Child Care Cook/Early Years Educator - Full Time

YMCA of Three Rivers; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 46,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

YMCA family membership

Pension plan after two years

Vacation & well-being days

Health, dental & well-being benefits

Job summary

The YMCA of Three Rivers is hiring a full-time Child Care Cook/Early Years Educator for the Waterloo Region location. You will lead meal preparation for children 0–12, ensuring nutrition, safety, and adherence to licensing standards.

The role blends cooking duties with early years education responsibilities, supervised within a supportive team. You will work 7.5 hours per day, Monday to Friday, with shifts 7:00am–6:00pm.

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma required.
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C before first day.
• Food Handlers Certificate required.
• Knowledge of Food Safety in the workplace.
• Up-to-date immunizations required by Public Health.
• Legally entitled to work in Canada.

Responsibilities

• Lead in preparing and serving nutritious, well-balanced snacks and meals for children aged 0–12 in a licensed setting.
• Ensure compliance with Public Health regulations, Child Care and Early Years Act, and YMCA Best Practices.
• Collaborate with team to maintain quality care and safety, including allergy accommodations.

Skills

Food Handlers Certificate

Food Safety knowledge

First Aid & CPR C

Public health awareness

Diversity & inclusion

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Child Care Cook/Early Years Educator – Full Time

Location: St. Andrew YMCA Child Care, Waterloo Region (New Centre)

Location may be different if internal movement takes place and backfill is needed.

Work Hours: 7.5 hours per day, Monday to Friday. Shifts will vary between 7:00am – 6:00pm.

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: ApproximatelyDecember 14, 2026

Deadline to Apply: October 19, 2026

Starting Rate (funding included)

• Child Care Cook – $22.00
• Early Years Educator – $24.00
• Registered Early Childhood Educator – $28.00

Provincial (RECE & EYE), Regional (RECE & EYE) and CWELCC (RECE only) funding grants are included in starting rates provided. Funding grants not applicable when in the kitchen.

Total Rewards Package

We believe that everyone has the potential to shine! Our culture is built around connection, celebration, appreciation, and recognition, and it starts with a total rewards package focused on Well-Being.

Time Away from Work

• 3 weeks of vacation, with the opportunity to earn more as their length of service increases
• 12 well‑being days for sick time or proactive self-care, which can be used as they are earned. Bereavement days are also available.

Pension Plan

Full-time employees can join our group pension plan after two consecutive years of employment. Employees contribute 5% of their gross earnings per pay, which is matched by the Y. After three consecutive years of full-time service, participation in the YMCA pension plan becomes mandatory.

Health, Dental and Well Being Benefits

• Prescription drugs, Basic dental coverage, Paramedical services, Vision care
• Access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program offering free and confidential counseling, resources, and services
• A free YMCA membership for you and your family, providing access to our fitness centers
• Discounts on YMCA programs and services, including childcare

Role Overview

Who we are…

The YMCA of Three Rivers is a charitable organization proudly serving the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. We aspire to build connected and resilient communities. Our mission is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and values here.

We strive to be a great place to work for all employees to live in purpose, passion and potential Shine!

This is where you come in.

As Canada’s largest not-for-profit child care provider, the YMCA plays a leading role in offering quality care and education to all young children in our communities across Guelph and Wellington Counties, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Regions.

What you will do…

You will be a leader in a vibrant child care community supporting the growth and development of children 0-12 years of age by purchasing, preparing and serving nutritional, well balanced snacks and meals. Your work will ensure that we fulfill the vision and commitment of licensed quality care locally and provincially, and will reinforce Public health regulations, the Child Care and Early Years Act, and YMCA Best Practices; to support quality excellence. Your attention to detail and time management skills will be essential in this fast paced environment as you strive to meet the daily nutritional requirements for children including those with food allergies or intolerances. You are happiest being a part of a larger team but also bring the self management skills required to work independently with minimal supervision.

What you will bring…

• Minimal High School Diploma
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification prior to the first day of work
• Food Handlers Certificate
• Knowledge of Food Safety in the workplace
• 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
• 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

Additional Information

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Child and Youth

In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on completing a current Vulnerable Sector Check and employment reference checks. Vulnerable Sector Checks are reviewed individually, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision‑making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position. Vulnerable Sector Checks must be renewed every three years.

Our Commitment to JAIDE (Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity)

We embrace the values of Justice, Access, Inclusion Diversity and Equity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender‑diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign‑born residents, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, or any protected group. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups.

Studies have shown that women and people of equity deserving backgrounds are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification in the posting. We understand the knowledge and experience can be gained in many ways, so we strongly encourage applications even if you don’t believe you meet all the requirements outlined.

Per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers.

Our Commitment to Privacy

The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation, and privacy laws. We are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information‑handling practices that are in keeping with privacy laws. Please visit ourwebsitefor more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.