Early Childhood Assistant - ECA (CSJ)

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory•Toronto, ON

4d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Canada Summer Jobs Program requirements apply.
Individuals who required employer-specific work authorization (e.g., international students on study permits) are not eligible under this program.
Recent immigrants are eligible if they are Canadian Citizens or permanent residents.
Applicants must meet program eligibility requirements, including age and legal status criteria.
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.
One year of related experience.
Knowledge and experience in implementing programs and completing evaluations related to programming.
Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications 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 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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.