About us :
Sentient HR is dedicated to enriching lives through the power of connections. As a leader in Supply Staffing, we specialize in providing temporary and full-time placements for child care centres and private schools across the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA).
Serving over 500 centres and employing more than 350 early childhood professionals, our focus is on delivering tailored staffing solutions through a seamless, technology-driven process.
At Sentient, we are committed to nurturing the growth and development of our staff, empowering them to excel in their roles.
Our core values of integrity, partnership, and impact drive everything we do, ensuring success for our clients, employees, and the communities we serve.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of Business Development , The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Specialist will coordinate staff placements in child care centres by matching part-time employees with shift openings based on their availability, strengths, and career goals.
The ECE Specialist will also lead the Quality Assurance program, providing feedback through centre visits, and address any staffing issues that arise.
The ECE Specialist will ensure shifts are filled efficiently and staff remain engaged.
Additionally, the ECE Specialist will oversee the Apprenticeship Program, manage staff recognition initiatives, and maintain relationships with industry organizations.
In emergency situations, they may step in as supply staff to ensure smooth operations. By staying informed on industry trends, the Specialist will help drive engagement and contribute to Sentient HR’s ongoing success.
Why choose us :
- We offer on-the-job training and professional development opportunities.
- Be a part of a culture that values inclusivity and equity.
- Sentient offers competitive compensation, along with work-life harmony!
- Participate in Sentient HR's reward and recognition program called .
Success
The successful ECE Specialist will serve as a trusted partner and primary contact for over 300 supply staff. As a results-driven professional, the ECE Specialist will ensure that new staff are scheduled to work once all documentation is completed and provide support in navigating our systems and processes.
By building strong relationships and understanding the individual strengths and goals of each staff member, the ECE Specialist will be instrumental in fostering higher levels of engagement, commitment, and pride in their roles with Sentient HR.
This role requires an experienced RECE with a proven ability to coach, motivate, and inspire staff, while leveraging both business acumen and hands-on classroom experience to effectively navigate the childcare staffing industry.
The successful candidate will bring Sentient HR closer to its staff, positioning the company as the top choice for child care staffing industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Attend weekly virtual Fireside Chat and develop rapport with prospective staff during orientations.
- Guide applicants through the onboarding process, motivating them to join and remain engaged with Sentient HR.
- Collaborate with the Staffing Coordinator to match staff with available shifts.
- Serve as the primary contact for supply staff, maintaining regular communication through phone, email, and text.
- Ensure staff profiles are up-to-date and accurate on the company website.
- Act as the primary contact for resolving staff issues in centres and coach staff as needed.
- Track staff performance : issues, positive reviews, response to requests to work, 9 minimum per month, and more.
- Lead initiatives to enhance staff recruitment, engagement, training, and development.
- Lead the Apprenticeship program to support the professional growth of our staff and help them to achieve their RECE designation.
- Further develop the apprenticeship program to ensure our sponsorship becomes a competitive advantage.
- Plan and implement at least five professional development courses annually. Attend to Quality Assurance for our Supply Staff (Q.A.)
- Lead the planning of monthly, quarterly, and annual incentive bonuses.
- Support and develop staff recognition programs while tracking staff performance metrics.
- Manage the ROE process and conduct exit interviews to gather insights for retention strategies.
- Conduct research on industry trends and serve as a supply staff in emergency situations.
- Contribute to the staff newsletter with monthly articles.
- Plan and organize the annual Staff Appreciation Event.
- Provide ideas to better support our staff to engage with shifts, recruit, train and develop, and retain.
Qualifications and Experience
- Must hold an Early Childhood Education Diploma from an accredited institution or its equivalent.
- Must have proof of registration in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Education.
- Must have a current clear Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check.
- Must hold a valid Standard First Aid / CPR-C certificate.
- Must provide an up-to-date immunization record as per new Ministry requirements.
- A minimum of two years of hands-on experience working with children aged 18 months to six years is required, with school-age experience considered an asset.
- A working knowledge of the Ministry of Educations Early Years Act and the City of Toronto’s Assessment for Quality Improvement.
- Proven experience in building partnerships with child care associations.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong command of both written and spoken English.
- Ability to coach staff using positive reinforcement, redirection strategies, and co-regulation.
- Excellent presentation skills and a customer-centric approach, demonstrating patience, professionalism, and a high level of service in all interactions.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, with the ability to work independently while managing time and workload effectively.
- Strong business acumen with a natural drive to achieve goals, focusing on staff retention, satisfaction, and business growth.
- Adaptable, able to thrive in ambiguous situations, and comfortable making proactive recommendations to management.
- Alignment with Sentient HR’s core values of integrity, growth, and excellence.
Working conditions :
- Normal office environment
- Frequent travel beyond normal commute to sites across GTHA