Early Childhood Assistant (2 Openings)

Child Development Institute; Toronto; On-site; CAD 34,000; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused childcare organization in Toronto is looking for two part-time Early Childhood Assistants. You will supervise children, assist in program activities, and maintain positive relationships with families. Candidates should have an Early Childhood Assistant certificate and strong customer service skills. This role offers a chance to support children and families in a nurturing environment.

Benefits

Flexible hours

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Standard First Aid Certificate required.
• Vulnerable Sector Screening Check needed.
• Clean medical check required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children in a safe environment.
• Conduct consistent headcounts during transitions.
• Assist with brief observation notes on children's behavior.
• Help in establishing daily routines and schedules.
• Maintain positive relationships with families.

Skills

Customer service capability

Team player

Respectful interaction

Education

Early Childhood Assistant certificate or equivalent experience

Job description

Who we are

Children are at the front and centre of what we do; they are the foundation of our purpose and the basis for our evidence-driven strategy. Our mission is to transform the lives of children, youth and their families by developing and delivering innovative, research-based mental health and early learning programs. At the Child Development Institute (CDI), we are passionate about helping our communities’ most vulnerable members and their caregivers. It motivates each of us to face what can be difficult situations while continuously finding the purest joy in play, in silence, in advice, and in the unbelievable strength and resilience of our young clients. Joining us now is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an organization that is built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families.

Recognized as a leader and model for measurement-based impact, we are client-centred, family-centred, and data-informed. We are a place where professionals grounded in mental health, care, and well-being of infants, children and youth, come together in collaboration, learning and inclusion. As a multiservice organization delivering social, emotional, and behavioural counselling services, early childhood education, learning disabilities and mental health services, and family violence services, we address the whole person from when they begin their life. Every child and family that reaches out to us is unique, and we value and embrace their individuality. We deliver the tailored support and tools they need to build life‑long skills, positive mental health, and resilience. With their trust in us, we guide children and families along a supportive journey. It is an often difficult path and simultaneously the most rewarding experience for providers, children and families.

Who we need

The CDI, Fraser Mustard Early Learning Centre, is seeking two (2) knowledgeable and competent Permanent Part‑time Early Childhood Assistant to join Early Years Childcare Services team. The incumbent, with the guidance of the RECE, will assist in the implementation of the children’s program for the age group they are working and provide a safe and nurturing environment.

What the role is all about

1. Supervision of children in a safe and healthy environment.
2. Update attendance throughout the day.
3. Conduct consistent headcount during all indoors and outdoors transition of children.
4. Assist the RECE in preparing and setting up program activities.
5. Assist with brief observations notes on individual child/children behaviour and responses to assist the RECE in tracking the children’s developmental needs.
6. Extend a warm welcome to families at all times. Maintain positive and professional relationships with parents, families, peers and visitors to the childcare program.
7. Assist in establishing the daily routines and schedules, providing guidance and consistency in following routines and schedules for the children.
8. Ensure consistent behaviour guidance and management are being followed which supports the ELC Behaviour Guidance Policy.
9. Discuss and provide brief notes of your observations with the team teacher which will be included in program plans, activities and children’s learning experiences.
10. Assist in the day‑to‑day functions of the classroom in accordance with the CCEYA, AQI and TPH.
11. Ensure the room is organized at all times; toys and equipment, etc. Help older children to be responsible for clean‑up, work with placement students to label and organize.
12. Maintain records, copies of program plans, daily care information and other documentation as required by the ELC director and legislated standards.
13. Assist with opening and closing of the Centre as long as an RECE is on staff.
14. Participate regularly in supervision as required by agency policy.
15. Pursue professional development through training sessions and literature.
16. Provide housekeeping duties as assigned by the ELC Director.
17. Report any signs of child abuse to Children Aid Society.
18. Inform the ELC Director, in a timely manner, and team members of children’s illnesses, injuries (with correct documentation) and absenteeism.
19. Any other duties as assigned.

What we hope you will bring

• Early Childhood Assistant certificate, equivalent experience, or currently enrolled in an ECE program.
• Standard First Aid Certificate / Vulnerable Sector Screening Check / Clean medical check.

Skills, Attributes and Abilities

• Strong customer service capability; with experience in developing and maintaining positive relations with parents, families, peers and guests.
• Be a dedicated and flexible team player able to interact with team members, and colleagues at all levels of the agency.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a respectful and aware manner with groups from diverse backgrounds and experiences and socio‑economic status.
• May require flexible hours.

Mental Effort

• Listening and mental attentiveness in dealing with customer or public queries, and manager's requirements.
• Mental effort required in multi‑tasking and handling interruptions that require constant refocusing.

Physical Effort

• Regular to frequent requirement, and as needed, to lift children (up to 45 lbs.), including bending, stooping, stretching, squatting, pushing and pulling, and sitting and walking, climbing stairs.
• Noise level can be moderate to loud.
• Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, lifting and supporting students.

Workplace Environment

• Governed by concurrent and dynamic deadlines, despite conflicting priorities and frequent interruptions.
• Fast‑paced work environment.
• Interacts with students, teachers, administration, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel under all circumstances.

Other Requirements

• All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Credential verifications & references required.

We thank all interested parties but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Compensation: This is a unionized position under CUPE paying $33,778 per annum.

Fostering positive transformations in mental health for over a century, CDI is a world‑class leader trusted in helping children, youth and families through a wide range of evidence‑informed services to build lasting change.

At CDI, we prioritize the mental well‑being and work‑life balance of our teams. We acknowledge the reality of the emotionally demanding work each of us puts in every day. To that end, we strive to create a collaborative, diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where creativity flourish by offering:

• Flexible hours in a planned program environment.
• A focus on cross‑disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.

If you want to be part of our vision to make a measurable lifelong impact on the mental health and well‑being of children, youth and their families, join us.

Apply Now

If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with every requirement, we encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application.

CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at [e-mail].