Early Learning Specialist – Professional Learning Program
Organization: Ottawa Parent Resource Centre (PRC)
Position Type: Part-time, Temporary Contract (10 months)
Contract Period: March 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Hours: 0.6 FTE (18–21 hours per week)
Rate: $35–$40/hour
Location: 300 Goulburn Cres, Ottawa (hybrid; on-site and in-person work; evening work required)
About the Ottawa Parent Resource Centre
The Ottawa Parent Resource Centre (PRC) supports caregivers and families across Ottawa with responsive, evidence-informed programs and services that strengthen parenting capacity, wellbeing, and connection.
Position Summary
The Early Learning Specialist (ELS) will lead the design, coordination, and delivery of the Professional Learning Program (PLP), a comprehensive, sector-wide professional learning initiative delivered by the Ottawa Parent Resource Centre (PRC) in partnership with the City of Ottawa Children’s Services. The role is responsible for advancing professional learning, capacity building, and knowledge sharing across Ottawa’s Child Care and Early Years sector through multiple, interconnected learning modalities.
The ELS will design and facilitate Communities of Practice grounded in reflective practice and guided inquiry, develop accompanying Connect and Reflect Guides and learning resources, and support educators in applying evidence-informed practice within their professional contexts. In addition, the ELS will lead the planning and delivery of professional learning events, contribute original content and curated resources to the Children’s Services ELCC Newsletter, and support Children’s Services in the planning and delivery of a sector-wide Child Care and Early Years Conference.
Working collaboratively with PRC staff, Children’s Services, Professional Learning Champions, and external facilitators, the ELS will ensure that all professional learning activities are aligned with municipal priorities, responsive to sector needs, and accessible to a diverse workforce. The role also includes responsibility for evaluation, knowledge dissemination, and reporting, ensuring that learning outcomes, participant feedback, and emerging insights inform continuous improvement and future professional learning planning within the Professional Learning Program.
What you bring to this role
You bring a strong understanding of the Child Care and Early Years sector, along with experience designing and facilitating adult learning that is reflective, collaborative, and responsive to educator needs. You are highly self-directed and comfortable working independently while also contributing as part of a small, collaborative team. You value relationship-building and have experience leading Communities of Practice that support peer learning, professional dialogue, and shared inquiry. You bring curiosity, creativity, and genuine enthusiasm to building meaningful professional learning experiences, engagement opportunities, and practical resources that support and inspire Early Childhood Educators and Early Years professionals.
Reports to: Executive Director
Key Responsibilities
Professional Learning Design & Curriculum Development
- Lead the design and development of curriculum and learning frameworks for the Professional Learning Program, including Communities of Practice, professional learning events, and sector-wide learning initiatives.
- Develop reflective, evidence-informed learning materials, including Connect and Reflect Guides, session resources, and take-away tools that support application to practice.
- Ensure learning content reflects current research, sector priorities, and diverse educator contexts.
Adult Learning & Professional Development
- Apply adult learning principles to design and deliver engaging, relevant, and accessible professional learning experiences for Child Care and Early Years professionals.
- Support educators’ professional growth through reflective practice, guided inquiry, peer learning, and collaborative problem-solving.
- Adapt learning approaches to respond to participant interests, needs, and emerging sector issues.
Facilitation & Community of Practice Leadership
- Facilitate and co-facilitate Communities of Practice using a reflective and inquiry-based approach that centres participant voice and shared learning.
- Create inclusive learning environments that promote trust, professional dialogue, and sustained engagement.
- Collaborate with external facilitators and subject-matter specialists to support high-quality learning experiences while maintaining the integrity of the Community of Practice model.
Communications & Knowledge Sharing
- Develop and contribute professional learning content for the Children’s Services ELCC Newsletter, including original articles and curated resources.
- Support ongoing communication and knowledge sharing across the sector through digital platforms and professional networks.
- Translate research, learning insights, and practice-based knowledge into clear, accessible formats for diverse audiences.
Collaboration, Coordination & Sector Engagement
- Work collaboratively with Children’s Services, PRC staff, Professional Learning Champions, and sector partners to align professional learning activities with municipal priorities.
- Support Children’s Services in the planning and delivery of a sector-wide Child Care and Early Years Conference, contributing to agenda design, learning outcomes, and participant experience.
- Participate in professional learning working groups or steering committees to support system-level coordination and planning.
Evaluation, Reflection & Continuous Improvement
- Design and implement evaluation approaches to assess engagement, learning outcomes, and effectiveness across Communities of Practice, professional learning events, and conference activities.
- Analyze qualitative and quantitative feedback and integrate findings into program refinement and future planning.
- Contribute to reporting, documentation of outcomes, and knowledge dissemination within the Professional Learning Program.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in the Child Care and Early Years sector, including experience in leadership, mentoring, or professional learning roles.
- Demonstrated experience in curriculum development, adult education, or professional development design.
- Strong facilitation skills, with experience leading Communities of Practice, workshops, or collaborative learning forums.
- Knowledge of current research and practice related to child development, pedagogy, mental health and well-being, equity and inclusion, and reflective practice.
- Experience developing written learning resources, articles, or professional communications for sector audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with community partners, municipal stakeholders, and diverse professional groups.
- Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams within a part-time role.
Education
- Degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Community Development or related field; background in Adult Education or a related discipline considered an asset; RECE designation considered an asset
Language
- Fluent in English, oral and written
- Bilingualism/multilingualism an asset
Additional Requirements
- Criminal Reference Check for the Vulnerable Sector is required
- Ability to work evening and weekend shifts as required
- Maintain all required professional accreditation/credentials in good standing
Salary
$35–$40/hour
Hours
Part-time, fixed-term contract; March 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026; Approximately 18–21 hours per week
Benefits
The PRC offers generous vacation, sick days and personal days annually, as well as professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
If you are eager to share your knowledge, experience and expertise with the PRC, please send a one-page cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your skills and experience will support the work of the PRC to selectioncommittee@parentresource.ca. Please save your cover letter and resume as one document as a PDF and title it: LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_ELS_PRC
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received and until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is early March 2026 or as soon as available.
The Parent Resource Centre fosters a positive inclusive workplace culture, with a workforce that is representative of the families and communities we serve. Committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, the PRC encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and those who may need accommodation to apply to join its team. Should you require accommodation during the application process, please reach out to selectioncommittee@parentresource.ca.
Thank you for your interest in applying to join the Ottawa Parent Resource Centre. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
