Education Assistant

YMCA of Greater Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

YMCA Academy in Toronto is seeking an Education Assistant to support students through personalized academic assistance in one-on-one and small groups, and to help maintain a positive classroom environment. Collaboration with teachers to create an inclusive learning setting, especially for neurodiverse learners, is essential.

This contract full-time role emphasizes strong communication and adaptability in a dynamic educational team.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of Educational Assistant training at the college level or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience in and enthusiasm for working with youth with neurodiverse learners who are under-performing or disengaged from their learning process.
• Experience in print and electronic media in an educational setting.
• Experience in non-traditional teaching environments with neurodiverse learners preferred.
• Knowledge of current curricular trends, use of manipulatives, and assistive technologies.
• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with students and staff.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and building a sense of belonging.
• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized assistance and/or small group support to students.
• Assist teachers in managing the classroom by preparing materials, organizing activities, and supervising students.
• Help maintain a positive and respectful learning environment by implementing behavior management strategies.
• Assist teachers with preparation of instructional materials when needed.
• Collaborate with teachers to implement specialized programs or interventions for individual students or groups.
• Provide technical support to students in using educational technology tools and resources effectively.
• Monitor students' well-being and intervene when safety or welfare may be compromised.
• Maintain open communication with teachers and school staff regarding student progress and achievements.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to stay updated on best practices in education and student support.
• Ensure the classroom environment is safe and clean.
• Oversee students during non-classroom times and field trips.
• Work with teachers and staff to create an inclusive learning environment.
• Stay informed about legislation, policies, and procedures related to child development and safety.
• Attend staff meetings and training workshops.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Educational Assistant training

Experience with neurodiverse learners

Communication skills

Education technology support

Education

Educational Assistant training (college level) or equivalent experience

Tools

Educational software tools

Job description

YMCA Academy
15 Breadalbane St
Toronto, ON M4Y 1C2, CAN

Employment Type: Contract Full Time Salaried

Number of Vacancies: 1

Anticipated Start Date: Immediately

Deadline to Apply: October 8, 2026 at 5:00 pm

Be the Spark! Join our passionate YMCA Academy team and help us to achieve great things in our community!

The Education Assistant supports students through personalized academic assistance in one-on-one and small group settings, while helping maintain classroom order and operate a Resource Room alongside the Special Education Advisor. This role involves collaborating with teachers to create an inclusive learning environment, particularly for neurodiverse learners. Strong communication, adaptability, and a passion for education are key to success in this dynamic role.

In this role, you will:

• Provide individualized assistance and/or small group support to students. Offer guidance and encouragement to help them succeed academically and socially.
• Assist teachers in managing the classroom by preparing materials, organizing activities, and supervising students.
• Help maintain a positive and respectful learning environment by implementing behavior management strategies and providing support to students who may require additional reminders.
• Assist teachers with preparation of instructional materials when needed.
• Collaborate with teachers to implement specialized programs or interventions for individual students or groups.
• Provide technical support to students in using educational technology tools and resources effectively.
• Monitor students' well-being and intervene in situations where safety or welfare may be compromised. Collaborate with school staff to address any concerns promptly.
• Maintain open and effective communication with teachers and other school personnel regarding student progress, concerns, and achievements.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and stay updated on best practices in education and student support.
• Ensure the classroom environment is safe and clean.
• Help oversee students during non-classroom times, including in-between classes, during lunch, and on field trip excursions.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and other educational assistants to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
• Commit to the professional responsibility of maintaining knowledge of legislation, policies and procedures, child and youth development, and best practices to best serve and protect children, youth, and vulnerable people.
• Participate in staff meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

You bring:

• Successful completion of Educational Assistant training at the college level or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience in and enthusiasm for working with youth with neurodiverse learners who are under-performing or disengaged from their learning process.
• Experience in print and electronic media in an educational setting.
• Experience in non-traditional teaching environments with neurodiverse learners preferred.
• Knowledge of current curricular trends, use of manipulatives, and assistive technologies.
• Well-developed interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with students and staff.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and building a sense of belonging.
• Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here .

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our2025-2030 strategic plan, Greater Together, which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here .

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.