Early Years Educator

Early Years Educator - Full Time (RECE, EYE)

Location: Waterloo Region

Work Hours: Shifts will vary between 7:00am - 6:00pm. 7.5hours per day Monday to Friday.

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: Immediate

Deadline to Apply: October 16, 2026

Starting Rates (funding included)

Early Years Educator - $24.00

Registered Early Childhood Educator - $28.00

Provincial (RECE & EYE), Regional (RECE & EYE) and CWELCC (RECE only) funding grants are included in starting rates provided

Total Rewards Package:

We believe that everyone has the potential to shine Our culture is built around connection, celebration, appreciation, and recognition, and it starts with a total rewards package focused on Well-Being.

Time Away from Work

• 3 weeks of vacation, with the opportunity to earn more as their length of service increases
• 12 well-being days for sick time or proactive self-care, which can be used as they are earned. Bereavement days are also available.

Pension Plan

Full-time employees can join our group pension plan after two consecutive years of employment. Employees contribute 5% of their gross earnings per pay, which is matched by the Y. After three consecutive years of full-time service, participation in the YMCA pension plan becomes mandatory.

Health, Dental and Well Being Benefits

The YMCA of Three Rivers offers a comprehensive group benefits package to full-time employees (starting 3 months after the start date), including:

• Access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program offering free and confidential counseling, resources, and services
• A free YMCA membership for you and your family, providing access to our fitness centers
• Discounts on YMCA programs and services, including childcare

Role Overview

Who we are…

The YMCA of Three Rivers is a charitable organization proudly serving the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. We aspire to build connected and resilient communities. Our mission is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and valueshere.

We strive to be a great place to work for all employees to live in purpose, passion and potential Shine

This is where you come in.

As Canada’s largest not-for-profit child care provider, the YMCA plays a leading role in offering quality care and education to all young children in our communities across Guelph and Wellington Counties, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Regions.

In this role, you will plan and implement a child-centred program in accordance with our Playing to Learn curriculum (0-6 year old) and the YMCA Place to Connect curriculum (6-12 year olds). We are committed to providing you with opportunities to develop your knowledge, skills and career while you enhance the experience of the children and families we serve.

What you will do

• Provide quality compassionate care and support to children and their families
• Build positive relationships with children and see opportunities to deepen connections with parents and families keeping them up to date on their child’s progress.
• Be a creative play partner who is actively engaged with the children and makes learning fun.
• Ensure supervision and safety of children al all times; understand and comply with provincial (CCEYA), municipal and YMCA policies and procedures.
• Observe and expand on children’s learning opportunities and complete required documentation of children’s development and interactions.
• Listen to and respond to children’s needs which include diapering and assisting children with toileting.
• Clean and sanitize child care spaces, toys and equipment; serve food following YMCA health and safety protocols and procedures.
• Attend required curriculum training and professional development opportunities. Maintain qualifications and certifications as required by the YMCA and provincial standards.

What you will bring

Registered Early Childhood Educator

• An Early Childhood Educator Diploma
• Registered (or proof that registration is in process) and in good standing in the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE)

Early Child Care Educator

• Degree or Diploma in Child and Youth Work /Child and Youth