Early Learning Assistant - Hamilton

Ymca Hbb; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 25,855 - 36,824; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation entitlements

Group health and benefits plans

Pension plans with employer matching

Free YMCA HBB memberships

Professional development opportunities

Reduced rates for programs

Mental Health on Demand (MHOD)

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

The YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford is hiring an Early Learning Assistant to help design and deliver a licensed child care program for children aged 4 to 12 years. You will support policy implementation, maintain quality standards, and ensure compliance with CCEYA.

You will supervise activities, assist with daily routines, and interact positively with children, families, and school staff. This part-time hourly role offers growth and a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• High School completion or equivalent is required.
• At least 12 months of experience working with children (paid, volunteer, or placement).
• Basic computer literacy and clear communication in English required.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver licensed child care activities for ages 4–12.
• Maintain health, safety, and compliance with CCEYA and YMCA policies.
• Support helpers and supervise children during activities and transitions.
• Communicate with parents, school staff, and community contacts.
• Assist with daily routines including bathrooms, snacks, and setup of space.
• Lead the program in the facilitator's absence and participate in meetings.

Skills

English communication

Interpersonal skills

Basic computer literacy

Education

High School completion or equivalent

12 months experience with children

Job description

Hourly Rate: $22.75 per hour (inclusive of all government wage subsidy grants). Salary Grade: Grade 2.

Department: Child Care
Employment Type: Regular Part-time Hourly
Work Hours: Up to 29 hours per week
Anticipated Start Date: August 2026
No. of Vacancies: Multiple
Deadline to Apply: September 30, 2026

Benefits & Perks

• Paid Vacation Entitlements that increase with seniority (subject to eligibility)
• Group health and benefits plans (medical, dental, and prescription medication, subject to eligibility)
• Generous pension plans with employer matching
• Free YMCA HBB Health & Fitness Memberships
• Professional development opportunities including paid training and access to YMCA education scholarships and incentives
• Reduced rates for YMCA HBB Child Care, Camp, and Child & Youth programs (subject to eligibility)
• Mental Health on Demand (MHOD) Program
• Opportunities for career advancement

Position Description

Early Learning Assistants help design and deliver a licensed child care program for children aged 4 to 12 years. They support the implementation of YMCA HBB policies and procedures, maintain quality standards, and comply with the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA).

Assistants supervise children at all times to ensure health and safety, manage classroom activities, and interact positively with students, parents, school personnel, and other stakeholders.

What You’ll Do

• Plan, organize, and lead activities for children 4 to 12 years, with program sizes ranging from 10 to 90 children.
• Understand and comply with all regulatory items under CCEYA, YMCA, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, and other relevant authorities.
• Maintain children’s health and safety, develop preventative hazard plans.
• Assist with bathroom routines, changing clothing or diapers, and snack/mealtime participation.
• Use appropriate behavior guidance techniques in all interactions with children.
• Assume leadership of the program in the absence of the Facilitator/RECE.
• Communicate positively with parents, school personnel, and community contacts.
• Participate in association-wide events, monthly meetings, and professional learning sessions.
• Work a split shift (before and after school hours) as required.
• Move and set up equipment daily, weekly, and/or monthly within shared school spaces.
• Perform light to medium physical effort, including lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending, stooping, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
• Work outdoors for at least 2 hours daily year-round, potentially exposed to heat, humidity, or cold.

What You’ll Bring

• High School completion or equivalent.
• Minimum 12 months’ experience working with children (paid work, volunteering, placements, or a combination).
• Knowledge of developmental needs for children aged 0 to 12 years.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to establish rapport with children, families, staff/volunteers, and community partners.
• Strong proficiency in spoken and written English for effective communication and accurate documentation.
• Basic computer literacy.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Current Intermediate/Standard First Aid and CPR-C & AED certification (Level C).
• Current and satisfactory Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). May be required to travel.
• Commitment to the YMCA HBB mission and core values: Inclusion, Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility; dedication to building developmental assets in children and adults.

Travel Requirement

Ability to commute to and from centre and off-site staff meetings.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Accessibility

The YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford is committed to an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or neurodiversity. We encourage applicants from Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Disabled communities to apply.

Ready to Make a Difference?

The YMCA is a charity that ignites the potential in people. If you’re passionate about people and excited to lead impactful initiatives, we want to hear from you!