Careers in the Early Years Sector

Job duties

• This position works alongside of qualified Early Childhood Educators to assist in all aspects of program
• Engages children in activities including story telling, teaching songs, physical activity, educational day trips, and creative expression through art, music, play
• Help prepare snacks and maintain a safe, clean and comfortable learning environment
• Help children develop proper eating, dressing and toilet habits
• May help ECEs and supervisors in record keeping and reporting

Requirements

• Must complete secondary school education
• Must have experience in child care
• May be required to complete an early childhood education assistant certificate program or post-secondary courses in early childhood education
• Does not need to be registered

Job titles

• Child Care Worker Assistant
• Daycare Helper
• Early Childhood Assistant
• Early Childhood Program Staff Assistant
• Preschool Helper

Job duties

• This position works alongside of qualified Early Childhood Educators to assist in all aspects of program
• Engages children in activities including story telling, teaching songs, physical activity, educational day trips, and creative expression through art, music, play
• Help prepare snacks and maintain a safe, clean and comfortable learning environment
• Help children develop proper eating, dressing and toilet habits
• May help ECEs and supervisors in record keeping and reporting

Requirements

• Must complete secondary school education
• Must have experience in child care
• May be required to complete an early childhood education assistant certificate program or post-secondary courses in early childhood education
• Does not need to be registered

Job titles

• Child Care Worker Assistant
• Daycare Helper
• Early Childhood Assistant
• Early Childhood Program Staff Assistant
• Preschool Helper

Job duties

• Plans, manages and implements child care programming within the provisions of organizational policies and the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA)
• Supervises and coordinates activities of other ECEs and EAs
• Completes reporting and inspection requirements
• Establishes and maintains collaborative partnerships with community service providers that work with children
• May work hands-on in a child care facility or may focus on the development and delivery of programming from an office-setting

Requirements

• Must complete a two- to four-year college program in early childhood education or a bachelor’s degree in child development
• Must be registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators
• Must have an extensive knowledge of the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA)

Job titles

• Daycare Supervisor
• Early Childhood Supervisor
• Preschool Supervisor

Job Duties

• support the program environment

Requirements

• No education needed - education is considered an asset
• Does not require professional qualifications in Early Childhood Education

Home child care providers offer high-quality, nurturing care to children in a warm, home-based environment - creating a setting where learning and development happens naturally through play, routine, and one-on-one attention. Working with a licensed agency means you receive training and ongoing support from Registered ECE's. Providers enjoy the flexibility to build a meaningful child care career from home while maintaining a balanced family life. With small group sizes, strong relationships, and the ability to make a real impact on early learning, becoming a home child care provider is both rewarding and empowering.

Job Duties

• Plan and deliver age-appropriate learning experiences using educational programming and daily routines.
• Provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive home environment that supports each child's emotional, social, and physical development.
• Prepare healthy meals and snacks that meet children's nutritional needs and follow agency and Ministry guidelines.
• Communicate regularly with families and the licensed agency, documenting children's progress and participating in home visits and inspections.
• Manage daily caregiving tasks such as supervision, diapering/toileting, rest time, and outdoor play while maintaining a positive, engaging atmosphere.

Requirements

• A safe, child-friendly home that meets all licensing and Ministry of Education standards.
• Completion of required background checks, including a clear Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) for all household members 19 years of age or older.
• Willingness to complete training, orientation, and ongoing support visits through the licensed agency.
• Genuine interest in working with children and the ability to provide consistent, nurturing daily care.

Job duties 

• Respond to interests of children, creating learning environments for children to engage in play-based learning, and take cues from children.
• Create an inclusive environment, being mindful and supportive of children with additional needs.
• Planning and facilitating age specific programs and special events in centre, outdoors and virtually.
• Facilitate and plan for all aspects of all workshops hosted by EarlyON staff.
• Provide child minding/programming while parent/caregivers attend workshops and targeted programs.
• Welcome families to the EarlyON Centre(s), be available if they need extra help or support.
• Maintain effective relationships with families, respecting confidentiality.
• Supporting families/caregivers by providing agency referrals and resources that reflect "best practices" in the early years.
• Engage parents/caregivers in discussions regarding their child's development and learning.
• Conduct administrative duties including maintaining program attendance records, conducting orientations with new families, providing and documenting referrals, and data entry of participants and outreach efforts.

