Early Years Educator

YMCA of Three Rivers; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization is seeking an Early Childhood Educator to join their team in Kitchener. This role involves providing compassionate care to children, building relationships with families, and ensuring safety and supervision. Qualifications include a Registered Early Childhood Educator Diploma or relevant degrees, along with First Aid and CPR certification. The position offers full-time hours with a comprehensive benefits package, emphasizing a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

3 weeks of vacation

12 well-being days

Group benefits package including health, dental, vision care

YMCA membership for employee and family

Qualifications

• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification prior to first day of work.
• Ability to lift up to 20 kg (44 lbs.) and work outdoors for at least 2 hours.
• Up-to-date immunizations as required by Public Health.

Responsibilities

• Provide quality compassionate care to children and families.
• Build positive relationships with children and parents.
• Ensure supervision and safety of children at all times.

Skills

Experience working with young children

CPR Level C certification

Flexibility and adaptability

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Education

Registered Early Childhood Educator Diploma

Degree or Diploma in Child and Youth Work

High School Diploma

Job description

Early Childhood Educator - Full Time (RECE, EYE)

Location: Stepping Stones YMCA Child Care - Waterloo Region

Work Hours: Shifts will vary between 7:00am – 6:00pm. 7.5 hours per day Monday to Friday.

Current shift is a split shift: 7:00am-9:00am & 12:30pm-6:00pm

Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: Immediate

Deadline to Apply: February 6, 2026

Starting Rate: Early Child Care Educator - $21.50 **up to additional $2/hour
Registered Early Childhood Educator - $22.00**up to additional $6.00/hour
Provincial (RECE & ECCE), Regional (RECE & ECCE) and CWELCC (RECE only) funding grants will be earned in addition to guaranteed salary/hourly compensation rates

Total Rewards Package:

We believe that everyone has the potential to shine! Our culture is built around connection, celebration, appreciation, and recognition, and it starts with a total rewards package focused on Well-Being.

Time Away from Work

Full-time team members start with:

• 3 weeks of vacation, with the opportunity to earn more as their length of service increases
• 12 well-being days for sick time or proactive self-care, which can be used as they are earned. Bereavement days are also available.

Pension Plan

Full-time employees can join our group pension plan after two consecutive years of employment. Employees contribute 5% of their gross earnings per pay, which is matched by the Y. After three consecutive years of full-time service, participation in the YMCA pension plan becomes mandatory.

Health, Dental and Well Being Benefits

The YMCA of Three Rivers offers a comprehensive group benefits package to full-time employees (starting 3 months after the start date), including:

• Prescription drugs, Basic dental coverage, Paramedical services, Vision care
• Access to an Employee (and Family) Assistance Program offering free and confidential counseling, resources, and services
• A free YMCA membership for you and your family, providing access to our fitness centers
• Discounts on YMCA programs and services, including childcare

Role Overview

The YMCA of Three Rivers is a charitable organization proudly serving the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. We aspire to build connected and resilient communities. Our mission is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more about our history, mission, vision, and values here.

We strive to be a great place to work for all employees to live in purpose, passion and potential Shine!

This is where you come in.

As Canada’s largest not-for-profit child care provider, the YMCA plays a leading role in offering quality care and education to all young children in our communities across Guelph and Wellington Counties, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Regions.

In this role, you will plan and implement a child-centred program in accordance with our Playing to Learn curriculum (0-6 year old) and the YMCA Place to Connect curriculum (6-12 year olds). We are committed to providing you with opportunities to develop your knowledge, skills and career while you enhance the experience of the children and families we serve.

What you will do

• Provide quality compassionate care and support to children and their families
• Build positive relationships with children and see opportunities to deepen connections with parents and families keeping them up to date on their child’s progress.
• Be a creative play partner who is actively engaged with the children and makes learning fun.
• Ensure supervision and safety of children at all times; understand and comply with provincial (CCEYA), municipal and YMCA policies and procedures.
• Observe and expand on children’s learning opportunities and complete required documentation of children’s development and interactions.
• Listen to and respond to children’s needs which include diapering and assisting children with toileting.
• Clean and sanitize child care spaces, toys and equipment; serve food following YMCA health and safety protocols and procedures.
• Attend required curriculum training and professional development opportunities. Maintain qualifications and certifications as required by the YMCA and provincial standards.

What you will bring

Registered Early Childhood Educator

• An Early Childhood Educator Diploma
• Registered (or proof that registration is in process) and in good standing in the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE)

Early Child Care Educator

• Degree or Diploma in Child and Youth Work /Child and Youth Care or Bachelors of Education or Social Service Worker or Social Work or Recreation and Leisure
• Candidates with a Bachelor of Education
• High School Diploma
• Currently enrolled in any child related post secondary program

General Qualifications

• Any experience working with young children, volunteer and placement experience will also be considered
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification prior to the first day of work
• Up-to-date immunizations required by Public Health
• Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort: lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending and stooping; picking up a child
• Ability to work outdoors for at least 2 hours daily year-round; may be exposed to heat, humidity or cold
• Flexibility and adaptability regarding assigned working hours
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging
• Applicants are required to be a minimum of 18 years of age or older as per Ministry guidelines
• Legally entitled to work in Canada

Additional Information

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Child and Youth

In keeping with our commitment to child and youth safeguarding, job offers are contingent on completing a current Vulnerable Sector Check and employment reference checks. Vulnerable Sector Checks are reviewed individually, and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position. Vulnerable Sector Checks must be renewed every three years.

Our Commitment to JAIDE (Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity)

We embrace the values of Justice, Access, Inclusion Diversity and Equity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected group. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups.

Studies have shown that women and people of equity deserving backgrounds are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification in the posting. We understand the knowledge and experience can be gained in many ways, so we strongly encourage applications even if you don’t believe you meet all the requirements outlined.

Per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers.

Our Commitment to Privacy

The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation, and privacy laws. We are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information-handling practices that are in keeping with privacy laws. Please visit ourwebsitefor more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

To explore additional career opportunities with the YMCA of Three Rivers, please visit our Career Page.