Enhanced Program Support Educator

Be the Spark! Join our professional and passionate team of early childhood educators. The YMCA of Greater Toronto is the largest not-for-profit provider of licensed child care in Canada and we have been making a positive difference in our community by providing quality childcare for over 50 years!

You will plan and deliver a consistent child-centred program in accordance with our YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum (0-6 year olds) 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 that we serve.

In this role, you will:

• Work collaboratively within a team at the child care program setting to provide an inclusive program for children with developmental and behavioural special needs
• Collaborate with other agencies and partners to identify individual strengths and goals for individual children
• Assist the centre team in the planning, development and implementation of children’s Individual Support Plans Delivers interventions or strategies as set out in the Individual Support Plan
• Supervise and assist individuals or groups of children during daily routines and activities
• Role model behaviour management strategies for co-workers and promotes discussion and problem solving within the team to best meet the needs of the children identified as requiring enhanced support
• Assist children with personal and medical care which may include administration of medication, feeding, dressing, toileting, hygiene, lifting and positioning and assistance with mobility
• Provide quality compassionate care and support to children and their families
• Build positive relationships with children and seek 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
• Clean and sanitize child care spaces, toys and equipment; Prepare and 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
• Perform other duties as assigned

What you need to succeed:

• Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values
• 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

You bring:

Enhanced Program Support Educator – 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)

Enhanced Program Support Educator – Early Learning Facilitator:

• 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 must be registered with the Ontario College of Teachers to be eligible for the Early Learning Facilitator rate of pay

Enhanced Program Support Educator – Early Childhood Assistant:

• High School Diploma 

General Qualifications:

• Minimum of six months’ experience working with young children
• Training/experience/volunteering in a field that relates to the needs of children with Special Needs or differing abilities/diagnosis
• Experience working in a licensed child care setting an asset
• Resource Teacher/ Consultant, Early Interventionist, Behavioural Science (i.e. ABA, IBI), Non-Violent Crisis Prevention and Intervention certification or equivalent an asset
• Knowledge of behaviour management theory, strategies, and techniques
• 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
• Applicants are required to be a minimum of 18 years of age or older as per Ministry guidelines
• 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

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 165 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2020–2025 strategic plan, Ignite the Light, which outlines how we are focused on boosting well-being and promoting equity across the Greater Toronto Area.

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.

About Organization

Everyone deserves a chance to shine.
That’s why the YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to promoting equity and boosting well-being across the GTA — but as a charity, we don’t do it alone. When many think of the Y, a charity may not be the first thing that comes to mind — but our ability to ignite the potential in people and spark change for the better is only made possible by the loyalty of our participants, the generosity of our donors, and the dedication of our volunteers and staff.
Thanks to the breadth, quality, and inclusive nature of the services and programs we offer across our network of 450+ locations in the GTA, we attract a diverse and dynamic mix of participants and will never turn anyone away due to their financial circumstances. Many participate for life and many more choose to give back when they have the means, so that others can benefit from experiences like their own — experiences that can only be found at the Y.
Our focus on well-being means we help people thrive not only physically, but mentally and socially as well. We offer volunteering opportunities; safe spaces for teens; child care; camps; career guidance; employment services; support for immigrants; and a range of other services essential for individuals and communities to shine their brightest. No matter your needs or stage of life, when you join the Y community, you get to be part of something special.