Early Learning Assistant

Hourly Rate: $21.50 per hour, inclusive of all government wage subsidy grants

Department: Child Care

Location: Various sites across Brantford

Work Hours: Up to 29 hours per week

Employment Type: Regular Part-time Hourly

Deadline to Apply: Ongoing

Anticipated Start Date: March 2025

**Benefits & Perks**: We offer an array of total rewards to recognize loyalty, longevity, and passion for the work we do:

- Competitive total compensation packages
- Generous pension plans with employer matching
- Free YMCA HBB Health & Fitness Memberships
- Professional development opportunities including paid training and access to YMCA education scholarships and incentives
- Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
- Opportunities for career advancement

**Position Description**:
Early Learning Assistants are responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of a licensed child care program that meets the developmental needs of children 4 - 12 years of age, while adhering to the YMCA HBB policies and procedures, quality standards, as well as the regulations of the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA).

Early Learning Assistants are responsible for the supervision of children at all times during program to ensure the health and safety needs of all are met. Since programs may take place in a shared space, incumbents must have excellent interpersonal skills in order to maintain and foster strong and positive relationships with school personnel, parents and other educators to promote the delivery of high quality child care services within the community.

**In this position, you will**:

- Assist in the planning, organizing, and leading of activities for children 4 to 12 years of age to meet the developmental needs of children. Program numbers range from 10 to 90 children in attendance.
- Understand and comply with all regulatory items as per the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), YMCA and the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, and others.
- Ensure the health and safety of the children is maintained at all times; Must have knowledge of potential hazards and the ability to put a preventative plan in place.
- Assist with children’s personal hygiene, as well as the setup, clean up, and serving of meals, and snacks.
- Utilize appropriate behaviour guidance techniques in all interactions with the children.
- Assume leadership of the program in the absence of the Facilitator/RECE.
- Communicate positively with parents, school personnel and community contacts.
- Participate in Association wide events and attend monthly meetings and professional learning sessions.
- This position requires the ability and flexibility to work a split shift (before and after school hours).
- Program areas are based on shared space within the school, therefore, requiring movement and set up of equipment on a daily, weekly, and/or monthly basis.

**You bring**:

- Completion of High School education or equivalent.
- A minimum of 6 months’ experience working with children, obtained through paid work experience, volunteering, placements, or a combination of the above.
- Must be familiar with the developmental needs of children ranging from ages 0 to 12 years.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport with children, families, staff/volunteers, and community partners.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Working Computer knowledge.
- 18 years of age or older.
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C & AED certification (Level C).
- Current and satisfactory Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

This position requires a commitment to the YMCA HBB mission and core values of: Inclusion, Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility, as well as a commitment to building developmental assets in children and adults.

**Organizational Overview**

As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide solutions. By nurturing the potential of children, youth and adults, the YMCA HBB connects people to life-building opportunities, to each other and enhances their quality of life. We foster social responsibility and healthy living. The YMCA HBB works collectively with community partners that share the YMCA HBB's determination in strengthening the foundations of community for all people.

**Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Accessibility**

The YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or neurodiversity.

**Experience**: Required
- A minimum of 6 months’ experience working with children, obtained through paid work experience, volunteer