Early Childhood Assistant-ECA

The Salvation Army Owen Sound; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading organization in Mississauga is seeking an Early Childhood Assistant to create a nurturing environment for children. The role involves supporting child development, implementing educational programs, and fostering relationships with families. Ideal candidates will have relevant experience and qualifications, ensuring a safe and inclusive space for children to thrive.

Qualifications

• One year of related experience required.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe, nurturing, and happy learning environment.
• Support play-based learning and maintain a safe space.
• Build positive relationships with children and families.

Skills

Communication

Child Development

Teamwork

Education

Standard First Aid & Level C CPR

Food Handlers Certificate

Job description

Early Childhood Assistant-ECA page is loaded

Early Childhood Assistant-ECA

Apply remote type Onsite locations Mississauga, ON time type Part time posted on Posted Yesterday time left to apply End Date: May 19, 2025 (5 days left to apply) job requisition id JR102062

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 Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter. We support those experiencing unemployment, addiction, and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs, living 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.

Mission Statement

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.

Job Description:

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY:

The Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) provides a safe, nurturing, and happy learning environment that supports children’s overall well-being. Aligned with How Does Learning Happen? (HDLH), the ECA works with the Lead RECE and the Childcare Center Supervisor to plan and implement responsive, age-appropriate programs that foster children’s spiritual, social, physical, emotional, and developmental growth.

Responsibilities include supporting play-based learning, maintaining a safe and inclusive space, and building positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues. The ECA ensures activities are co-constructed to provide meaningful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Incumbent will perform all, some, or similar range of duties as below:

Child Development and Care:

• Support the RECE and other ECA staff in facilitating the development and behavior of children.

• Support the implementation and evaluation of 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 children.

• Identify and expand upon learning opportunities (teachable moments).

• Identify and support each child's individual learning and development needs.

• Identify and support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

• 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 plans 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 an environment with colleagues 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 environments.

• 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.

• Attend parent meetings, staff meetings, and other job-related activities, which may be after hours.

Fulfill all other related duties as assigned.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:

Governance Boards and Councils: None.

Internal: Staff members, volunteers, children in the program.

External: Parents and guardians, regulatory agencies, Ministry of Education, Public Health, and other relevant agencies.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

• Reports directly to the Childcare Center Supervisor

• No direct reports.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• Minor responsibilities for materials (proper use and safekeeping of toys, equipment, etc.).

• Use or maintain organization assets according to guidelines.

• No processing of financial transactions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Frequently lifting/moving equipment and children, room setup, moderate teaching activities.

• Use of tablet or iPad for parent communication.

• Possibility of intervening in physical confrontations.

• Cleaning the facility and putting up wall displays.

• Lifting up to 30 pounds without assistance.

• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.

• Verbal abuse, tantrums, noise.

• Little to no travel required.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Qualifications, and Certifications:

• 18 years or older (Canada Summer Job age: 18-30).

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

• Updated Medical clearance.

• Standard First Aid & Level C CPR.

• Complete all online Salvation Army courses.

• Food Handlers Certificate (asset).

• Valid Driver’s License and access to a vehicle (asset).

Alternative education and experience combinations may be considered.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements:

• One year of related experience.

• Knowledge in implementing programs and evaluations.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army.

• Compliance with OH&S Act and safety policies.

• Ability to provide satisfactory Background Check and Child Abuse Registry clearance.

• Complete required trainings immediately upon hire.

• Ability to create a warm, supportive environment for children.

• Effective communication, patience, and professionalism.

• Maintain confidentiality and work/life balance.

• Engage in ongoing self-assessment and professional development (minimum 8 hours/year).

Compensation:

The target range is $20.25 to $25.31, up to $30.37, based on experience and qualifications. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request via recruitment email.