Request for Proposals
Make a Lasting Impact on the Lives of Children, Youth, and Families
At Child Development Institute (CDI), we believe every child and family deserves the opportunity to thrive. Our work is grounded in respect, compassion, and evidence-based practice, and we take pride in being a trusted leader in child development and mental health services. Every member of our team plays a vital role in creating safe, supportive, and empowering environments where strengths are nurtured, challenges are addressed, and hope is restored.
Whether you provide direct care, support program delivery, or work behind the scenes, you will be part of an organization that values inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility and celebrates the unique skills and perspectives each person brings. At CDI, your work will be meaningful, your voice will be heard, and your contributions will help transform lives every day.
This is a rare opportunity to join an organization built on more than 100 years of service to children, youth and families.
Our People
Our mission is to transform the lives of children, youth, and their families through innovative, research-informed mental health and early learning programs.
Children are at the heart of everything we do. They are the foundation of our purpose and the driving force behind our evidence-based strategy. We are deeply committed to supporting the most vulnerable members of our communities and the caregivers who nurture them.
Every day, our teams find hope and joy in moments of play, in quiet reflection, in the sharing of advice, and in witnessing the remarkable strength and resilience of our young clients.
We are seeking individuals who cannot stand by while children and caregivers face challenges in an overwhelmed system. We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic, creative problem solvers who can offer compassion, strength, and guidance.
Teams at CDI are driven by a sense of purpose and grounded in compassion. They are:
- Passionate about empowering children, youth, and families
- Compassionate, creating safe spaces for families and colleagues
- Growth-minded, committed to continuous learning and self-reflection
- Collaborative, valuing cross-disciplinary partnerships
- Proactive, bringing forward creative solutions
- Flexible, adapting to diverse and evolving needs
Our Teams
Impact and Scaling
Roles: Research & Evaluation, Trainer Consultant, Implementation, Affiliate Relations, Project Coordinator, Community Facilitator
Impact: This team ensures that our programs are grounded in evidence, continuously improving, and able to reach more children and families in meaningful ways. By shaping and scaling CDI’s services, they make it possible for our work to touch communities far beyond our immediate reach.
Early Years and Child Care Services
Roles: Early Learning Educators, EarlyON Facilitators, Child Care Consultants
Impact: Our early years teams create environments where young children can grow, explore, and learn, and where caregivers feel supported and connected. Every interaction helps children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and development.
Clinical Services
Roles: Community Child Worker, School Liaison Worker, Psychologist, Social Worker, Child & Family Clinicians, Transitional & Housing Support Worker, Intake Worker, Intensive Family Support Worker, Program Coordinator, Group Facilitator, Camp Counsellor
Impact: Clinical services support children, youth, and families navigating complex challenges. From counselling and therapy to school-based support and specialized camps, these teams provide guidance, care, and opportunities for growth that can transform lives.
Operations
Roles: Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing & Communications, Administration, Facilities, Fund Development
Impact: Our operations teams ensure that every program and service at CDI runs smoothly, is sustainably funded, and evolves to meet the changing needs of the community. The work done here creates the foundation that allows every child, youth, and family we serve to thrive.
Our Values
Accountability
We honour our commitments by consistently acting with integrity and transparency, reporting on our progress towards clear, measurable goals. We adhere to rigorous ethical and professional standards while making the most prudent, efficient use of our resources.
Inclusion
We act on our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) and Truth and Reconciliation across all facets of the organization. We offer a safe and inclusive environment that builds trust, mutual respect and belonging.
Innovation
We embrace opportunities to develop, test and evaluate new and different approaches. By reflecting on lessons learned along with celebrating our successes, we support a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
Collaboration
We work with mutual respect, openness and integrity when collaborating in service of our communities.
Service Excellence
We provide children, youth and their families with high-quality, responsive and inclusive services that generate positive, measurable outcomes for our clients and communities.
What We Offer
Health and Wellness
- Employer-paid single coverage for extended health care, vision and dental, where applicable
- Flexible work week, where applicable
- Hybrid working models, where applicable
- Family and Employee Assistance Program
- Our wellness program Thrive at CDI is designed to support a healthy, resilient and more engaged workforce through meaningful resources and holistic well-being initiatives, including mental health support, fitness and lifestyle programs, nutrition and wellness workshops and flexible work options.
