Access Teaching Assistant

YMCA of Niagara; St. Catharines; On-site; CAD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

YMCA Membership upon hire

Job summary

YMCA of Niagara is hiring an Access Teaching Assistant to support school-age children across Niagara Region YMCA childcare centres. You will assist early educators, help with inclusion, and support children with special needs in small-group activities.

The role is part-time (12.50–25 hours/week) with a budgeted pay range of $20.45–$21.70 per hour and a YMCA membership provided upon hire. A regionally funded contract position with 15 vacancies is available.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and/or youth with special needs or behavioural challenges.
• Applicants must be 18 years or older and energy-focused.
• Commitment to YMCA values and safeguarding policies.

Responsibilities

• Ensure inclusive YMCA childcare experiences and implement inclusion strategies.
• Plan and deliver age-appropriate activities aligned with YMCA objectives.
• Support children with behavioural, physical, or developmental challenges.
• Assist with program implementation and adapt activities as needed for all children.
• Read and apply information from children's support plans and safety protocols.
• Greet families each morning and assist with supervision and transitions.

Skills

Special needs experience

Education

First Aid CPR-C

Job description

Pay or shift range: $20.45 CAD to $21.70 CAD
The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are made within the noted range based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

Description

Access Teaching Assistant

Location YMCA Child Care Centres throughout the Niagara Region

Pay

$20.45 - $21.70 per hour
YMCA Membership upon hire.

Employment Type

Part time – 12.50 – 25 hours per week
(Regionally funded contract position)

Vacancies 15

Placement Date September 2026

Work for a charity that ignites the potential in people. Every. Single. Day.
At the YMCA of Niagara, you’ll be part of a purpose-led organization with a clear focus on community well-being. Our work is powered by relationships and grounded in inclusion. We support people of all ages and circumstances with opportunities that build health, belonging, and connection so individuals and families can grow, lead, and give back.

For more than 165 years, we have been part of the fabric of this region, evolving alongside Niagara and showing up where the need is greatest. With a presence in over 125 program sites, we continue to expand what well-being can look like, creating welcoming spaces where more people can participate and feel they belong.

Guided by our shared values of caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, respect, advocacy, and responsibility, the YMCA offers meaningful roles where your work is felt every day. If you’re ready to bring energy and care to a team that keeps moving forward, you’ll find purpose here.

NATURE & SCOPE

Access Teaching Assistants work in YMCA‑licensed childcare centres, with school‑age children before and after school who may have special needs, physical or behavioural challenges, or medical considerations. Access Teaching Assistants will provide the necessary support to children helping them to be successfully integrated into the YMCA childcare program. The Access Teaching Assistant supports early child Educators by assisting in small group activities and following individual personal profile plans to facilitate the successful inclusion of children and encourage independence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure YMCA Childcare is an inclusive childcare experience and implement strategies to achieve this goal.
• Plan and deliver programs for YMCA Childcare participants following YMCA objectives and Y WAY standards.
• Support Children with behavioural, physical, or developmental challenges.
• Assist with program implementation and adaptation of activities to meet the needs of all of children.
• Read, understand and apply information from children’s support plans.
• Make quick decisions to ensure maximum participant integration and safety.
• Understand and commit to confidentiality.
• Greet parents/guardians each morning when they drop off children and in the evening at pick up.
• Support and work as part of a staff/volunteer team by remaining flexible (willing to learn new skills, adapt approaches).
• Responsible for the safety and security of staff and children.
• Respond to first aid and emergency situations as required, always check for potential health and safety hazards when on duty, and complete incident reports when necessary.
• Embrace diversity and inclusion of all individuals.
• Follow Non‑Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) guidelines (when certified).
• Other duties dependent on the needs of the Child

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working with children and/or youth with special needs/behavioural challenges.
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Values driven individuals who make excellent role models for children and youth.
• Energy, enthusiasm and flexibility.
• Current Intermediate / Standard First Aid with CPR-C.
• The ability to participate in physical activity.
• Participate in training and adhere to the YMCA Child Protection Policy and Procedures.
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) Training is an asset.
• Upon hiring, applicants must submit a clear and satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) issued for the YMCA of Niagara.

COMPETENCIES

Child and Youth Focused

Commits to assisting growth and development among children and youth.

Commitment to Organization Vision and Values

Demonstrates and promotes a personal understand of and appreciation for the mission, vision, strategic outcomes and values of the YMCA.

Concern for Health and Safety

Acknowledges and understands how to manage and educate others of risk and harm reduction.

Creativity and Innovation

Develops new ways or adapts existing ideas to help us achieve desired results.

Team Work

Actively builds teams and encourages open relationships for maximum organizational effectiveness.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested applicants are invited to submit an application by noon on September 4, 2026.

Internal applicants are encouraged to apply on our internal job board by logging into the UKG portal and navigating to myself > my company > view opportunities. Internal applicants are also encouraged to notify their supervisor before applying.

All applicants are thanked for their interest. Only those applicants being considered for an interview will be contacted by email.

Accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities can be arranged upon request.

For more information on other opportunities at the YMCA of Niagara, please visit: ymcaofniagara.org