Early Childhood Educator

Overview

The YMCA is a charity that has been helping Canadians improve their lives since the first Y opened in 1851. Y programs are offered at more than 1,700 locations across Canada and help more than 2.25 million people annually become healthier in spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA of the National Capital Region proudly serves people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities and works to address critical social needs in our community. We are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential.

This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of responsibility, honesty, caring, respect, and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

Working for the Y

Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals.

Vacancy Status: This job posting is for an existing vacancy. This is a contract until October 3, 2026.

What do we offer?

At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to change lives and make our communities home to the healthiest children, teens, adults, and families.

Our competitive wage and benefit package include:

• Free YMCA gym membership;
• Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps);
• Access to our YMCA Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) including free, immediate, confidential assistance and counselling for you and your family members for mental and physical health, and financial advice, among other 12 suites of services;
• Health and Dental Insurance;
• Long-term Disability and Life Insurance;
• Access to our Canadian YMCA Retirement Fund pension plan;
• Up to 25 vacation days per year including two float days, and one birthday vacation;
• Maternity leave benefits for up to 18 months.

• Some benefits may vary based on employment terms

Compensation: $21.60 - $24.86/hour ($21.60/hour for non-RECEs, $24.86/hour for RECEs)

What do you offer?

The Educator is accountable to the Director, Child Care for the implementation of the program for a specific age group using program policies and philosophy. The program should meet the needs of the individual child with concerns for his or her interests, special needs, talents, and individual style for and pace of learning. The Educator must be courteous and professional in dealing with parents, all members, and the general public. The Educator is a role model to staff, children, and customers and must exemplify YMCA values, and maintain a high standard of work ethic.

This is a unionized position.

Some of the tasks of this position include:

• Creating an educational, safe, clean, and enjoyable environment for children by planning and implementing age-appropriate programs to meet children’s social, emotional, physical, educational and individual needs under the Y Playing to Learn curriculum.
• Fostering self-esteem, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills in children.
• Developing and maintaining constructive and open communication with staff.
• Understanding and following through on all YMCA policies, procedures and guidelines, as outlined in the Policies and Procedures Manual and Parent Handbook.
• Participating in a team-teaching approach in the supervision of the children and the development of the program.
• Preparing snacks and completing housekeeping duties for the child care programs on a rotational basis with other educators.

What qualifications and abilities are we looking for?

At the YMCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education

• ECE diploma or CECE recognized equivalency

Language

• Fluent in English, oral and written

Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• Member in good standing of the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario, as required
• Minimum two years of experience working with children
• High level of interpersonal and written skills

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants must have a current Standard First Aid and CPR 'C' certification, up-to-date immunizations, and a tuberculosis test.
• Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada.
• A Police Record check, not more than 6 months old is required. Police Records checks are reviewed on an individual basis 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.
• Semi-annually, staff must complete the mandatory training for the protection of Children & Youth and submit the certificate of completion.

Core Competencies:

• Integrity: Demonstrates responsible behavior at all times and maintains high ethical standard.
• Communication: Communicates in a thorough, clear, and timely manner and supports information sharing and goal achievement across the Association.
• Concern for Health and Safety: Acknowledges and understands how to manage and educate others on risk and harm reduction.
• Teamwork: Participates in an effective organizational team, which acknowledges and values team members’ skills, experience, cultural background, knowledge, creativity, and contributions.
• Creativity and Innovation: Plants and implements quality programming in a developmentally appropriate environment.

About diversity and inclusiveness at the Y:

Inclusiveness is a part of our core values and we are committed to ensuring the diversity of the people and communities we serve and as well as our staff. We welcome candidates from racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to accessibility in employment and to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for candidates, including persons with disabilities. In compliance with AODA, the YMCA will endeavour to provide accommodation to people with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please email [email protected] upon scheduling your interview.

This position is open to all persons.

Statement on Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions:

At the YMCA, we are committed to maintaining a fair and equitable hiring process. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for any positions of employment. All employment decisions are made by our dedicated People and Culture team, ensuring that each candidate is evaluated on an individual basis with the utmost consideration for their unique qualifications and experiences.

How to apply?

All internal applicants must inform their supervisor of their intention to apply for the position.

Thank you for your interest in joining the YMCA of the National Capital Region. We appreciate all applications. Due to the volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those selected for further consideration in the hiring process.

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.