More information about our

Board of Directors

West Ridge Childcare Centre is a voluntary organization which is owned and operated by our members, the parents, on the principle of mutual self-help for mutual benefits.

The Centre is overseen by a Board of Directors which is comprised of 10 members including:

  • Chair,

  • Vice-Chair,

  • Secretary,

  • Treasurer and,

  • up to 5 members-at-Large.

The Director works under the direction of the Board and is responsible for the operation of the centre. Active participation by ALL members is required. Members help by combining their skills and resources to provide childcare services we can all be proud of. The centre is facilitated by a board of directors which is made up of current parents, past parents and community members.

The Board is vested with the authority to make decisions within the limits of all pertinent laws, regulations and standards, and in keeping with the objectives and policies established by the membership.  Board Members are required to act ethically and in the best interests of West Ridge Childcare Centre.  Board Members must put the good of the organization ahead of personal wishes or preferences.  This may be especially challenging in instances such as fee increase or a change to the basic program that will directly affect Board Members’ Children. Bylaws outline the general parameters that the Board operates by in overseeing the affairs of the Centre. A copy of the bylaws is available from the Director.  

Individual concerns of Board Members are handled with the same procedures as other Parent concerns, and are not afforded special treatment.  Individual concerns are defined as those that mainly affect the Board Member’s child, not overall concerns with centre operations.

Organizational Structure / The Chain of Authority is as follows: 

Board of Directors <–> Executive Director <–> Educators <–> Parents <–> Child(ren).

It should be noted that the chain of authority must still respect that each individual has their own skills, abilities, and responsibilities which must be respected by others. 

For example, while the Board has authority over the Executive Director, Board Members should not tell the Executive Director how she/he should do her/his job on a day-to-day basis; Educators have authority over Children, but should not dictate what the children should explore and play

Responsibilities of the Board

  • Plan and ensure implementation of Centre policies and programs;

  • Monitor, control and evaluate the operations of the Centre;

  • Approve the annual budget and maintain control over financial resources;

  • Ensure the preparation and retention of adequate financial and other records;

  • Employ and be responsible for the on-going evaluation of a Centre Director;

  • Provide leadership, recommendations and the information necessary for members to make informed decisions;

  • Encourage active involvement of all members;

  • Report to the membership at annual meetings or other such meetings as required on the conduct of the centre’s business;

  • Ensure that costs of child care are reasonable.

Board Meetings

Meetings of the Board of Directors are held monthly on the last Thursday to discuss all major decisions regarding financial, personnel and operational policies of the Centre. Changes and additions to existing policies must be adopted by a majority of board members. A list of current board members can be obtained from the Director. Board meetings are open to all members. The dates of these meetings are posted on the parent board and in the monthly newsletter/calendar or may be obtained from the Director. The minutes of these meetings can also be obtained from the Director.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held in March each year to allow the Board to address the entire membership in regards to the finances of the centre for the past year, plans for the coming year and to allow for the election of new board members. All families must attend the board meeting. Any active educator currently employed or previously employed at the centre may not be elected to serve on the Board of Directors. The AGM also allows parents the opportunity to address the Board in regards to issues and concerns arising in the past year and to be involved in voting on decisions regarding the centre for the coming year.