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 eight(8) knowledgeable and competent Early Childhood Assistant to join our ELC Team for the Contract Floater Position from June 1, 2025 to November 27, 2026. 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.. 

Shift and room assignments are assigned according to Centre needs and subject to change as necessary. Must be willing to work with all age groups and be flexible to accommodate operational needs. Floaters will be required to travel to varies offices of the Agency or of its affiliates from time to time as part of your duties.

As our new Early Childhood Assistant, you will:

1. Supervision of children in a safe and healthy environment.
2. Update attendance throughout the day.
3. Conduct consistent headcount during all indoors and outdoors transition of children.
4. Assist the RECE in preparing and setting up program activities.
5. Assist with brief observations notes on individual child/children behavior and responses to assist the RECE in tracking the children's developmental needs.
6. Extend a warm welcome to families at all times. Maintain positive and professional relationships with parents, families, peers and visitors to the childcare program.
7. Assists in establishing the daily routines and schedules, provide guidance and consistency in following routines and schedule for the children.
8. Ensures consistent behaviour guidance and management are being followed, which supports the ELC Behaviour Guidance Policy.
9. Discuss and provide brief notes of your observations with team teacher which will be included in program plans activities and children's learning experiences. 
10. Assists in the day-to-day functions of the classroom in accordance with the CCEYA, AQI and TPH.
11. 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.
12. Maintains records, copies of program plans, daily care information and other documentation as required by the ELC director and legislated standards.
13. Assists with opening and closing of the Centre as long an RECE is on staff.
14. Participates regularly in supervision as required by agency policy.
15. Pursues professional development through training sessions and literature.
16. Provides housekeeping duties as assigned by the ELC Director.
17. Responsible for reporting any signs of child abuse to Children Aid Society.
18. Inform ELC Director, in a timely manner and team members of children's illnesses, injuries (with correct documentation) and absenteeism.
19. Any other duties as assigned.

What you bring:

• Early Childhood Assistant certificate, equivalent experience, or currently enrolled in an ECE program
•  Valid Standard First Aid Certificate

Skills, Attributes and Abilities

• Strong customer service capability; with experience in developing and maintaining positive relations with parents, families, peers and guests.
• Be a dedicated and flexible team player able to interact with team members, and colleagues at all levels of the agency.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a respectful and aware manner with groups from diverse background and experiences and socio-economic status.
• May require flexible hours.

Workplace Environment

• Governed by concurrent and dynamic deadlines, despite conflicting priorities and frequent interruptions.
• Fast-paced work environment.
• Interacts with students, teachers, administration, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel under all circumstances.  

Other Requirements

• All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Credential verifications & References required.

Compensation: This is a unionized position under CUPE paying $33,374 per annum and pro-rated based on the length of the contract.

Join Us:

Fostering positive transformations in mental health for over a century, CDI is a world-class leader trusted in helping children, youth and families through a wide range of evidence-informed services to build lasting change.

At CDI, we prioritize the mental well-being and work-life balance of our teams. We acknowledge the reality of the emotionally demanding work each of us puts in every day. To that end, we strive to create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity flourish by offering:

• Flexible hours in a planned program environment.
• A focus on cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities. 

If you want to be part of our vision to make a measurable lifelong impact on the mental health and well-being of children, youth and their families, join us.

Apply Now

If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with every requirement, we encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application.

CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at [email protected].

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