ECE Assistant Student Position

Be the spark that ignites the potential in people! The YMCA of Cape Breton is seeking an Early Childhood Educator Assistant to join our Early Learning Centre Charlotte St. for a term position.

The YMCA Experience

The YMCA of Cape Breton is one of the largest charities in Nova Scotia and a member of one of the most recognized organizations in the world. Our mission is to connect and ignite the potential in people, helping them grow and give back to our communities. Through building connections with people at all ages and stages of their lives – as well as the broader community – the YMCA of Cape Breton serves over 35 000 people annually.

Programs and services focus on empowering people of all ages and life stages to overcome barriers and rise to their full potential. These include: health, fitness and aquatics; licensed childcare; employment programs (Nova Scotia Works); youth programming and related community services. The YMCA occupies 14 program sites across Cape Breton Island.

The YMCA of Cape Breton offers a great workplace culture achieved through an environment that embraces diversity and social inclusion, values differences, celebrates achievements and supports full participation by all employees. We believe that everyone belongs! The YCB provides 200+ employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of those within our communities.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director of ELC, the ECE Assistant is responsible for creating a stimulating, safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow. The ECE Assistant will assist in the overall organization and implementation of YMCA Playing to Learn program requirements while complying with the Education & Early Childhood Development Regulations and National YMCA Child Protection Standards.

This position is considered an integral component to helping build strong kids and strong families in a safe, efficient and welcoming environment

The ECE Assistant will:

• Responsible to the Director of Child Care and the Assistant Director of Child Care
• Communicate effectively concerns and suggestions openly to co-workers and the Director
• Work as a team member
• Keep up to date with staffing information and the childcare department’s policies including behavior guidance and child safeguarding.
• Maintains a professional image ensuring confidentiality, discretion, initiative, flexibility and a positive role model for children, parents and co-workers.
• Adherence to the YMCA Child Safeguarding policies and procedures and Behaviour Guidance
• Stay current on YMCA policies and procedures
• Supervise children at all times.
• Assist in the development, implementation and evaluation of the YMCA Playing to Learn Curriculum.
• Plan curriculum in accordance with the goals and objectives of the YMCA to foster maximum development for each child’s potential and growth.
• Responsible for the physical, social, emotional, affective and cognitive development of the children in the program.
• Maintains accurate and up to date records
• Contributes to the overall appearance, resources and learning environment of the program.
• Maintains contact with all the children to meet their needs – security, protection, affection, discipline, stimulation, warmth and comfort; to respect each child’s abilities and provide unconditional acceptance of him/her.
• Develops a relationship with families and meet their needs of comfort, security, warmth and acceptance as a part of the program.
• Carry out any additional duties required Director of Child Care and the Assistant Director of Child Care.

Qualifications

• Student must be enrolled in a post-secondary education program in a related field (i.e. sports and recreation, Early Childhood Education, Health and Human services, child and youth, Bachelor of Education)
• Student must be a permanent resident of NS or live in NS for at least 6 months prior to work term.
• Experience working with children and youth
• Experience in developing and implementing programs for children
• Experience working in a team environment
• Experience in working with children with a disability (cognitive and/or physical)
• Strong, relevant computer skills: email, Word, Excel
• Must have a strong collaborative work ethic
• Experience and sensitivity in dealing with diverse children and families, including people of different cultural and racial backgrounds, visible and invisible dimensions of diversity.
• First-aid and CPR certification.
• Must attend Child Abuse Protocol Training.

Note: Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check/ Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Abuse Registry Check. They will also be required to attend YMCA Child Protection Training, as well as successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

We offer

• Employee YMCA Membership
• Discounted Childcare and Program Rates

The YMCA of Cape Breton is an equal opportunity employer that values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion in our Association. We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.