Program Educator

CELC01 Compass Early Learning and Care; Keene; On-site; CAD 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Compass Early Learning and Care (CELC) seeks a Program Educator to join our Northern Lights location in Keene, Ontario. This contract role runs 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, with an anticipated start date of October 19, 2026. Starting pay is $22.50–$27.52 per hour.

The role focuses on planning and leading developmentally appropriate activities, supervising children, documenting progress, and fostering family engagement within a supportive, inclusive team.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience with children/youth is required
• Familiarity with Child Care Early Years Act and licensing standards
• Valid Clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check, Standard First Aid, CPR Level C, and updated immunization records

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead interest-based and play-based activities reflecting children’s interests to support development
• Maintain active supervision while engaging in play
• Document learning progress through observation and questions
• Create a safe, healthy environment for children
• Assist with diapering, dressing, and eating
• Foster relationships with families and involve them in learning
• Collaborate with coworkers, families, and community partners
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and staff development
• Assist in housekeeping within the program
• Follow CELC, CCEYA, and Ministry policies
• Hours can vary within program hours 7 am–6 pm, Monday–Friday

Skills

Childcare experience

Observation skills

Team collaboration

Plan and lead activities

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check

Standard First Aid

CPR Level C

Job description

Program Educator

Compass ELC Location: Northern Lights - Keene, Ontario

Role Title: Program Educator

Job Type: Contract

Starting Rate of Pay: $22.50 - $27.52

Hours and Schedule: 40 hours per week – Monday to Friday. Program Hours are Monday to Friday, 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Anticipated Start Date: October 19, 2026

Hiring Declarations

Compass Early Learning and Care does not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to make hiring decisions. We value authentic applications that accurately reflect each candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all information submitted is truthful and represents their own work and experience.

About Us

Compass Early Learning and Care (CELC) has been in operation since 1981 and is one of the largest not-for-profit child care organizations serving East-Central Ontario. With over 700 Staff and 80 Home childcare providers, we offer 46 high-quality licensed childcare centres and over 80 licensed homes serving over 4,000 families. For over forty years, Compass ELC has been dedicated to early learning and child care. We believe in creating nurturing environments that celebrate children’s curiosity and whole selves. Our organization fosters a culture of growth, collaboration, and inclusivity, where every team member has the opportunity to thrive. We are committed to supporting children and families in our community. Please see our attached Vision Framework for more information: https://www.compasselc.com/about/values/

Role and Accountabilities

• Plan and lead interest-based and play-based activities that reflect children’s unique interests to promote the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children.
• Maintain active supervision with children while still being engaged in play.
• Documenting children’s learning progress through observation, reflection, and research questions.
• Create and maintain an environment that protects the health, safety, and well-being of children.
• Assist the children with diapering, dressing, and eating habits.
• Foster strong relationships with families and involve them in the learning process.
• Collaborate with coworkers, families, and community partners to create a supportive environment.
• Participate in team meetings, professional learning opportunities, and staff training opportunities.
• Assist in housekeeping duties within the program.
• Follow CELC, CCEYA, and Ministry of Education policies and procedures.
• Hours will be based on program needs and funding. Shift start and end times will fluctuate within the team and will fall within the program hours of 7 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday.

Skills and Qualifications

Required:

• 1-3 years’ experience working with children and youth.
• Familiarity with the Child Care Early Years Act and licensing standards.
• Valid certifications, including a Clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check, Standard First Aid, and CPR Level C, and updated immunization records.
• Valid certifications, including a Clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check, Standard First Aid, and CPR Level C, and an updated immunization record High School Diploma or GED.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the beginning of employment.

Preferred:

• Registered and in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators OR is currently pursuing or is interested in pursuing their ECE diploma.
• OR has an alternative childcare designation that is eligible for Director's Approval (i.e., Child and Youth, Recreation and Leisure, and Ontario Certified Teachers - Primary and Junior) Post-Secondary education in a related field.
• Experience working in a play-based, emergent-curriculum childcare program.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

To address issues of systemic inequity within our communities, we strongly encourage individuals from communities and groups that have historically been disadvantaged and/or marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous Peoples of Canada, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, individuals who identify as women and/or gender diverse, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, and persons with lived or living experience of homelessness to apply. We are committed to reducing barriers to employment, providing accommodations upon request, and ensuring an accessible interview process. We encourage you to bring your true or whole self and way of being to the interview process. For assistance, please contact our Human Relations – Recruitment and Hiring Coordinators at 705-749-3488 ext. 217 and ext. 245 or [e-mail].

CC029 Northern Lights Compass ELC is a non-profit, charitable organization established in 1981. We are a purpose-led, value-based organization where children are at the heart of all that we do. We currently offer early learning and care (licensed infant, toddler, preschool, kindergarten and school age; EarlyON; Forest and Nature programs) at over 40 locations and support many licensed Home Child Care programs.