Requirements

• Post secondary degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education
• Member in good standing of the College of Early Childhood Education
• Standard First Aid Certification, Level C
• Safe Food Handler's Certification
• Minimum 1 year in the Early Years field
• Ability to coach and mentor in an inclusive, collaborative environment
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills and critical reflection skills
• Strong presentation planning and implementation skills
• Excellent customer service skills and the ability to work with a diverse client group in a professional manner
• Sound knowledge of "How Does Learning Happen? Ontario's Pedagogy for the Early Years"
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records
• Effective time management and decision-making skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Valid Driver's License and the ability to travel between work sites and to outreach events
• Clear criminal reference check including Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

Job Duties

• Plan and post menus that are varied, nutritionally balanced and appetizing, taking advantage of foods in season and local availability.
• Procure food required for menus, scanning local supplier advertisements to identify best product purchases, maximize value and adhere to established budget. 
• Maintain proper storage of food and supplies and use best food handling and storage practices.
• Prepare and serve meals and snacks daily according to posted menu and adhere to special dietary and/or nutritional restrictions and portions required for the daily attendance.
• Plan and prepare food for special events or functions, field trips, and holidays.
• Provide guidance and direction to program staff regarding allergies and/or nutritional restrictions, kitchen safety, hygiene, and safe food handling practices and procedures.
• Follow Public Health Regulations, the Child Care and Early Years Act and operational policies and procedures in the cleaning and disinfecting of kitchen equipment.
• Inspect kitchen equipment and work areas and report any problems and necessary repairs to the Supervisor or designate.
• Wash and fold centre laundry to ensure a clean supply of face cloths, bibs, and kitchen towels are readily available.
• Review operational policies and procedures annually and recommend updates as necessary.
• Attend and participate in team and organizational meetings.
• Participate in staff training and development opportunities.
• Remain current with safe food handling procedures and new developments in nutritional requirements for young children.

Requirements

• Two (2) year college diploma in Food Services or similar program
• Current Food Safety Training Certificate
• Standard First Aid and Infant/Child CPR certification
• Two (2) years previous and on-the-job experience
• Knowledge of Public Health Regulations, Canada Food Guide and the Child Care and Early Years Act
• Effective communication skills, ability to set priorities, adhere to a schedule and adapt to changes in daily schedules and routines while dealing with interruptions and unpredictable conditions
• Ability to perform physical activities that include regular lifting, pulling, and standing for long periods of time.

Job Duties

• Supports inclusive early learning environments by coaching educators, collaborating with families and service providers and developing Individual Support Plans (ISP) to ensure all children can fully participate in child care programs.
• Builds educator and program capacity through mentoring, modeling evidence-based practices, facilitating professional learning, and using quality standards and assessment tools to drive continuous improvement.
• Provides system navigation and coordination by connecting families and educators with community services, coordinating additional assessments, and supporting access to inclusion funding and resources.
• Monitors quality and accountability by reviewing Quality Enhancement Plans, assessing program needs, maintaining service records, and complying with Centre/Ministry and professional regulatory requirements.
• Maintains strong professional and community partnerships by managing a designated caseload, collaborating with early learning teams, advising leadership, participating on committees, and upholding the RECE Code of Ethics and ongoing professional learning standards.

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education or recognized equivalent
• Current membership in the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators
• Five (5) years of experience working with children and families in early learning and childcare settings
• Knowledge and provision of formal assessments related to inclusion supports and quality early learning and child care standards
• Knowledge of current legislation and its application in childcare settings
• Knowledge of community services and resources that support families
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to work within, and utilize a, capacity building approach in service delivery
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams)
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Current First Aid/CPR certification
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)
• Proof of updated immunizations, including COVID-19 (two doses)
• Access to reliable transportation to travel to a variety of locations in the City and County of Peterborough.