Early Childhood Assistant

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY:  

The Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) provides a safe, nurturing, and happy learning environment that supports children’s overall well-being. Aligned with How Does Learning Happen? (HDLH), the ECA works with the Lead RECE and the Childcare Center Supervisor to plan and implement responsive, age-appropriate programs that foster children’s spiritual, social, physical, emotional, and developmental growth. 

Responsibilities include supporting play-based learning, maintaining a safe and inclusive space, and building positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues. The ECA ensures activities are co-constructed to provide meaningful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:  

Incumbent will perform all, some or similar range of duties as below: 

Child Development and Care: 

• Support the RECE and other ECA staff in facilitating the development and behavior of children. 

• Support implementation and evaluation of the age-appropriate programs. 

• Use a variety of observation and documentation techniques. 

• Facilitate cognitive, language, social, emotional, creative, and physical development of children and acceptance of diversity. 

• Support the holistic development of all children. 

• Build meaningful relationships with the children.  

• Identify and expand upon learning opportunities (teachable moments).  

• Identify and support child’s individual learning and development.   

• Identify and support diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

• Meet health, welfare and safety needs. 

• Implement preventative health and safety measures.   

• Follow safe travelling and off-site practices while providing adequate supervision during these times.  

• Follow safe toileting and diapering procedures. 

• Provide first-aid/CPR.  

• Protect children from physical and emotional harm. 

• Implement emergency and evacuation plan in collaboration with the RECE.   

• Identify and report suspected cases of child abuse and neglect.   

• Promote a healthy lifestyle and actively supervise children.  

• Meet nutritional needs. 

• Accommodate for special nutritional requirements.  

• Model and teach proper table manners. 

• Establish with colleagues an environment to foster positive behavior in the program.   

• Guide and observe children. Implement positive behavior guidance. 

• Facilitate appropriate language, conflict resolution, empathy, problem-solving and coping skills.   

• Use and promote active listening skills.   

• Adhere to all requirements set out by Local Public Health and CCEYA Act.  

Equipment & Facilities: 

• Develop and maintain a safe environment. 

• Check for physical hazards and report hazards to the RECE, Supervisor or Assistant Supervisor. 

• Maintain and implement safety standards and protocols.   

• Use developmentally appropriate equipment.   

• Operate and maintain facilities. 

• Maintain equipment, materials and furnishings.  

• Maintain indoor and outdoor physical environment.  

• Monitor cleanliness and sanitation of all areas used by children as per policy and guidelines. 

Family and Community Relations: 

• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with families.  

• Orient families to the program.   

• Provide family resources. 

• Raise awareness of community events.  

• Advocate for children and families. 

• Provide an inclusive environment. 

• Collaborate with parents to identify strengths, needs and interests of the child. 

Record Keeping 

• Complete child’s daily log on CRAFTS for parents and daily program log/record in classroom daily/weekly/monthly. 

• Attendance at parent meetings, staff meetings and other job-related activities which may be after hours. 

Fulfill all other related duties as assigned. 

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT: 

Governance Boards and Councils: None. 

Internal: Staff members, volunteers, children in the program. 

External: Parents and guardians of the children, regulatory agencies, Ministry of Education, Public Health and any other relevant agencies. 

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY:  

• Reports directly to the Childcare Center Supervisor 

• Direct reports: none. 

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT: 

• Minor level of material responsibilities (proper use and safekeeping of toys, equipment, etc.). 

• Uses or maintains organization assets in accordance with established guidelines.  

• Does not process any financial transactions. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• The performance of the job requires frequently lifting/moving equipment and children, room set-up, moderate amount of teaching, etc. 

• Use of the tablet or iPad for parent communication 

• Possibility of intervening in physical confrontations 

• Cleaning the facility and putting up wall displays. 

• The incumbent is required to lift up to 30 pounds with no assistance from others. 

• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids. 

• Verbal Abuse 

• Tantrums 

• Noise 

• The incumbent may have little to no travel required. 

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.  

Education, Qualifications and Certifications: 

• 18 years of age or older (Canada Summer Job age requirement: between the ages of 18-30 years of age). 

• Excellent Oral & written communication skills required to work with children, parents and other staff. 

• Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening completed. 

• Updated Medical completed. 

• Standard First Aid & Level C CPR. 

• Complete all on-line Salvation Army courses. 

• Food Handlers Certificate is an asset. 

• Valid Driver’s License and access to a vehicle is an asset (travel to multiple locations). 

• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered. 

 Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements 

• One year of related experience. 

• Knowledge and experience in implementing programs and completing evaluations related to programming. 

Skills and Capabilities  

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities. 

• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures. 

• Ability to provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required, including Child Check (if appropriate). 

• Review of Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector is required processed within 6 months of hire.  

• Clearance through internal Salvation Army child abuse registry. 

• The Salvation Army Armatus abuse training and online health and safety trainings must be completed immediately upon hiring. 

• Ability to put children at ease and create a warm and friendly environment in which a child can develop fully. 

• Ability to communicate in a kind, peaceful manner.  

• Ability to stay calm and patient. 

• Ability to work with a minimum of supervision. 

• Ability to conduct self professionally and follow policies and procedures and use code of ethics to guide practice.  

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.    

• Maintain a work/life balance. 

• Engage in on-going self-assessment.  

• Maintain physical health and mental well-being. 

• Participate in professional development *minimum of 8 hours per year. 

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $21.28 to $26.60 with a maximum of $31.92.

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.