Home Child Care Consultant & Equity Lead

The Role

Maintains a portfolio of home child care providers as part of the Home Child Care Language & Mentorship program, as well as clients accessing home child care services. Determines caregiver eligibility for contract of service with the Region, and provides ongoing support as it relates to programming, resources, and compliance with legislation and policies. Recommends placements for children with home child care providers.

Acts as a liaison between caregivers and clients to promote positive, collaborative relationships in the best interest of children. Maintains strong connections with equity-focused community organizations and ethno-cultural groups to recruit new caregivers and promote the home child care program to underserved families. Applies an equity lens and anti-racism approach to program processes and practices to address inequities and systemic barriers to access. Acts as a resource and supports the home child care program on objectives related to equity and inclusion.  

Duties/Responsibilities

• Connects directly with ethno-cultural organizations and groups to promote home child care and engage prospective caregivers from immigrant communities. Recruits prospective caregivers and conducts information sessions to promote registering as a home child care contractor with the Region. Determines eligibility based on established criteria. Interviews applicants and explains legislation, regulations, and policies for purchase of service agreements. Checks references and reviews documentation/applications for completeness, for supervisor approval.
• Works closely with potential or confirmed caregivers within the Home Child Care Language & Mentorship program to provide the level of support and coaching needed to begin and sustain their business.
• Inspects caregiver homes initially and quarterly to ensure compliance with contract obligations. Updates agreements and schedules. Assists with annual Ministry licensing inspections (e.g., home visits, paperwork).
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with caregivers, parents, children, and ethno-specific organizations.
• Responds to client, caregiver, and public inquiries. Provides advice and support to caregivers and clients regarding child care issues. Acts as liaison between clients and caregivers as needed to facilitate positive communications. 
• Acts as a resource to other home child care staff and community partners on best practices related to working with the English as a second language population or other under-represented groups. Conducts training/presentations/workshops, as required. Liaises with the professional resource centre for resources and to coordinate supports. Collaborates with other internal and external stakeholders related to equity work. 
• Investigates complaints and compiles information. Takes action to correct contract violations. Documents and reports serious occurrences to supervisor per legislation and policy.
• Assesses client child care needs to recommend home child care options for children with special needs, families with cultural and linguistic childcare preferences, clients in receipt of subsidy, and full-fee clients. Interviews families and reviews information/referrals from medical and community agencies. Contacts clients to monitor caregiver service upon placement and ongoing. Arranges alternate care when regular caregivers are unavailable and adjusts information in payment system. Establishes rate of care/billing information for full-fee clients and submits to Finance.
• Maintains documentation (electronic, hard copy) related to interactions, annual client updates, and caregiver contract renewals. 
• Prepares and presents workshops, resources, and provides consultation to caregivers regarding child development and related topics (e.g., diversity and inclusion in child care settings, behaviour guidance, culturally inclusive nutrition options, safety, health). Suggests and monitors programming for stages of development. Facilitates culturally sensitive conversations on childcare topics. Develops and leads activities in caregiver homes, and organizes outings and playgroups. 
• Acts as a mentor/trainer to caregivers enrolled in the Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship Program at Conestoga College. Provides support, evaluation, and feedback on program activities/ requirements.
• Completes child developmental screens. Provides culturally sensitive support, information, and referrals to families, including those in crisis situations. Participates in case management meetings with agencies and families. Supports and educates caregivers regarding children with special needs and abilities. Contacts other staff in the department and public health to receive information regarding children with special needs and abilities, discuss referrals, and obtain resources. 

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Reviews billing to confirm accurate invoicing per attendance and subsidy eligibility, and follows up regarding over/underpayments. 
• Verifies caregiver employment (e.g., status, earnings) for third parties, as requested. 
• Notifies child care subsidy staff regarding changes impacting eligibility (e.g., hours, employment, education, address). 
• Has a p-card to purchase toys, equipment, and supplies in consultation with supervisor. Maintains supplies and equipment in resource library.  
• Ensures relevant documents are translated. 
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of early childhood education teaching methods, principles, and practices, acquired through a 2-year diploma or a post-secondary degree in a related field (e.g., Early Childhood Education, Child Development), plus 2 years of related experience working with children under the age of 13, as mandated by provincial legislation.
• Must be a registered early childhood educator in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario. Must meet and maintain requirements in the Child Care & Early Years Act.
• Knowledge of equity approaches and principles; anti-racism principles; barriers related to class, gender, and immigration status, normally acquired through completion of related courses or 1 year of experience working on equity initiatives/projects.
• Brings a lived experience through personal understanding of the issues and concerns of equity-seeking groups, along with the challenges that come with systemic racism, discrimination, and inequity as an Indigenous or racialized individual, persons with disabilities, and/or member of the 2SLGBTQ+ or another under-represented community.
• Understanding of the social, political, cultural, spiritual, health and economic history, challenges, and opportunities relevant to immigrants, racialized and Indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, other historically under-represented groups, and systemic impacts.
• Must provide proof of and maintain a current record of required immunizations and negative tuberculosis test. Must have and maintain a valid certificate in standard first aid and infant and child CPR. 
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, related legislation, and regulations. Ability to monitor compliance with legislation and regulations for licensing requirements.
• Ability to keep knowledge current as it relates to child development, children with special needs, behaviour management, child nutrition, community resources, and legislation, and inform caregivers regarding same. 
• Knowledge of community resources that specifically support immigrants, and other historically underrepresented groups.
• Ability to problem solve and navigate culturally sensitive conversations with caregivers, parents, and staff in the community.
• Analytical, organization, and problem solving skills to interpret data from web-based programs to determine information required for child care subsidy; document client/caregiver interactions and maintain files; organize time effectively and create work schedules; and prioritize work based on changing demands.
• Inter-cultural communication, cultural competency, and human relations skills to establish, develop, and maintain positive relationships with clients, caregivers, and ethno-cultural groups; and participate as an effective team member. 
• Ability to provide written and verbal explanations to caregivers regarding changes to contract agreements and legislation. Ability to develop and maintain factual, concise, objective documentation, and complete training evaluations for caregiver apprentices. Ability to prepare materials for workshops.
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office and provincial and corporate databases. Ability to use audio-visual equipment for presentations.
• Ability to work afternoons and evenings as part of a regular schedule to conduct home visits and information sessions.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Must provide an acceptable vulnerable sector police check, prepared no earlier than 6 months before hire, and every five years thereafter. Must complete an annual Offense Declaration.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.