Assistant Director, Child Study Centre
Mount Saint Vincent University - 7 Jobs
Halifax, NS
Job Details:
Mount Saint Vincent University's Child Study Centre is entering an exciting new chapter as we prepare to open the new and expanded child care facility in Winter 2027. We are seeking a thoughtful, experienced and values-driven administrator to help shape the next phase of our growth and support a thriving community of children, families, educators, students and researchers.
Founded in 1976, the Child Study Centre is a licensed, not-for-profit early learning and child care centre committed to providing high-quality, inclusive, accessible, and culturally responsive programming for young children. We create environments where children and educators are inspired to explore, create, and grow, while honouring diverse identities, experiences and ways of knowing. As a university-based child care centre, we work closely with the MSVU community and the Child and Youth Study program. Our educators have unique opportunities to mentor students, engage with research, contribute to innovative practice, and help shape the future of early childhood education and care in Nova Scotia.
The Reggio Emilia Approach inspires the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework and guides us and our work. We are committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, social justice, and environmental responsibility. We recognize that creating equitable and inclusive environments requires ongoing reflection, learning, and action. We are committed to the ongoing work of decolonization, and believe that reflective practice, curiosity, and lifelong learning strengthen both individuals and communities.
We strive to create a workplace and space where educators feel supported, respected, and inspired to continue learning throughout their careers.
The Assistant Director plays a key leadership role in the daily operation of the Child Study Centre and will be an important contributor as we prepare for and transition into our new facility. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Early Childhood Educator who is interested in combining leadership, administration, pedagogical mentoring, and relationship-building within a dynamic university setting
Working collaboratively with the Director, the Assistant Director supports all aspects of Centre operations while helping to ensure compliance with the Nova Scotia Early Learning and Child Care Act, licensing requirements, university policies, and the Centre's philosophy and values. The successful candidate will provide leadership and support to educators, practicum students, volunteers, and families while fostering high-quality learning environments for children.
The Assistant Director also serves as Acting Director when required and assumes responsibility for the overall operation of the Centre in the Director's absence.
Key Responsibilities
Administration and Operations
- Support the day-to-day operation and administration of the Centre.
- Maintain records, reports, and documentation required for licensing, subsidies, grants, and quality initiatives.
Leadership and Team Support
- Support and mentor educators, practicum students, substitute educators, and volunteers.
- Foster a culture of wellbeing, professionalism, inclusion, and continuous learning.
Family and Community Engagement
- Support admissions and welcoming families.
- Help create an environment that reflects and celebrates diverse family experiences and identities.
Pedagogical Support
- Support educators in implementing high-quality, play-based learning experiences aligned with the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework.
- Help strengthen the Centre's role as a leader in early childhood education and professional learning.
Health, Safety, and Compliance
- Promote and support safe, healthy learning environments for children, families, and educators.
- Support Centre readiness for licensing reviews and regulatory requirements.
You understand that the heart of early learning and child care is the relationships we build with children, families, colleagues, students, and communities. You bring both clarity and compassion to your work. You are comfortable navigating complexity, leading through change, making thoughtful decisions, and contributing meaningfully to a collaborative team environment.
You care deeply about the early years sector and are motivated by the opportunities to strengthen it for children, families, educators, and communities. You are committed to equity and inclusion in practice. You value diverse perspectives and actively help create environments where people experience a genuine sense of belonging. You approach conversations around equity, reconciliation, decolonization, and inclusion with openness, humility, and a commitment to continued learning.
You are committed to ongoing professional learning and are comfortable mentoring students and supporting adult learners. You recognize the important role that university-based child care centers play in shaping future educators and advancing the profession.
The successful candidate will possess:
- Nova Scotia Early Childhood Educator Certification Level 2 or higher.
- Minimum of three to five years of experience in early childhood education.
- Experience in an administrative, supervisory, or leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework.
- Experience supporting emergent and play-based curriculum approaches.
- Excellent written, verbal, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with children, families, educators, students, and community partners.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
The successful candidate must possess or be eligible to obtain:
- Emergency First Aid and CPR Level C (Infant and Child).
- Clear Criminal Record Check.
- Clear Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Clear Nova Scotia Child Abuse Registry Check.
- Food Handler Certification.
Experience with pedagogical documentation, quality improvement initiatives, grant reporting, and mentoring adult learners will be considered assets.
Classification: Full-Time, Level 2 or 3 Early Childhood Educator Certification
Salary: In accordance with the NS Early Childhood Educator Wage Scale
Start Date: ASAP
Application Process
If you require an accommodation at any time during the application process, please let us know.
Applications should include a cover letter and resume. This competition closes on September 24, 2026.
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