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 supervise, 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:

• Plan and implement age appropriate programming ensuring YMCA program standards and YMCA Core Values are met; Ensure compliance with all YMCA, Board, Provincial and Municipal standards.
• Prepare quality weekly program planning and monthly calendars in agreement with YMCA and Board goals, to meet the needs of members.
• Develop and sustain good working relationship with families and Extended Day program staff team; give leadership and guidance to program team to implement and adhere to Parent Communication Standards; respond to inquiries from families, including voicemail response.
• Ensure the implementation and maintenance of YMCA Playing to Learn through coaching and guiding centre staff; Maintain a close working relationship with YMCA supervisor, ensuring ongoing communication and issues are shared.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with a number of community and other stakeholders including: school Principals, Vice Principals, caretakers and secretaries, licensing and Municipal Agencies; Public Health; Fire departments; YMCA families; Volunteers and students; YMCA Management; Community Partners; Resource support.
• Complete general administration tasks as required including updating forms as required, update communication book daily, Children’s sign in and out; Ensure Master Attendance is accurate and up to date and Subsidy attendance complete as required; Complete and submit staff time sheets as required, Volunteer tracking and activation forms.
• Complete daily, monthly check list forms ie; outdoor and indoor, outdoor log book, fanny packs, first aid, fire drills, opening and closing duties, disinfecting charts; Ensure Compliance Binder is kept compliant; All incident/accident reports completed and delivered in a timely manner.
• 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.
• Listen to and respond to children’s needs which includes diapering and assisting children with toileting
• Clean and sanitize child care spaces, toys and equipment; Prepare and serve food following YMCA health and safety protocols and procedures
• Understand the legal responsibilities and moral imperative to report suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services
• Attend required curriculum training and professional development opportunities. Maintain qualifications and certifications as required by the YMCA and provincial standards.

You bring:

• Early Childhood Education Diploma
• Registered (or proof that registration is in process) and in good standing in the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE)
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in before and after school, child care or extended day programs
• A capacity to work within a multiple level reporting structure; demonstrated professionalism in working with School Board teachers and staff in delivery of shared, quality programs to school families
• Strong organizational skills and ability to effectively prioritize responsibilities
• 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
• 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

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

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.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.