Early Childhood Assistant

TSA The Salvation Army TSA; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army is seeking a caring Child Development and Care assistant to support RECE and other ECA staff in facilitating children’s development and in implementing age-appropriate programs across multiple locations. You will help observe, document, and promote inclusive practices while maintaining health and safety standards.

Ideal candidates will be 18+, possess strong communication with families, and hold First Aid/CPR certification; prior childcare experience is valued.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Excellent oral & written communication with families.
• Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
• Standard First Aid & Level C CPR.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development (min 8 hours/year).

Responsibilities

• Support development and behavior of children in RECE/EA programs.
• Assist implementation and evaluation of age-appropriate programs.
• Facilitate holistic development including cognitive, language, social, emotional, and physical growth.
• Build meaningful relationships with children and families.
• Maintain health, safety, and emergency procedures in collaboration with staff.

Skills

Excellent oral & written skills

Kind communication

Education

18 years of age or older

Job description

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Child Development and Care

• Support the RECE and other ECA staff in facilitating the development and behavior of children.
• Support implementation and evaluation of the age-appropriate programs.
• Use a variety of observation and documentation techniques.
• Facilitate cognitive, language, social, emotional, creative, and physical development of children and acceptance of diversity.
• Support the holistic development of all children.
• Build meaningful relationships with the children.
• Identify and expand upon learning opportunities (teachable moments).
• Identify and support child’s individual learning and development.
• Identify and support diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Meet health, welfare and safety needs.
• Implement preventative health and safety measures.
• Follow safe travelling and off-site practices while providing adequate supervision during these times.
• Follow safe toileting and diapering procedures.
• Provide first-aid/CPR.
• Protect children from physical and emotional harm.
• Implement emergency and evacuation plan in collaboration with the RECE.
• Identify and report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.
• Promote a healthy lifestyle and actively supervise children.
• Meet nutritional needs.
• Accommodate for special nutritional requirements.
• Model and teach proper table manners.
• Establish with colleagues an environment to foster positive behavior in the program.
• Guide and observe children.
• Implement positive behavior guidance.
• Facilitate appropriate language, conflict resolution, empathy, problem-solving and coping skills.
• Use and promote active listening skills.
• Adhere to all requirements set out by Local Public Health and CCEYA Act.

Equipment & Facilities

• Develop and maintain a safe environment.
• Check for physical hazards and report hazards to the RECE, Supervisor or Assistant Supervisor.
• Maintain and implement safety standards and protocols.
• Use developmentally appropriate equipment.
• Operate and maintain facilities.
• Maintain equipment, materials and furnishings.
• Maintain indoor and outdoor physical environment.
• Monitor cleanliness and sanitation of all areas used by children as per policy and guidelines.

Family and Community Relations

• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with families.
• Orient families to the program.
• Provide family resources.
• Raise awareness of community events.
• Advocate for children and families.
• Provide an inclusive environment.
• Collaborate with parents to identify strengths, needs and interests of the child.

Record Keeping

• Complete child’s daily log on CRAFTS for parents and daily program log/record in classroom daily/weekly/monthly.
• Attendance at parent meetings, staff meetings and other job-related activities which may be after hours.
• Fulfill all other related duties as assigned.

Managerial Responsibility

• Reports directly to the Childcare Center Supervisor
• Direct reports: none.

Financial and Materials Management

• Minor level of material responsibilities (proper use and safekeeping of toys, equipment, etc.).
• Uses or maintains organization assets in accordance with established guidelines.
• Does not process any financial transactions.

Working Conditions

• The performance of the job requires frequently lifting/moving equipment and children, room set-up, moderate amount of teaching, etc.
• Use of the tablet or iPad for parent communication
• Possibility of intervening in physical confrontations
• Cleaning the facility and putting up wall displays.
• The incumbent is required to lift up to 30 pounds with no assistance from others.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Verbal Abuse
• Tantrums
• Noise
• The incumbent may have little to no travel required.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications

• 18 years of age or older
• Excellent Oral & written skills required to work with children, parents and other staff.
• Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening completed.
• Updated Medical completed.
• Standard First Aid & Level C CPR.
• Complete all on-line Salvation Army courses.
• Food Handlers Certificate is an asset.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to a vehicle is an asset (travel to multiple locations).
• Alternate combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• One year of related experience.
• Knowledge and experience in implementing programs and completing evaluations related to programming.

Skills and Capabilities

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required, including Child Check (if appropriate).
• Review of Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector is required processed within 6 months of hire.
• Clearance through internal Salvation Army child abuse registry.
• The Salvation Army Armatus abuse training and online health and safety trainings must be completed immediately upon hiring.
• Ability to put children at ease and create a warm and friendly environment in which a child can develop fully.
• Ability to communicate in a kind, peaceful manner.
• Ability to stay calm and patient.
• Ability to work with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to conduct self professionally and follow policies and procedures and use code of ethics to guide practice.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Maintain a work/life balance.
• Engage in on-going self-assessment.
• Maintain physical health and mental well-being.
• Participate in professional development *minimum of 8 hours per year.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $21.28 to $26.60 with a maximum of $31.92. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Our employees are motivated by the fulfillment and meaning they experience as they serve people in need across Canada and Bermuda. Whether at the front-lines or in a support role, as part of our team you’ll work alongside a diverse and skilled group of purpose-driven professionals, empowered to provide exceptional service. We deeply value the relationships we build in the workplace, as well as the opportunities given to us such as the potential to experience flexibility at work, receive health and dental benefits, paid vacation and sick time, RRSP’s, as well as to expand our skills and advance our careers as together we build a culture of continuous learning and growth. If you're looking for a career that allows you to find meaning, make an impact, and one that challenges you to grow and become the best version of yourself, join our dynamic team. There is a place for everyone to belong at The Salvation Army.