Early Years Analyst

The Role

Conducts quality and compliance assessments and provides advice, guidance, and direction to early learning and child care operators (ELCC) to support quality program delivery and compliance with service agreements, including quality initiatives program requirements. Works with programs and educators to develop plans and supports/resources for continuous quality improvements. Identifies trends and gaps in data at a system level and makes recommendations to improve program effectiveness and delivery. 

Why Join our Team!

As an integral member of our Children’s Services team, you will be a part of a dynamic team and community that is committed to creating a high quality, equitable and responsive Early Years and Child Care system that is accessible and affordable for every family in Waterloo Region.  We are confident that our commitments to continuous quality improvement will lead to a shared understanding of quality through experiences, relationships, and environments that benefit children and families, and ultimately leads to a higher quality of life. Join our team and make a difference in the lives of our youngest citizens.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides information, education, and guidance to ELCC operators and educators on the quality initiatives program and service agreement requirements (e.g., child care centres, before/after school programs, camps, home child care agencies, EarlyON). Ensures operators understand and comply with policies, regulations, legislation, and other requirements. 
• Conducts on-site quality assurance assessments. Reviews and documents operational practices and processes against program and service agreement requirements. Observes/assesses child-educator relationships/interactions using assessment tools. Shares results, including areas of strength and areas for growth/improvement, with providers. 
• Facilitates plans to support areas for growth and improvement. Connects providers with resources and community partners (e.g., professional resource centre, special needs resourcing) to develop work plans and receive hands-on mentoring/coaching (e.g., educator capacity building/training, policy development). Provides feedback on annual quality goals and work plans, and assesses and documents outcomes.
• Leads/participates on teams made up of community and internal partners to gather input and determine action plans to support programs moving forward in their quality journey. Identifies and assesses barriers, and develops and implements intervention strategies, in consultation with management, as required.
• Monitors compliance with service agreements and related operational requirements, including legislation and regulations. Reviews status of licensed programs in the Child Care Licensing System, and follows up on complaints from the public. 
• Communicates non-compliance and low operating standards as potential violations to the Ministry of Education and/or Children’s Services management and initiates corrective measures and continuous improvements.
• Maintains program documentation, including communication log. Posts results online (e.g., OneList, website).
• Maintains and monitors data at a program level related to compliance in collaboration with management and peers. Identifies trends and gaps in data at a system level and makes recommendations to improve program effectiveness and delivery. 
• Assists in the development and maintenance of program resources, tools, policies, and procedures. 
• Contributes to/applies a framework of continuous quality improvement in early learning and child care environments that supports quality outcomes as well as equity, diversity, and inclusion for all children.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
   

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child care and early years principles and practices; methods/approaches that contribute to quality outcomes and continuous quality improvement; program administration; adult education; capacity building; data tracking and analysis; and evaluation, acquired through a 4-year degree in a related field (e.g., Early Learning Development, Child and Youth Studies), plus 2 years of directly related experience, or a 2-year diploma in Early Childhood Education plus 6 years of directly related experience. 
• Must be a Registered Early Childhood Educator in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario. 
• Must obtain and maintain certification in a number of quality assessment tools (post-hire). 
• Ability to apply measurement tools consistently and appropriately to support and validate quality practice.
• Knowledge of and ability to stay up-to-date with current research and trends related to quality in early learning and child care, and continuous quality improvement practices.
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, guidelines, and legislation (e.g., Child Care and Early Years Act, health and safety).  
• Ability to develop plans and recommendations to support quality child care and early learning operations, including connecting operators with community supports. 
• Analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills to identify gaps in processes/practices and service provider compliance, identify growth opportunities, and recommend solutions and continuous improvements. 
•  Ability to exercise confidentiality, sensitivity, and judgment, including in response to service providers in violation of the Child Care and Early Years Act. 
• Leadership, human relations, and communication skills to explain and respond to inquiries from providers and community partners regarding the program, policies, legislation/regulations, and service agreement requirements; maintain relationships and provide support and guidance to  providers; deliver sensitive information/feedback and recommendations for improvement; facilitate meetings with internal and external supports and stakeholders; make presentations to management and community partners; and participate as an effective team member.  
• Ability to write clear and concise letters, summaries, reports, resource materials, case notes and communications; and draft policies and protocols for management review. Ability to interpret and understand reports, legislation, guidelines, policies, funding information, and service agreements. 
• Demonstrated understanding and commitment to equal access, equity, and diversity. 
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office (including Excel), and Provincial and program databases and systems. 
• Ability to alter schedule to attend meetings outside normal working hours, and is requested to work evening and weekend hours for same. 
• Must provide an acceptable Criminal Record Check.
• Ability to travel within and outside Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.