Early Childhood Assistant

Key Responsibilities

Assists in the implementation of posted indoor and outdoor daily activities; assists with the ongoing supervision of playroom, playground, group, and routine activities. Assists the ECE staff in ensuring the overall health and safety of children enrolled in the program by maintaining a sanitary and safe environment and identifying children who are unwell.

Assists with arranging children’s play space to reflect the philosophy of the curriculum. Builds and maintains responsive relationships with individual and groups of children in care. Assists the ECE Staff in the developmental assessment of individual children based on observations; establishes and maintains effective communication with parents and student teachers by sharing daily information regarding children’s activities, programs, special events, etc.

Assists with the daily preparation of the playground and playroom; cleans/organizes equipment and other areas of the centre as needed. Demonstrates a professional approach by maintaining currency of theory used at the centre and in other areas related to the field of Early Childhood Development. Collaborates with the Centre Manager and team members to share expertise and practical knowledge.

Participates in Centre and program development meetings. Provides care-giving routines such as toileting, serving meals, rest time, cloakroom (dressing children to go outside, etc.) Keeps playroom and other facilities tidy and clean by following prescribed “cleaning routines”; performs various housekeeping duties, such as laundry.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Educational and Experience Requirements Early Childhood Assistant Certificate (one year Community College program) or equivalent and First Aid and CPR Certificate. Must have health assessment and immunization as required by the Ministry of Education including Covid 19 vaccinations.

More than six months and up to one year of practical related Early Childhood experience. Skills and Attributes Excellent English communication, problem solving, and human relations skills. Ability to follow policies, procedures, and instructions from Supervisor and ECE team members with accuracy. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as an effective team member.

Good interpersonal, organization, and observation skills. Ability to spend most of the day at the child’s level, e.g., sitting on the floor or on child-height chairs. Able to bend, stoop and lift child to adult height (up to 44 lbs) and to move children’s furniture or equipment to prepare room for programming needs. Ability to take initiative in preparing for routines that support daily activities such as preparing area for mealtimes, clean up and getting strollers ready for walks.

Commitment to diversity and equity are essential to interact effectively with the Polytechnic’s diverse child, student, and staff population.