Early Childhood Assistant

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction, and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision, and values of hope, service, dignity, and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life – there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement: The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs, and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description: Early Childhood Assistant

The Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) at The Salvation Army in Canada provides a safe, nurturing, and happy learning environment that supports children’s overall well-being. Aligned with How Does Learning Happen? (HDLH), the ECA collaborates with the Lead RECE and the Childcare Center Supervisor to plan and implement responsive, age-appropriate programs that foster children’s spiritual, social, physical, emotional, and developmental growth.

Key responsibilities include supporting play-based learning, maintaining a safe and inclusive space, and building positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues. The ECA ensures activities are co-constructed to provide meaningful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

Key Accountabilities

The incumbent will perform a range of duties including:

Child Development And Care

• Support the RECE and other ECA staff in facilitating the development and behavior of children.
• Support implementation and evaluation of age-appropriate programs.
• Use a variety of observation and documentation techniques.
• Facilitate cognitive, language, social, emotional, creative, and physical development of children and acceptance of diversity.
• Support the holistic development of all children.
• Build meaningful relationships with the children.
• Identify and expand upon learning opportunities ('teachable moments').
• Identify and support children’s individual learning and development, as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Meet health, welfare, and safety needs; implement preventative measures.
• Follow safe travelling and off-site practices, providing adequate supervision.
• Follow safe toileting and diapering procedures; provide first-aid/CPR.
• Protect children from physical and emotional harm; implement emergency and evacuation plans.
• Identify and report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.
• Promote a healthy lifestyle and actively supervise children.
• Meet nutritional needs and accommodate special dietary requirements.
• Model and teach proper table manners.
• Establish an environment to foster positive behavior, guide and observe children.
• Implement positive behavior guidance; facilitate appropriate language, conflict resolution, empathy, problem-solving, and coping skills.
• Use and promote active listening skills.
• Adhere to all requirements set out by Local Public Health and the CCEYA Act.

Equipment & Facilities

• Develop and maintain a safe environment, checking for physical hazards and reporting them.
• Maintain and implement safety standards and protocols.
• Use developmentally appropriate equipment.
• Operate and maintain facilities, equipment, materials, and furnishings.
• Monitor cleanliness and sanitation of all areas used by children as per policy and guidelines.

Family And Community Relations

• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with families.
• Orient families to the program; provide family resources and raise awareness of community events.
• Advocate for children and families; provide an inclusive environment.
• Collaborate with parents to identify strengths, needs, and interests of the child.

Record Keeping

• Complete child’s daily log on CRAFTS for parents and daily program log/record in classroom daily/weekly/monthly.
• Attend parent meetings, staff meetings, and other job-related activities, which may be after hours.
• Fulfill all other related duties as assigned.

Critical Relationship Management

• Internal: Staff members, volunteers, children in the program.
• External: Parents and guardians, regulatory agencies, Ministry of Education, Public Health, and other relevant agencies.

Working Conditions

The role frequently requires lifting/moving equipment and children, room set-up, moderate teaching, and use of a tablet or iPad for parent communication. There is a possibility of intervening in physical confrontations, cleaning facilities, and putting up wall displays. The incumbent is required to lift up to 30 pounds without assistance. Exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, verbal abuse, tantrums, and noise is expected. Little to no travel may be required.

Education And Experience Qualifications

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• 18 years of age or older (Canada Summer Job age requirement: between 18-30 years of age).
• Excellent oral & written communication skills.
• Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening completed.
• Updated Medical completed.
• Standard First Aid & Level C CPR.
• Completion of all on-line Salvation Army courses.
• Food Handlers Certificate is an asset.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to a vehicle is an asset (for travel to multiple locations).
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Experience And Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• One year of related experience.
• Knowledge and experience in implementing and evaluating programs.

Skills And Capabilities:

• Willingness to understand and support The Salvation Army’s mission.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by health and safety policies.
• Ability to provide a satisfactory Background Check and clearance through the internal child abuse registry.
• Completion of Salvation Army Armatus abuse training and online health and safety training upon hiring.
• Ability to put children at ease and create a warm, friendly environment.
• Ability to communicate kindly, stay calm, and be patient.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to conduct self professionally, follow policies, and use a code of ethics.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain work/life balance, engage in self-assessment, and maintain physical/mental well-being.
• Participate in professional development (minimum 8 hours per year).

Key skills/competency

• Child Development
• Early Childhood Education
• Program Planning & Implementation
• Child Safety & Welfare
• Behavior Guidance
• First Aid/CPR
• Family Communication
• Record Keeping (CRAFTS)
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Health & Sanitation