Early Childhood Assistant

Be the Spark! Join our professional and passionate team of early childhood educators. The YMCA of Greater Toronto is the largest not-for-profit provider of licensed child care in Canada and we have been making a positive difference in our community by providing quality childcare for over 50 years!

You will plan and deliver a consistent child-centred program in accordance with our YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum (0-6 year olds) and the YMCA Place to Connect curriculum (6-12 year olds). We are committed to providing you with opportunities to develop your knowledge, skills and career while you enhance the experience of the children and families that we serve.

In this role, you will:

• Provide quality compassionate care and support to children and their families
• Build positive relationships with children and seek opportunities to deepen connections with parents and families keeping them up to date on their child’s progress
• Be a creative play partner who is actively engaged with the children and makes learning fun
• Independently ensure the safety and supervisor of children at all times. This role may include periods of sole responsibility for a group of children without other educators present, in accordance with licensing requirements.
• Understand and comply with provincial (CCEYA), municipal and YMCA policies and procedures
• Observe and expand on children’s learning opportunities and complete required documentation of children’s development and interactions.
• Listen to and respond to children’s needs which includes diapering and assisting children with toileting
• Clean and sanitize child care spaces, toys and equipment; Prepare and serve food following YMCA health and safety protocols and procedures
• Understands the legal responsibilities and moral imperative to report suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
• Attend required curriculum training and professional development opportunities. Maintain qualifications and certifications as required by the YMCA and provincial standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned

You bring:

• High School Diploma
• Minimum of six months’ experience working with children. Demonstrated experience leading, supervising and engaging children in structured program environment, including managing routines, transitions and guiding age-appropriate behaviour
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification OR Intermediate First Aid and CPR level C certification issued by a WSIB approved provider prior to the first day of work.
• Up-to-date immunizations required by Public Health
• Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort: lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending and stooping; picking up a child
• Ability to work outdoors for at least 2 hours daily year-round; may be exposed to heat, humidity or cold
• Flexibility and adaptability regarding assigned working hours
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging
• Applicants are required to be a minimum of 18 years of age or older as per Ministry guidelines
• Legally entitled to work in Canada

What you need to succeed:

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
• A commitment to uphold strong, safeguarding practices that protect the safety, well-being, inclusion of children and youth
• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2025–2030 strategic plan, Greater Together, which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.