Childcare Assistant

Northwest Employment Works; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local community organization is seeking a dedicated individual to support the Aboriginal Head Start program in Northwestern Ontario. The role involves planning and implementing daily activities that promote culture, health, and learning for children. Candidates should have strong communication skills and a Secondary School Diploma, along with an understanding of Anishnaabe culture. The position requires excellent organizational abilities, effective interaction with children, and a commitment to fostering a safe environment. Relevant certifications and a knowledge of Indigenous culture are considered assets.

Qualifications

• Current certification in Standard First Aid and Level 'C' CPR is an asset.
• Vulnerable Sector Check, TB Skin Test, and Immunization Record required.
• Safe Food Handling Course is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning and implementing daily program activities.
• Maintain clean and safe facilities and equipment.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping for incidents.
• Supervise and ensure the safety of children during activities.

Skills

Creative problem-solving skills

Strong communication skills

Excellent organizational skills

Ability to effectively interact with children

Education

Secondary School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Aboriginal Head Start Services and Delivery

• Assists in planning and implementing daily program that reflects the philosophy of the TBAHS program: Health, Culture & Language, Nutrition education, Parental/caregiver involvement, and Social Support programs.
• Assists with crafts and other activities in the classrooms.
• Ensures equipment and facilities are clean and safe at all times.
• Assists in ensuring logbooks and required recordings concerning classroom, playground, children, and parental/caregiver interactions are maintained throughout each day for incident reporting and future clarification purposes.
• Helps to build self-esteem and creates empowerment to children and their families.
• Provides children with a safe and supportive environment that is culturally relevant and culturally appropriate which will help children develop socially, intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually in a developmentally appropriate manner toward the overall goal of individual and social well‑being.
• Incorporates the Aboriginal language and culture in all aspects of programming; promotes language, cultural practices, and traditional activities in daily activities.
• Provides constant supervision and is responsible for the safety and well‑being of children on‑site and during off‑site activities.
• Fosters and maintains positive and productive relationships with the children, parents/caregivers, family, community, professionals, and co‑workers.

Training & Professional Development

• Demonstrates knowledge and adheres to Shkoday Abinojiiwak Obimiwedoon Personnel Policies and Procedures, Shkoday Abinojiiwak Obimiwedoon Program Operations Manual and TBAHS Playground Manual.
• Attends all Shkoday Abinojiiwak Obimiwedoon staff meetings and recommended professional development.

General Duties

• Provides assistance with office administration tasks throughout TBAHS and Biwaase’aa.
• Maintains the classroom, cloakroom, outdoor play area and equipment in a clean, safe, and clutter‑free manner by ensuring housekeeping lists are completed.
• Maintains and disinfects program materials and toys, ensuring items are in a good, safe condition.
• Ensures cots are disinfected and bedding is washed, dried, and folded daily.
• Answers phone and documents call in logbook, takes messages and/or transfers call as appropriate AHS and Biwaase’aa.
• Assists in financial tasks, as directed.
• Works as a team member, striving to create a healthy atmosphere, maintains regular and open communication with program team members and provide support to daily operations in all SAO programs.
• Assists in kitchen to prepare meals, clean dishes, and help Cook when needed.
• Housekeeping duties as needed (I.e., shoveling, vacuuming, mopping floors etc.)

Qualifications

• Secondary School Diploma or equivalent.
• Current certification in Standard First Aid and Level “C” CPR, an asset.
• Vulnerable Sector Check, TB Skin Test, and Immunization Record.
• Safe Food Handling Course, an asset.
• Knowledge of Anishnaabe Culture and traditions and experience working with Indigenous persons; ability to speak Ojibwe/Cree considered an asset.
• Ability to effectively interact and relate to children and their families.
• Creative problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and initiative.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.