Early Childhood Assistant - ECA Supply at The Salvation… · Toronto

POSITION PURPOSE SUMMARY:  

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. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:  

Incumbent will perform all, some or similar range of duties as below: 

Child Development and Care: 

• 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.  

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Equipment & Facilities: 

• 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. 

Family and Community Relations: 

• 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. 

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Record Keeping 

• 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. 

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT: 

Governance Boards and Councils: None. 

Internal: Staff members, volunteers, children in the program. 

External: Parents and guardians of the children, regulatory agencies, Ministry of Education, Public Health and any other relevant agencies. 

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY:  

• Reports directly to the Childcare Center Supervisor 

• Direct reports: none. 

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT: 

• Minor level of material responsibilities (proper use and safekeeping of toys, equipment, etc.). 

• Uses or maintains organization assets in accordance with established guidelines.  

• Does not process any financial transactions. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• The performance of the job requires frequently lifting/moving equipment and children, room set-up, moderate amount of teaching, etc. 

• Use of the tablet or iPad for parent communication 

• Possibility of intervening in physical confrontations 

• Cleaning the facility and putting up wall displays. 

• The incumbent is required to lift up to 30 pounds with no assistance from others. 

• Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids. 

• Verbal Abuse 

• Tantrums 

• Noise 

• The incumbent may have little to no travel required. 

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The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education, Qualifications and Certifications: 

• 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. 

• 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. 

 Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements 

• One year of related experience. 

• Knowledge and experience in implementing programs and completing evaluations related to programming. 

Skills and Capabilities  

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as 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 a 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.