Child Care Educator

Join the YMCA Child Care Team at the Zorra YMCA in Thamesford, ON

Be the Spark Join our professional and passionate team of early childhood educators and be the spark that ignites the potential in others.

Our culture is of paramount importance to us. We formally measure employee engagement annually to ensure our employees are having an excellent employment experience. Our current level of engagement is 80%, compared to some Canadian employer statistics of 69%.

YMCA of Southwestern Ontario was founded in 1856 and has over 200 locations from Goderich to Point Pelee, and Windsor to Woodstock. We are one of the largest not-for-profit providers of licensed child care in Canada and have over 100 school age programs across our regions. We also offer settlement services to newcomers, employment programs, mental health support, and youth programs. YMCA of Southwestern Ontario operates two overnight camps, one in Point Pelee National Park, and one on Beausoleil Island in Muskoka. We also have 15 Health & Fitness branches across Southwestern Ontario.

Why The Y?

At the Y, our people are central to delivering our mission. We are committed to the development of healthy communities and welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities.

We provide valuable training and development opportunities to help our team members grow professionally and personally.

We look for the following qualities in all of our employees and volunteers:

• Demonstrates our Core Values; Caring, Honesty, Respect & Responsibility and Inclusivity
• Fun, Enthusiastic & Friendly Individuals
• Hardworking and Dependable
• Positive Role Model
• Team Player
• Professionalism
• Enjoy working in a Social Environment
• Ability to effectively communicate with Employees & Members

Employees and volunteers of YMCA of Southwestern Ontario are ambassadors for the Y both on and off the job. We rely on them to help share our mission and increase awareness of the positive impact the Y can have on the lives of people in their communities. Particularly how we are helping to create healthy children, healthy families, and healthy communities.

All employees and volunteers are required to provide a current satisfactory Criminal Record and may require a Vulnerable Sector Search as a condition of their employment. Police Record checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirements of the position, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered gainful employment.

Position: Registered Early Childhood Educator 4 positions)

Licensed Child Care, Zorra YMCA 163 Brock Street, Thamesford, ON N0M 2M0

Please note this is a rural community, and public transit or driving services are not available

Start Date: Mid February 2026

Compensation: Starting rates are dependent on region, qualifications, and contract.

• Members of the College of Early Childhood Educators, Ontario - up to $25.86 per hour (includes government wage enhancements for 2026)

As part of your total compensation:

• Receive a complimentary YMCA personal membership to our Health & Fitness facilities, and discounts on YMCA child care and camp programs
• Access vacation entitlement in accordance with the employment standards regulations, and up to 12 paid personal days annually
• Benefits package and Pension, applicable with position/contract length
• Be part of a caring and supportive network of people to help each other succeed
• Complimentary access to wellness and counselling services
• Contribute to real, meaningful impact in the lives of children and youth

Schedule:

• 7.5 hour workday, Monday through Friday, 37.5 hour work week
• Required to rotate shifts that cover the full hours of operation of the centre

In this role, you will:

• Plan and deliver a consistent child-centered program, in accordance with our YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum (0-6 year olds)
• Provide quality compassionate care and support to children and their families
• Ensure supervision and safety of children at all times; Understand and comply with provincial (CCEYA), municipal and YMCA policies and procedures
• Be committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging
• Embrace and exemplify the Y's core values

Education & Skills Qualifications:

• Registered member in good standing (or proof that registration is in process) with the College of Early Childhood Educators Ontario (CECE)
• Graduates in a related field of study must be members of their associations as required
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification or include the date of training scheduled within the next three months. Training cost and time is at the expense of the applicant and not reimbursed
• Applicants are required to be a minimum of 18 years of age or older to obtain a current Vulnerable Criminal Reference Check (less than 6 months old)
• Up-to-date immunizations required by Public Health, Ministry of Education and YMCASWO
• Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort: lifting to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending, and stooping
• Legally entitled to work in Canada

Why the Y?

The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is committed to the development of healthy communities and welcomes people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as one of Canada's Top Employers. We offer meaningful employment and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

NOTE: The YMCA of Southwestern Ontario is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for all stakeholders including our members/participants, employees, job applicants, suppliers, and any visitors who may enter our premises, access our information, or use our services. As an organization, we respect and uphold the requirements set forth under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), and its associated standards and regulations.

Candidates, please be advised that our recruitment process incorporates AI technology for initial application screening. This assists us in efficiently assessing qualifications. Rest assured, our recruiters will additionally review resumes to ensure a fair and accurate assessment is completed.