Become a Child Care Educator Today

YMCA of Greater Toronto; Ontario; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the YMCA of Greater Toronto as an Early Childhood Educator and make a meaningful impact in children's lives. You will engage with children through play-based learning, provide nurturing support, and receive training opportunities to advance your career in child care. This role is your chance to be a vital part of an organization committed to quality early childhood education.

Benefits

Sponsorship for Registered Early Childhood Educator credentials

Bursaries and scholarships available

1:1 mentorship from experienced staff

Qualifications

• Committed to nurturing children's development in a caring environment.
• Experience or education in early childhood education is essential.
• Ability to foster learning through play and creative activities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engaging learning activities for children.
• Support children's social and emotional development.
• Collaborate with families to enhance children's experiences.

Skills

Compassion

Creativity

Communication

Education

Early Childhood Education Diploma

Job description

Be more than a teacher.
Be more than an instructor.
Be more than a friend.
Be the Spark that allows a child to shine.

We have been providing child care for more than 50 years

We are Canada's largest not-for-profit child care provider

We developed YMCA Playing to Learn, a play-based curriculum used throughout North America

We offer child care at over 300 locations and are expanding

See the Impact

Want to know what it's like to be a child care educator at the YMCA? Check out the videos below to "spend a day" with an educator working in one of our programs.

Infant, with Paula

Toddler, with Katerina

Preschool, with Petra

Before & After School, with Alicia

These are real stories from passionate educators who are building their careers—and helping children shine.

Jenny brings children's ideas to life—like building a drive-through restaurant for imaginative play in her Before & After School program.

Muneeza works with infants and creates hands-on, sensory activities based on what interests them—like foil puffer fish after a story about sea animals.

Tatiana loves planning activities that connect to children’s interests—like turning “Ghostbusters” into a haunted house full of preschool fun.

Vanessa started as supply staff and became an On-Site Supervisor in just four months. Today, she leads a vibrant Before & After School program.

Here’s what the families of children in our care programs have to say about YMCA educators.

"Your work is so important, and on behalf of all the children you nurture and support, and the caregivers who appreciate all that you do, THANK YOU with our whole hearts! You are truly fundamental. "

– The Lye Family

"We want to thank all of you for all the learning and fun you bring to our child’s life. We are grateful for the love and care you show our child every day. Your hard work and commitment are greatly appreciated."

"Thank you for all that you do! Your compassion, hard work and dedication to our little one doesn't go unnoticed. We appreciate you all!"

"Your kindness, dedication, and tireless efforts in nurturing and guiding my baby mean the world to us. You’ve created a loving environment where my baby flourishes every day. We deeply appreciate your unwavering care and remarkable impact."

"Dear teachers, Your love, care and passion are greatly appreciated. We cannot thank you enough for all the fun and teachings you’re sharing to the little ones. Bless you all!"

– Eulia Jiang

"Thank you for all that you do for our little ones! Through infant, toddler, and preschool, our son has been so lucky to be surrounded by educators who are the absolute BEST in every way!"

– Roshan’s Family

"Your work is so important, and on behalf of all the children you nurture and support, and the caregivers who appreciate all that you do, THANK YOU with our whole hearts! You are truly fundamental. "

– The Lye Family

"We want to thank all of you for all the learning and fun you bring to our child’s life. We are grateful for the love and care you show our child every day. Your hard work and commitment are greatly appreciated."

Hear From Our Team

“Our team here, I would definitely say we’re a family”

-Deanna Prasad, Early Childhood Educator, Brampton Kennedy Road Child Care Centre

"In terms of training and resources and tools...you're going to get it at the YMCA."

-Tano Sala, Supervisor, Mississauga Meadowvale YMCA Child Care Centre

"I’m coming to work....to be a play partner, to foster learning, to empower children."

-Shanta Maharaj, Early Childhood Educator, Brampton Our Lady of Peace YMCA Child Care Centre

“The thing that I find most rewarding…is just seeing that spark in those children’s eyes.”

-Chantol Jackson, Recruitment Coordinator, Scarborough and York, YMCA of Greater Toronto Talent Acquisition

Choose an Employer That Cares

Join a charity that’s been recognized as one of theGreater Toronto Area’s Top Employersfor 17 consecutive years. We’re committed to building a workplace where people feel supported, enjoy what they do, and have room to grow. By participating in Top Employer programs, we continue to raise the bar and create meaningful work experiences for our employees.

Students get a bright start through placements at the Y

The YMCA of Greater Toronto has a long history of supporting student placements, guiding and mentoring the future generation of early childhood educators. Students who complete their placement at the YMCA have the opportunity to start their child care career at the Y upon graduation.

If you are a student, please talk to your school’s Placement Coordinator about opportunities at the YMCA of Greater Toronto.

Real-world experience while you study

Every semester, 150 to 200 students gain hands-on experience at the Y

The ECE Bridge to Work Program prepares newcomers to Canada for successful employment in child care.

This free program includes:

• Pre-employment training to prepare you for the Canadian workplace.
• A paid work placement at a YMCA of Greater Toronto child care setting
  
  We are currently recruiting for a session starting Summer 2025.

Work at the Y and complete your Child Development Practitioner apprenticeship

The YMCA of Greater Toronto supports educators through on-the-job training that meets Skilled Trades Ontario requirements. If you're working toward your Child Development Practitioner (CDP) Apprenticeship Certificate, we’ll help you get there.

We offer:

• Sponsorship and hands-on experience toward your Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) credentials
• 1:1 mentorship from experienced senior staff
• Access to bursaries and scholarships
• Help finding placements and new career opportunities

We are hiring throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Find the role that's right for you.

Difficulty submitting your application? Email us your resume and quote the job posting number.