Early Learning Facilitator

Benefits & Perks: We offer an array of total rewards to recognize loyalty, longevity, and passion for the work we do:

• Paid Vacation Entitlements that increase with seniority (subject to eligibility)
• Competitive total compensation packages
• Group health and benefits plans (includes medical, dental, and prescription medication, subject to eligibility)
• Generous pension plans with employer matching
• Free YMCA HBB Health & Fitness Memberships
• Professional development opportunities including paid training and access to YMCA education scholarships and incentives
• Reduced rates for YMCA HBB Child Care, Camp, and Child & Youth programs (subject to eligibility)
• Mental Health on Demand (MHOD)
• Opportunities for career advancement

Position Description:

Early Learning Facilitators are responsible for the day to day operation of a before and after school program in local schools throughout the Hamilton, Burlington, and Brantford regions. The Facilitator is responsible for developing and implementing a program that meets the developmental needs of children 4 - 12 years of age, while adhering to the YMCA HBB policies and procedures and quality standards, as well as the regulations of the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA).

The Early Learning Facilitator provides coaching and mentoring to the Early Learning Assistant to ensure the effective delivery of program, and supervision of children, takes place. The Facilitator identifies program needs and requests for appropriate equipment. Since programs may take place in a shared space, incumbents must have excellent interpersonal skills in order to maintain and foster strong and positive relationships with school personnel, parents and other educators to promote the delivery of high quality child care services within the community.

What You'll Do:

• Plan, organize and lead activities for children 4 to 12 years of age to meet their developmental needs. Program numbers range from 10 to 90 children in attendance.
• Knowledgeable on the pedagogical practices of the YMCA as they relate to Early Learning and Child Development and understands the Ministry of Education guidelines and curriculum; ensures compliance by staff on site.
• Understand and comply with all regulatory items as per the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), YMCA, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, and others.
• Ensure the health and safety of the children is maintained at all times; Must have knowledge of potential hazards and the ability to put a preventative plan in place.
• Complete required documentation of children’s development and activities, inclusive of administrative tasks that are assigned to the role.
• Assist with children’s bathroom routines, changing soiled clothing or diapers, and participating in snack/mealtimes.
• Liaise with parents, school personnel and community contacts.
• Provide input to the performance reviews of assistants, where applicable.
• Purchase snack supplies and follow a snack menu plan.
• Participate in Association wide events and attend monthly meetings and professional learning sessions.
• Utilize appropriate behaviour guidance techniques in all interactions with the children.
• This position requires the ability and flexibility to work a split shift (before and after school hours).
• Program areas are based on shared space within the school, therefore, requiring movement and set up of equipment on a daily, weekly, and/or monthly basis.
• Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort including lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending, stooping, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
• Must be able to work outdoors for at least 2 hours daily year-round; may be exposed to heat, humidity or cold.

What You'll Bring:

• Membership in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) OR Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) OR a diploma/degree in Child and Youth Care OR a diploma or degree in Recreation and Leisure services OR degree/diploma in Social Services.

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in a licensed child care setting, obtained through paid work experience, volunteering, placements, or a combination of the above.

• Must be familiar with the developmental needs of children ranging from ages 0 to 12 years.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport with children, families, staff/volunteers, and community partners.
• Strong proficiency in spoken and written English is required to communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues, and to maintain accurate documentation and records.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Working Computer knowledge.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Current Intermediate/Standard First Aid and CPR-C & AED certification (Level C).
• Current and satisfactory Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC).
• May be required to travel.

This position requires a commitment to the YMCA HBB mission and core values of: Inclusion, Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility, as well as a commitment to building developmental assets in children and adults.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Children and Youth

All offers of employment will be subject to the provision that the successful incumbent provides the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford with a current and satisfactory Police Records Check. Positions responsible for the direct supervision of children and/or vulnerable persons will be required, in addition to a Police Records Check, to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening Report at the time of hire. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offence(s), if any, is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children; therefore, not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.

Organizational Overview

As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide solutions. By nurturing the potential of children, youth and adults, the YMCA HBB connects people to life-building opportunities, to each other and enhances their quality of life. We foster social responsibility and healthy living. The YMCA HBB works collectively with community partners that share the YMCA HBB's determination in strengthening the foundations of community for all people.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Accessibility

The YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or neurodiversity.

We understand the social barriers preventing individuals from applying for open roles. We encourage those from the Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Disabled communities to apply.

If you need any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People, Leadership and Culture Department (PLC) at [email protected]

Ready to Make a Difference?

The YMCA is a charity that ignites the potential in people. #YSavesLives starts with building a strong community. If you’re passionate about people and excited to lead impactful initiatives, we want to hear from you!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Disclosure

Artificial intelligence ("AI") may be used to support the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants for this position. All hiring decisions involve human review.