Childcare Instructor – Program Lead

Who We Are

Founded in 1889, YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamilton’s original social innovators and works from a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive framework. We are dedicated to strengthening women’s and girl’s voices, broadening their choices, building dynamic leadership and providing essential services that promote safe, inclusive and equitable communities.

Why Work for Us?

At YWCA Hamilton, we are intentional about fostering a workplace culture that values positive physical and emotional well-being through our values of Inclusivity, Equity, Community, Self-determination, and Accountability. We invest in our employees so that we can bring our values into the communities in which we live. We offer our employees:

• On-the-job training and professional development opportunities
• Childcare discounts
• Opportunities to get involved in our community
• A competitive total rewards package

If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of women, children, and families every day, we would love for you to join our team!

Position Description

Job Code: 9-MSI-2023

Department: Children’s Services

Reports to: Program Supervisor

Location: Hamilton, ON

Hours of Work: 30 hours/week

Start Date: TBD

Posting Date: November 23, 2023

Ensures the efficient daily operation and activity in Care for Newcomer Children Program (CNC), working collaboratively with the Children’s Services Manager. Implements quality programs for newcomer children based on the emergent curriculum, in keeping with the YWCA mission, vision and values while adhering to the YWCA policies and procedures and quality standards, as well as the regulations of the CMAS Canada.

Qualifications

• Completion of 2 years’ college in Early Childhood Education or equivalent;
• Registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators (RECE); maintains registration as required by the YWCA and provincial standards;
• Experience in a CNC setting is an asset;
• Must provide a current Vulnerable Sector Police check or willingness to obtain at own cost;
• Must provide a TB test, proof of Tetanus (within 10 years) and proof of MMR immunizations;
• Ability to bring a feminist, anti-racist/anti-oppressive perspective to work;
• Must have current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate or willingness to obtain at own cost;
• Bilingual English/French or other languages an asset;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Experience using Microsoft Suite including Excel and Word.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take the lead in meeting CNC Requirements, including the development of policies and procedures and training opportunities for staff;
• Report to Children’s Services Manager with any professional development opportunities or sessions for staff, program budget and purchase items used for CNC activities;
• Oversee the intake/registration of children, and reporting directly to the Children’s Service Manager;
• Maintain accurate and timely records, including registration form, attendance form and child information form;
• Develops and implements daily activities that support and promote the development of newcomer children in short term or combined care programs;
• Understands programming needs of newcomer children who drop in for care for short periods of time;
• Recognizes and understands the issues associated when combined care while caring for newcomer children on a short and long-term basis, especially issues associated with transitions and separation;
• Understands the settlement issues and the concerns of newcomer children and parents;
• Engages children in activities that support a child-centered approach;
• Guides and assists children in the development of healthy eating, dressing and toilet habits;
• Assesses the skills, abilities, interests and needs of children;
• Discusses newcomer children’s progress or concerns with parents and other staff members;
• Creates a stimulating and nurturing environment for newcomer children to learn and grow, ensuring the safety of newcomer children enrolled in the program through direct supervision;
• Supports program staff as needed (e.g. staff breaks, programming time, etc.);
• Ensures CNC space is kept clean and neat, including all activity and program areas, and common spaces, including toy washing and sanitizing;
• Maintains confidentiality of child and family data;
• Understands their duty to report;
• Monitors children’s development goals and progress through weekly documentation if applicable;
• Ensures that written records are accurately documented and maintained including attendance records, symptoms of ill health, daily CNC logs, etc.;
• Prepares reports and statistics for Supervisor as required;
• Complies with the CMAS requirements and YWCA Policies;
• Understands emerging trends, leading practices, industry professional standards;
• Supports YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and values;
• Participates in mandatory organizational and departmental trainings and meetings;
• Must be able to supervise large groups of children during onsite and offsite excursions such as field trips and swimming;
• Must be able to plan and illustrate activities in and on unfamiliar environments and adhere to CNC Mobile requirement and guidelines. Performs other duties as required.

Working Conditions:

• Works 30 hours per week. May include days, afternoons, evenings based on program needs.
• Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort: lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending and stooping;
• Must be able to work outdoors for at least 2 hours daily year-round; may be exposed to heat, humidity or cold.

As part of YWCA Hamilton’s commitment to Access and Equity, we strive to represent the diverse communities that we serve. Individuals who are women, First Nations, Métis, immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ2S+; individuals with disabilities; and individuals from racialized communities or other marginalized communities are encouraged to apply.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process. Please inform us of any accommodation requests.

Please Note: Personal information collected during the recruitment process will only be used for employment opportunities only in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Only applications from individuals eligible to work in Canada will be considered.

Thank you for your interest in YWCA Hamilton. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.