Early Childhood Assistant

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,someor similar range of duties as below:

Child Development and Care:

• Support the RECE and other ECA staffin facilitatingthe development and behavior of children.

• Support implementation and evaluation of theage-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 tothe 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 maintainsorganization 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 tolift 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 AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS: 

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 requiredto 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 vehicleis 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 requiredprocessed 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.