Early Childhood Assistant

About us...

Mouse & Ru is expanding and we are looking for qualified ECA's to join our growing team

**Mission Statement**
Mouse & Ru Preschool recognizes the significant importance of the early years in children’s development and strives to provide children with a strong foundation of care and learning. We endeavour to deliver an enriching child-centered, family-oriented, play-based learning program, based on the philosophy of children as competent and active learners.

We are committed to supporting children and families through developing positive relationships built on respect and by providing a safe and caring environment that enhances children’s social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development. Our program encourages authentic learning, rich language development and collaborative inquiry.

**Philosophy**
At Mouse & Ru Preschool, we believe that children are active participants in their learning. We view children as competent, capable, curious learners and rich in potential. They learn best when they are interested and engaged in play and experiences that encourage and support active exploration and collaborative inquiry. The programs at Mouse & Ru Preschool are developed with a child-centered approach. Daily learning experiences are meaningful and adapted to the developmental stage and interest of the children.

**Responsibilities**
- Along with other staff, under the supervision of the Supervisor, plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum including indoor and outdoor education activities, and experiences for children between the ages of 18 months to 5 years of age, according to the program statement and philosophy, applicable Ministry of Education Frameworks
- Uphold and support Mouse & Ru Preschool’s philosophy, mission statement & core values
- Review and adhere to all policies and procedures
- Review and understand all information concerning medical conditions (including Anaphylactic Emergency Plans), medical requirements, exceptionalities, allergies, food restriction and parental preferences in respect to diet, exercise and rest time
- Ensure facilities are a clean and safe environment which includes cleaning and disinfecting toys, washrooms, sweeping floors after meals, vacuuming at the end of the day, laundering of linens, etc.
- Actively develop positive, professional, and trusting relationship with all families
- Engage in positive interactions with children, reinforcing positive social skills and role-modelling positive behavior and communication when speaking with fellow co-workers, children, and parents
- Respond to challenging behaviors with the most appropriate and effective, but least intrusive strategy
- Model resiliency and problem-solving skills to help children identify their feelings, the feelings of others and possible solutions to problems
- Organize the learning environments in a way that is natural, aesthetically appealing, uncluttered, engaging, and welcoming
- Make daily observations in the program, which may include photograph observations and samples of children’s work (e.g., artwork) and use this information to reflect and guide future planning
- Document communication from parents, safety concerns and changes in child’s well being in daily logbook
- Continue to grow & seek new professional skills through professional development opportunities
- Responsible for the constant supervision, safety, and well-being of students while maintaining an environment that protects student’s health and security
- Provide a physically safe and emotionally supportive environment
- Observe children for daily overall health and assess abilities, interests and needs to communicate progress or concerns
- Engage each child individually each day, and make every effort to greet every parent/guardian/caregiver
- Work collaboratively with other team members in caring for children and the overall operation of the preschool
- Maintain regular and open communication with co-workers and parents
- Maintain up to date student records
- Assist with proper eating, dressing and toilet habits
- Arrange rooms or furniture for lunch, rest periods and end of day transitions
- Maintain daycare equipment and assist in housekeeping and serving duties
- Checking prepared food when delivered and divide food for each classroom
- Perform other duties as assigned

**Qualifications**
- Registered ECE status in good standing with the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators, proof of membership must be provided (note, for Assistant position this is not required)
- Upon hiring must obtain new Vulnerable Sector Police Check and up-to-date Immunizations (including TB screenings)
- Valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification (or willing to obtain)
- Valid Food handling certificate (or willing to obtain)
- Previous experience working with children aged 18 months to 5 years & a passion for working with them
- Strong interpersonal & communication skills
- Provide childcare that is in al