Shift Lead (Childcare)

Kids Kottage Foundation Shift Lead (Childcare)

Are you passionate about seeing a community where every child has a place to be cared for in times of need? Bring that passion to Kids Kottage Foundation!

About us:

Established in 1995, Kids Kottage is a charitable organization that provides 24/7 care and shelter for children aged 0-10 who cannot safely remain at home during times of crisis.

The Opportunity:

We are looking for 1 full-time Shift Lead (Childcare):

• Wednesdays to Saturdays (40 hours per week) – rotating schedule of evenings (12:30pm-10:30pm) one week and days (7:15am-5:15pm) the other week.
• All childcare positions are required to work one weekend shift per week.

The Shift Lead is responsible for providing on-floor leadership, focusing on high-quality childcare practices, and supporting smooth day-to-day program operations. This role includes weekly planning for developmentally appropriate activities, acting as the first point of authority for decision-making during assigned shifts, coaching and mentoring front-line staff, and participating in the on-call rotation. The Shift Lead models professionalism, demonstrates strong knowledge of child development, and ensures that the environment is safe, inclusive, and engaging for children.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develops and posts weekly activity plans aligned with child development principles and early learning frameworks.
• Acts as the on-floor leader during the shift, responding to immediate issues, and staffing needs; and escalating matters to leadership when appropriate.
• Attends the daily routines of children (feeding, toileting, bathing) and supervises children during playtime, meals and naptime, modelling developmentally appropriate practices including trauma-informed and child-centered approaches.
• Delegates tasks effectively to maintain safe ratios, supervision, and workflow.
• Communicates shift updates, incidents, and relevant information to supervisors and team members.
• Supports staff with behavior guidance, risk assessments, and crisis management.
• Promotes a collaborative, respectful work environment.
• Attends shift-lead team meetings, contribute to program planning, and ensure consistency across team members.
• Implements quality childcare activities in alignment with the Kids Kottage Practice Framework.
• Responds to crisis calls and supports admissions and discharges as needed.

Qualifications:

• Certificate or diploma in Early Learning & Child Care, Child and Youth Care, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 1–2 years' experience in a licensed childcare or child/youth program.
• Experience in a leadership role is an asset.
• Provides and maintains clear Police Information Checks with Vulnerable Sector and Child Intervention Record Checks according to policy and procedures.** Please note that as per our accreditation standards, an employment offer cannot be made until we receive both checks (dated within the last six months of anticipated start date).
• Current certification in First Aid Level C.
• Ability to participate in the on-call rotation to provide after-hours guidance, problem-solving, and staffing support (1 week every 5-6 weeks).

Core Competencies:

• Child Development Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of child development, early learning principles, and effective behaviour guidance strategies.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional communication abilities for building positive relationships with children, families, and team members.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills, including effective delegation, sound decision-making, and skilled conflict resolution. Proven coaching and mentoring skills, with the ability to provide supportive, constructive feedback.
• Problem Solving & Adaptability: Calm, organized, and solution-focused approach, especially in high pressure or rapidly changing situations. Advanced problem-solving skills, with strong judgment and situational awareness.
• Child Centered & Trauma Informed: Understanding of trauma informed care and culturally responsive practices, ensuring inclusive and supportive environments.

Work Environment:

• Kids Kottage - Sunbeam Kottage, located at 13308 101 Street Edmonton, T5E 4G3
• Temporary home that provides 24-hour care for children 10 and under.

Benefits & Remuneration:

• The hourly range for this position is $25.00 to $29.00 per hour, based on education and experience.
• Comprehensive, competitive, extended health benefits package for full-time positions of 30 hours a week or more.

• Application Deadline: August 28th, 2026, or until a suitable candidate is found.

**We appreciate the interest of all applicants. However, we will only contact those selected for an interview.**

At Kids Kottage Foundation, we believe that justice, equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to our mission of protecting children, supporting caregivers, and strengthening families. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment where all children, caregivers, staff, and community members feel valued, heard and empowered.

We encourage all candidates who self-identify as members of the following designated groups: women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities to apply. If you require any accommodations throughout the recruitment process, please contact hr@kidskottage.org