Early Childhood Educator

YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth; Fall River; On-site; CAD 3,459,000 - 4,348,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

YMCA Health & Fitness membership

Access to Y at Home programs

Discounts on YMCA childcare and camps

3 weeks’ vacation entitlement

Comprehensive benefits and pension

Wellbeing and counselling services

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth is hiring an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) at the Fall River location. You will foster a safe, nurturing environment and support children’s learning through play-based activities that align with Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum.

Responsibilities include maintaining inclusive classrooms, collaborating with families, and contributing to center operations. Required: ECE diploma, NS ECE levels, First Aid/CPR, and background checks.

Qualifications

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education is required.
• Current ECE classification with the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (Level 1, 2 or 3).
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification.
• Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Abuse Registry Check (less than 6 months old).
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

Responsibilities

• Create a warm, welcoming, inclusive, and safe learning environment for children and families.
• Support children’s development through play-based learning and planned activities.
• Plan developmentally appropriate, Nova Scotia curriculum-aligned programming.
• Share classroom responsibilities and assist with center operations as needed.
• Maintain open communication with families and colleagues.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Teamwork

Inclusivity

Education

ECE Diploma

ECE Level 1-3 NS classification

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:

• 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