Child Care Educator

Child Care Educator at YMCA of Greater Toronto

Join the professional and passionate team of early childhood educators at the YMCA of Greater Toronto, Canada's largest not-for-profit provider of licensed child care. For over 50 years, the YMCA has been dedicated to making a positive difference in the community by offering quality childcare. This role provides an opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills, and career while enhancing the experience of children and families.

About the Role

As a Child Care Educator, you will be instrumental in planning and delivering consistent, child-centred programs, adhering to the YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum (0-6 year olds) and the YMCA Place to Connect curriculum (6-12 year olds). This is a contract position for 8 weeks, with multiple vacancies across various locations.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care and support to children and their families.
• Build positive relationships with children, parents, and families, keeping them informed of child progress.
• Actively engage with children as a creative play partner to make learning fun.
• Independently ensure the safety and supervision of children at all times.
• Comply with provincial (CCEYA), municipal, and YMCA policies and procedures.
• Observe and expand on children’s learning opportunities, completing required documentation.
• Listen and respond to children’s needs, including diapering and assisting with toileting.
• Work collaboratively to support an inclusive environment for children with developmental and behavioural special needs.
• Clean and sanitize child care spaces, toys, and equipment; prepare and serve food following health and safety protocols.
• Understand and fulfill legal and moral obligations to report suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services.
• Attend required curriculum training and professional development, maintaining all necessary qualifications and certifications.
• Perform other assigned duties.

What You Bring

Qualifications vary based on the specific educator role:

• Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE): Early Childhood Educator Diploma and current registration (or in process) with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE).
• Early Learning Facilitator: Registration with the Ontario College of Teachers, OR a diploma/degree in Child and Youth Care, OR a diploma/degree in Recreation and Leisure Services from a publicly funded Ontario institution.
• Early Childhood Assistant: High School Diploma.

General Qualifications for All Roles:

• Must be between 18 and 30 years of age at the start of employment.
• Valid Social Insurance Number and legal entitlement to work in Canada.
• Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person with refugee protection status (funding requirement).
• Minimum of six months’ experience working with young children.
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification prior to the first day of work.
• Up-to-date immunizations as required by Public Health.
• Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort (lifting up to 20 kg, bending, stooping, picking up a child).
• Ability to work outdoors for at least 2 hours daily year-round.
• Flexibility and adaptability regarding assigned working hours.

What You Need to Succeed:

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values.
• Strong focus on the health, safety, and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people.
• Demonstrated YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter.

Why Work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity dedicated to igniting potential and fostering community. They are recognized as a great place to work, offering meaningful jobs and opportunities to make a real difference. Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of service in health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, and more. The organization is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, inviting applications from all qualified candidates and providing accommodations for accessibility during the recruitment process.

Key skills/competency

• Child Development
• Curriculum Planning
• Child Supervision
• Safety Protocols
• Relationship Building
• Inclusive Practices
• Documentation
• First Aid & CPR
• Health & Hygiene
• Team Collaboration