Shift Lead (Childcare)

Full-Time 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:  

Kids Kottage provides care and shelter for children who may be facing a crisis. Established in 1995, Kids Kottage is a not-for-profit and charitable organization licensed to provide residential care for children aged 0-10. 

The Opportunity: 

We are looking for 3 full-time Shift Leads (Childcare):  

• One Day Shift Lead: working primarily 10-hour day shifts (7:30am-5:30pm) with 1-2 evening shifts per month.  

• Two Evening Shift Leads: working primarily 10-hour evening shifts (12:30pm-10:30pm) with 1-2 day shifts per month.  

• 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: 

• Develop and post weekly activity plans aligned with child development principles and early learning frameworks. 

• Act 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.  

• Delegate tasks effectively to maintain safe ratios, supervision, and workflow.  

• Communicate shift updates, incidents, and relevant information to supervisors and team members.  

• Support staff with behavior guidance, risk assessments, and crisis management.  

• Promote a collaborative, respectful work environment.  

• Attend 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.  

• 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 solutionfocused 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: 

• Crisis Nursery, located at 13308 101 Street Edmonton, T5E 4G3  

• The Crisis Nursery provides 24-hour care for children 10 and under.  

Benefits & Remuneration: 

• The hourly range for this position is $25 to $29 per hour, based on education and experience. 

• Comprehensive, competitive, extended health benefits package for full-time positions of 30 hours a week or more. 

How to Apply: 

• For the opportunity to join the Kids Kottage Foundation, in the role of Shift Lead (Childcare), please fill out the application form below.

• Application Deadline: March 16, 2026 

**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