Early Childhood Assistant

**Who we are**

Children are at the front and centre of what we do; they are the foundation of our purpose and the basis for our evidence-driven strategy. Our mission is to transform the lives of children, youth and their families by developing and delivering innovative, research-based mental health and early learning programs. At the Child Development Institute (CDI), we are passionate about helping our communities’ most vulnerable members and their caregivers. It motivates each of us to face what can be difficult situations while continuously finding the purest joy in play, in silence, in advice, and in the unbelievable strength and resilience of our young clients. Joining us now is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an organization that is built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families.

Recognized as a leader and model for measurement-based impact, we are client-centred, family-centred, and data-informed. We are a place where professionals grounded in mental health, care, and well-being of infants, children and youth, come together in collaboration, learning and inclusion. As a multiservice organization delivering social, emotional, and behavioural counselling services, early childhood education, learning disabilities and mental health services, and family violence services, we address the whole person from when they begin their life. Every child and family that reaches out to us is unique, and we value and embrace their individuality. We deliver the tailored support and tools they need to build life-long skills, positive mental health, and resilience. With their trust in us, we guide children and families along a supportive journey. It is an often difficult path and simultaneously the most rewarding experience for providers, children and families.

**Position Summary**

Along with providing a safe and nurturing environment the ECA with the guidance of the RECE will assist in the implementation of the children’s program. The ECA should be aware of and understand the developmental requirements for the age group they are working with. The Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) Toronto Children’s Service
- Assessment for Quality Improvement (AQI), Toronto Public Health (TPH) and ‘How Does Learning happen?’, Ontario pedagogy for the Early years. To work in a team teaching environment under the direction of ELC Director and the Registered Early Childhood Educator.

**Who we need**

The CDI, Early Learning Centre is seeking **three(3)** knowledgeable and competent **Early Childhood Assistant** to join our **ELC Team** for the **18-month Contract Floater Position.** Along with providing a safe and nurturing environment the incumbent with the guidance of the RECE will assist in the implementation of the children’s program for the age group they are working with.
- This is a 25-hour weekly(5-hour per day), on-site, daytime position, working M-F, shifts may vary from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.._

**As our new Early Childhood Assistant, you will**:

- Supervision of children in a safe and healthy environment.
- Update attendance throughout the day.
- Conduct consistent headcount during all indoors and outdoors transition of children.
- Assist the RECE in preparing and setting up program activities.
- Assist with brief observations notes on individual child/children behavior and responses to assist the RECE in tracking the children’s developmental needs.
- Extend a warm welcome to families at all times. Maintain positive and professional relationships with parents, families, peers and visitors to the childcare program.
- Assists in establishing the daily routines and schedules, provide guidance and consistency in following routines and schedule for the children.
- Ensures consistent behaviour guidance and management are being followed, which supports the ELC Behaviour Guidance Policy.
- Discuss and provide brief notes of your observations with team teacher which will be included in program plans activities and children’s learning experiences.
- Assists in the day-to-day functions of the classroom in accordance with the CCEYA, AQI and TPH.
- Ensure the room is organized at all times; toys and equipment, etc... Help older children to be responsible for cleanup, work with placement students to label and organize.
- Maintains records, copies of program plans, daily care information and other documentation as required by the ELC director and legislated standards.
- Assists with opening and closing of the Centre as long an RECE is on staff.
- Participates regularly in supervision as required by agency policy.
- Pursues professional development through training sessions and literature.
- Provides housekeeping duties as assigned by the ELC Director.
- Responsible for reporting any signs of child abuse to Children Aid Society.
- Inform ELC Director, in a timely manner and team members of children’s illnesses, injuries (with correct documentation) and absenteeism.
- Any other duties as assigned.

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