Program Integrity Officer - Childcare

Opening Statement

The City of Kingston is grateful to experience the traditional territories of Anishinabek (Ah-nish-nah-beg), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-o-show-nee) and Huron-Wendat (huron-wen

• dat). Kingston is a smart, livable city in the heart of eastern Ontario. Its stable and diversified economy includes global corporations, innovative start-ups and all levels of government.

At the City of Kingston, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential elements of a thriving workplace. We value the unique perspectives and experiences that each individual brings to our team. As we continue to grow, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work. The City of Kingston views diversity as its strength and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities.

As staff, you play a pivotal role in enhancing people's lives by delivering exceptional, customer-centered services of the highest quality. Within our highly ethical environment, you'll embrace accountability by consistently going above and beyond, actively listening to our customers, creatively addressing their needs, and maintaining unwavering respect for all individuals you serve. As a result, you'll become an integral part of our qualified and dynamic team, recognized for its compassion, excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and adaptability.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Manager, Social Services & Early Years, develop, coordinate and facilitate external and internal training in accordance with provincial guidelines & requirements and internal policies and procedures. Work collaboratively with licensed Childcare programs, Ontario Early Years Child and Family Centre programs and other community agencies, with the goal of strengthening effective literacy and language development and quality of early years programs for children and families. Training to support quality programming will be based on the learning guide “How Does Learning Happen, Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years”.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

Coordinate the quality assurance initiatives established by the municipality’s professional development framework including developing a training calendar.

Develop, maintain and deliver comprehensive orientation and program training in the field as well as ongoing in-service programming which fosters optimum customer service and program integrity.

Assist in developing the Early Years Services system plan.

Visit external licensed and early years programs for on-going support, leadership and mentoring.

Conduct quality assessments including recommendations to enhance quality outcomes.

Work collaboratively and network with early years programs and services as well as community partners to build positive relationships and establish linkages with school boards, post-secondary education programs, public health, libraries, literacy associations & groups, indigenous and francophone organizations and associations, childcare directors and other children’s services agencies.

Consult with local service providers and community partners in the support and development of a local service plan, including the collection and analysis of program and financial data.

Evaluate capacity building activities and bring forward recommendations for program enrichments in Kingston and Frontenac County.

Participate in activities that optimize customer service and best practices, including presentations to internal and external customers.

Identify program delivery issues and deficiencies, communicate intervention strategies and participate in the evaluation of outcomes.

Respond to external requests for community service education.

Initiate community forums that bring together early years practitioners in all sectors.

Participate in municipal and provincial forums related to program delivery, program integrity, accountability and customer service.

Participate in child care network meetings and community meetings as required.

Develop, collect and disseminate resources to support literacy and quality programming in licensed childcare and child and family centres.

Gather information, facilitate, plan and assist in the development of policies and procedures.

Participate in presentations hosted by Housing and Social Services.

As set forth in the City of Kingston Municipal Emergency Response Plan, perform duties in the event of a municipal emergency.

Be aware and follow the Occupation Health and Safety Standards in relations to the Housing and Social Services Department.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Competencies

3 year degree / diploma.

Three (3) years’ experience delivering current early years programming including at least one (1) years’ experience implementing one of the early years curriculum frameworks (i.e. “How Does Learning Happen, Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years” or “The Kindergarten Program” curriculum).

Experience in municipal or not-for-profit public consultation facilitation, communication co-ordination, legislative interpretation and contribution to policy development an asset.

Experience in program development and evaluation related to the provision of human services, and with the Child Care and Early Years Act and related regulations & guidelines required.

Must demonstrate corporate values of Belonging, Collaboration, Accountability, and Innovation.

Skills, Abilities, Work Demands

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong leadership and team building skills.

Excellent organization skills including : able to prioritize, keep accurate and organized records and efficient management of workload while meeting timelines.

Strong customer service skills including tact, diplomacy and ability to manage sensitive interactions with both staff and stakeholders.

Ability to work effectively and independently with minimal supervision in a team environment.

Strong data management skills including tool development, data collections, inputting, analysis and reporting.

Demonstrated ability to provide support, guidance and leadership within childcare and child and family centres with the goal of strengthening the delivery of high quality programs and services, in accordance with the Ministry’s vision and guidelines.

Intermediate Microsoft Office Skills (Word, Excel and Power Point).

Adherence to strict confidentiality requirements.

Ability to work flexible hours, as required.

Verbal and written French skills an asset.

Must possess and maintain a valid class ‘G’ driver’s license and ability to provide own transportation.

Must obtain and maintain a satisfactory criminal record check, including vulnerable sector.