Educator Assistant - Contract

About Us

Rich in heritage, culture and community spirit, the Town of St. Marys is located on the Thames River between Stratford and London. Offering a diversity of services, while providing the 7,200 residents with the opportunity to experience a high quality of life, St. Marys is a community with considerable promise.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Early Learning Services Manager, the Early Childhood Educator Assistant works in collaboration and assists the Early Child Educator in developing, implementing and promoting a safe and nurturing environment where developmentally appropriate learning opportunities are provided to help children in the childcare setting learn and grow to their potential. This role supports the Early Childhood Educator to ensure quality programming is provided and all regulations, legislations, policies and procedures are followed. This posting is being advertised for an existing vacancy within the Town of St.Marys.

Position Details

Status: Contract
Hours of Work: 25hours/ week (12:00pm - 5:00pm)
Days of Work: Monday to Friday
Pay Range: $22.06 - $25.81

Key Responsibilities

- Guarantee the safety and care of children in the program in accordance with Child Care and Early Years Act, How Does Learning Happen Document, childcare policies and procedures
- Provide a safe, healthy environment for children through responsible supervision and decision making based upon knowledge of children, emergency procedures, hygiene and the safe use of equipment and materials
- Assist the Educator with the planning and delivery of daily curriculum specific to children’s developmental stage, children’s interests and individual needs and assess children’s development
- Assist with the evaluation of your program to ensure a well-balanced, developmentally appropriate program based on children’s interests for a group of up to thirty children
- Collaborate with the Educator to create and post program plans weekly
- Maintain a warm, caring environment where everyone is respected
- Administer medication as prescribed by legislation when Educator is not available
- Ensure the daily inclusion of active play and actively participates with the children, as appropriate
- Implements program Policies and Procedures in accordance with requirements
- Assist in preparing and distributing a nutritious snack daily, in accordance with the policies and regulations paying close attention to allergy/food sensitivities
- Implement a variety of positive and consistent approaches towards behaviour guidance, which are consistent with the policies, practices, and program philosophy. Models appropriate strategies to assist children in resolving conflicts. In hard to manage situations, determines appropriate behaviour guidance strategies and interventions through consultation and discussion with the Educator and Manager
- Assist the Educator in monitoring and maintaining adequate program supplies
- Follow policy on toy washing, classroom sanitization to ensure a safe and healthy environment
- Follow procedures for fire drills on a monthly basis
- Ensure children are released to properly authorized persons
- Participate in professional development workshops as required. Demonstrate an active role in learning new techniques and exchanging information related to the provision of a quality program
- Clean up and set up play areas
- Communicate and collaborate with other Educator Assistants and Educators in the centre to ensure information and program ideas are shared
- Implement program policies and procedures in accordance with requirements
- Assist in program evaluation and engaging in the planning for individual programs, along with Educator and Manager
- Document and report suspected child abuse to the Children’s Aid Society. Inform the Manager. Understand personal and legal liability for reporting procedures
- Complete and maintain accurate program records as required
- Keep accurate, objective records on-site and communicate any changes in information as appropriate, such as registration, information, attendance, and the daily journal
- Communicate daily with parents in an open supportive manner. Assist Educator in responding to parents’ requests, suggestions, inquiries, and concerns on a daily basis, referring to the Manager when appropriate
- Assist in the completion and maintenance of accurate program records
- Keep accurate, objective records on-site and communicate any changes in information as appropriate, such as registration, information, attendance, and the daily journal
- Create and distribute documentation of children’s learning to parents/guardians on regular basis
- Maintain accurate attendance record and daily logs in accordance to Child Care and Early Years Act
- Participate in program and organizational events as requested
- Demonstrate courtesy and professionalism when interacting with others and follows professional standards of confidentiality at all times
- Assist in informing the Manager on all relevant issues pertaining to children, parents, program operation and school functions
- Perform other related duties, as necessary or as assigned

Qualifications

- High School Diploma or equivalency
- Minimum age of 18 years
- Clearance of Criminal Record Check/Vulnerable Sector
- Standard First Aid/CPR/CPR Level C with AED
- Safe Food Handler’s Certification
- 1 year experience working with children in a group setting
- Computer literacy – Microsoft Outlook
- Knowledge of the Child Care and Early Years Act
- Knowledge of How Does Learning Happen Document
- Confidentiality – this position will have access to personal information about children/family including registration and health information as well as custody status
- Interpersonal skills – must have strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills as this role has a great deal of contact with external customers (parents/guardians) and other team members. At times communicating with representatives from Ministry and Public Health.
- Leadership – must have leadership skills to oversee the daily operations of the classroom assigned to you when you are the only adult in the room
- Conflict resolution – the ability to diffuse and resolve minor conflicts with other team members/parents/guardians while maintaining professionalism at all times