care System Planning: These roles will directly support Service System Manager responsibilities for system planning and oversight of the early years and child care system.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision benefit plan (effective start date)
• Automatic enrolment into OMERS pension plan (where applicable)
• 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

The Region of Peel serves more than 1.4 million residents and approximately 173,000 businesses in Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga. We deliver a wide range of resident focused services across the Region.

Our 20-year vision for Peel is “Community for Life.” Our goal is to create a place where everyone enjoys a sense of belonging and has access to the services and opportunities needed to thrive in each stage of their lives. Our 2015-2035 Strategic Plan outlines the work we're focused on to bring this vision to life.

To learn more about the Region of Peel, explore peelregion.ca.