Early Childhood Assistant (PT 3 Months Contract - Windermere)

Child Development Institute; Toronto; On-site; CAD 31,000 - 38,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours in a planned program

Ongoing professional development

Cross‑disciplinary collaboration focus

Job summary

Child Development Institute (CDI) is seeking a part-time Early Childhood Assistant for Windermere ELC in Toronto. This 25-hour/week on-site position runs for three months, with varied daytime shifts.

The role supports RECE and staff, assists with routines, supervision, and documentation while upholding CCEYA, AQI and TPH guidelines. Applicants should hold an Early Childhood Assistant certificate (or be enrolled in an ECE program) and a valid Standard First Aid certificate.

Qualifications

• Early Childhood Assistant certificate or equivalent experience.
• Valid Standard First Aid Certificate.
• Enrolled in an ECE program or equivalent training.

Responsibilities

• Supervision of children in a safe and healthy environment.
• Update attendance throughout the day.
• Conduct headcount during indoor and outdoor transitions.
• Assist the RECE in preparing and setting up program activities.
• Record brief observations to track developmental needs.
• Welcome families and maintain positive relationships.
• Establish daily routines and schedules for the children.
• Ensure behaviour guidance per policy.
• Discuss observations with the team for program plans.
• Support day-to-day classroom functions per regulations.
• Keep the room organized and label/organize materials.
• Maintain records and program documents as required.
• Assist with opening/closing when RECE is on duty.
• Participate in supervision and pursue professional development.
• Perform housekeeping duties as assigned and report concerns.
• Report any signs of child abuse to the Children Aid Society.

Skills

Customer relations

Team player

Flexibility

Education

Early Childhood Assistant certificate

ECE program enrollment (current)

Job description

Posting Date

September 30, 2026

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.

Position Summary

Along with providing a safe and nurturing environment the ECA with the guidance of the RECE will assist in the implementation of the children’s program. The ECA should be aware of and understand the developmental requirements for the age group they are working with. The Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) Toronto Children’s Service‑ Assessment for Quality Improvement (AQI), Toronto Public Health (TPH) and ‘How Does Learning happen?’, Ontario pedagogy for the Early years. To work in a team teaching environment under the direction of ELC Director and the Registered Early Childhood Educator.

Who we need

The CDI, Early Learning Centre is seeking 1 (One) knowledgeable and competent Early Childhood Assistant to join our WindermereELC Team for the 3months contract.

This is a 25-hour weekly (5-hour per day), on-site, daytime position, working M‑F, shifts may vary from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Shift and room assignments are assigned according to Centre needs and subject to change as necessary. Must be willing to work with all age groups and be flexible to accommodate operational needs, such as supporting lunch service, cleaning tables, setting up cots for nap time, assisting with wake up routine, relieving and covering breaks, and supporting the escorting of children up and down stairs where applicable.

As our new Early Childhood Assistant, you will:

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 behavior 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. Assists in establishing the daily routines and schedules, provide guidance and consistency in following routines and schedule for the children.
8. Ensures 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 team teacher which will be included in program plans activities and children’s learning experiences.
10. Assists 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 cleanup, work with placement students to label and organize.
12. Maintains records, copies of program plans, daily care information and other documentation as required by the ELC director and legislated standards.
13. Assists with opening and closing of the Centre as long an RECE is on staff.
14. Participates regularly in supervision as required by agency policy.
15. Pursues professional development through training sessions and literature.
16. Provides housekeeping duties as assigned by the ELC Director.
17. Responsible for reporting any signs of child abuse to Children Aid Society.
18. Inform 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 you bring

• Early Childhood Assistant certificate, equivalent experience, or currently enrolled in an ECE program
• Valid Standard First Aid Certificate

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 background 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.

Working Conditions

• 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.

Compensation

Unionized position under CUPE paying $34,961 annum and pro‑rated based on the length of the contract.

Join Us

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.