Early Childhood Educator

YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth; Dartmouth; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & fitness membership

Y at Home

Childcare discounts

3 weeks vacation

Benefits package & pension

Wellbeing services

Job summary

YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth is seeking an Early Childhood Educator to create a warm, safe, and inclusive learning environment for children and families. You will support children’s learning through responsive, play-based experiences and build meaningful relationships with families and colleagues.

Reporting to the Centre Director, you will follow Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework, work with small groups, and participate in ongoing training.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education or equivalent.
• Current ECE classification with Nova Scotia education dept (Level 1, 2 or 3).
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification.
• Background checks (CRC, Vulnerable Sector, Child Abuse Registry).
• Experience as an ECE or related field is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a warm, welcoming, inclusive, and safe learning environment for children and families.
• Foster development through intentional, play-based interactions and strong family relationships.
• Plan developmentally appropriate activities aligned with Nova Scotia curriculum and YMCA Playing to Learn.
• Lead a small group while supporting center-wide duties and tasks.
• Collaborate with colleagues and communicate openly with families.
• Ensure health, safety, and licensing requirements are met; support leadership.
• Participate in ongoing professional learning and team meetings.
• Travel between YMCA Childcare Centres to support ratio coverage when requested.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Time management

Play-based learning

Adaptability

Education

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Nova Scotia ECE Level 1-3

Job description

Location: Fall River YMCA Early Learning Childcare Centre

Program: Licensed Childcare

Position Status: Full-Time, Permanent

Compensation: $25.11 to $31.56

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

At the YMCA, we exist to solve many community challenges, including childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health support, access to wellness, and more.

Our network spans 100+ program locations across HRM and Nova Scotia, providing vital programs that:

• Support mental health and wellness
• Deliver accessible childcare
• Help newcomers and immigrants
• Create safe spaces for youth to grow and lead
• Support older adults and isolated community members
• Navigate a changing labour market

We empower people to discover their inner strength.

With our guidance and support, individuals and communities can Shine On.

Perks And Benefits

As part of your total compensation:

• Complimentary YMCA Health & Fitness membership
• Access to Y at Home fitness programs
• Discounts on YMCA childcare and camp programs
• 3 weeks’ vacation entitlement and paid wellness days
• Comprehensive benefits package and pension
• Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

Role Overview

Reporting to the Centre Director, the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) plays a vital role in creating a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment where children and families feel a strong sense of belonging. The ECE supports children’s learning and development through responsive, play-based experiences while building meaningful and respectful relationships with families and colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a warm, welcoming, inclusive, and safe learning environment for children and families, tailoring interactions to support individual needs.
• Foster children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through intentional interactions, observation, and thoughtful program planning.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, play-based programming aligned with Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework and the YMCA’s Playing to Learn curriculum.
• Be primarily responsible for a small group of children, while also contributing to shared classroom and centre responsibilities (included but not limited to cleaning tasks, classroom paperwork, and organization).
• Build positive and respectful relationships with children and families through open, consistent communication, both verbal and written.
• Support a collaborative and respectful team environment by working positively with colleagues and contributing to centre-wide goals, as well as broader association objectives.
• Ensure all health, safety, and licensing requirements are met at all times, and communicate closely with the centre’s leadership team to support compliance.
• Participate in ongoing professional learning, reflection, and quality improvement practices, including team meetings, training opportunities, and one-on-one support meetings with leadership.
• Support operations by working in classrooms or with age groups other than those primarily assigned, and by travelling between YMCA Childcare Centres as requested by the Centre Director to support ratio coverage.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications And Requirements

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education or an equivalent qualification
• Current ECE classification with the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (ECE Level 1, 2, or 3)
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Abuse Registry Check
• Previous experience as an Early Childhood Educator or in a related field is considered an asset
• Strong understanding of child development and play-based learning approaches
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work both collaboratively as part of a team and independently
• Demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive, supportive, and respectful environments for children, families, and colleagues

Application Deadline: February 20, 2026.

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:

• Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check (less than 6 months old)
• Attend Child Safeguarding Training upon hire
• Valid First Aid and CPR training

Note: Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses do not automatically disqualify candidates.

Diversity And Inclusion

The YMCA is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, ethnic minorities, faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable accommodation