- Wellness days, where applicable
- Expanded group benefits with Social Services paramedical: Psychologist / Social Worker / Guidance Counsellor / Psychotherapist, where applicable
Professional Development & Engagement
- Ongoing training professional development workshops and opportunities for certifications
- Cross-functional collaboration and opportunities for advancement and internal mobility
- Educational Leave of Absence, where applicable
- Opportunity to participate in various organization committees (IDEA Advisory, Continuous Improvement Committee, Social Committee)
- Quarterly Town Hall meetings to foster transparency and team alignment
- Casual staff lounges for connection, including coffee and tea stations that encourage team conversations and collaboration
Financial Security
- Pension plan and retirement plan, where applicable
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance, where applicable
- Maternity Leave Top-up
- Out of Country Insurance, where applicable
- Occupational Insurance
Time Away
- Paid statutory holidays that exceed Ontario’s minimum requirements
- Generous paid vacation time, where applicable
- Paid sick leaves, where applicable
- Winter break office closure, where applicable
Family Friendly Benefits
- Family and Employee Assistance Program
- Maternity Leave Top-up
- Spousal Birth or Adoption Leave, where applicable
Lifestyle Perks
- Goodlife Employee Discount program
- CNE special corporate rates
- Perkopolis savings on shopping, travel, etc.
- City Bikes Corporate Membership offers a 20% discount on annual membership
Employee Recognition Programs
- Peer and organizational recognition and awards
- Annual Staff Appreciation Event
Our Impact (2024-25)
Direct Services
5,576 clients served
Affiliate Sites
11,655 clients served
In Total…
17,231 clients served
~80% more clients served than the previous year
Testimonials
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility
Diversity is at the core of who we are and who we serve.
We are committed to building a highly qualified, diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we support. We strive to create an environment where both employees and clients can be their authentic selves.
We welcome applications from historically marginalized groups, including but not limited to:
- Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour
- People with varying abilities
- 2SLGBTQI+ communities
- Other equity-seeking groups
We take active steps to address racism and inequity, remove barriers, foster accessibility, and embed these commitments in every stage of our work, from recruitment to performance evaluations and promotions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I am interested in joining CDI and do not see an opportunity?
We encourage you to visit our Careers Page regularly or follow us on LinkedIn for the latest news and job postings.
What happens after I submit my application?
You will receive an email confirming that your application has been received. A member of our Talent Management team or Hiring Manager will review your application, and if your skills and experience match our needs, we will contact you to arrange an initial conversation.
How do I apply for accommodations during the hiring process?
Please email careers@childdevelop.ca with your accommodation request. We will work with you to ensure you can fully participate in each stage of the process.
What can I expect from the interview process?
- Initial Conversation – Virtual meeting with a Talent Advisor to review your experience and answer initial questions.
- Team Interview – In-person meeting with the hiring manager and a Human Resources representative at one of our locations in Toronto.
- Final Interview – For some roles, a second in-person interview may be required. You will have an opportunity to ask questions at every stage. We aim to provide feedback within three to five business days after your interview and will notify all candidates once the position is filled.
What is the dress code for the interview?
We are a casual workplace where comfort and approachability are important for connecting with clients. For your interview, wear clothing that you would feel confident wearing to work. Business casual may be required for roles with external stakeholder engagement.
Is it possible to reschedule an interview?
Yes. We understand that unexpected situations can arise. Please give as much notice as possible and reply directly to your interview email. If you need to reschedule with less than 48 hours’ notice, include “Urgent” in the subject line.
What kinds of roles are available at CDI?
We hire for a wide range of positions, including community child workers, social workers, program coordinators, early childhood educators, researchers, administrative staff, fund development specialists, and camp counsellors.
Do you hire students or recent graduates?
Yes. We offer opportunities for students and recent graduates in areas such as early childhood education, social work, research, and program delivery. These can be seasonal, contract, or permanent positions depending on program needs.
Can I apply to more than one position?
Yes. If you are interested in multiple roles that match your skills and experience, you are welcome to apply.
How do you support employee growth and development?
We provide role-specific training, mentorship, professional development workshops, and opportunities for certification. Cross-functional collaboration also provides exposure to various areas of the organization.
What is the typical timeline from application to hiring?
While timelines can vary, most roles follow a three to four-week hiring process from posting to offer.
Are references required?
Yes. References are requested later in the process, typically after the final interview stage.
