Early Learning Assistant

Hourly Rate: $21.90 per hour, inclusive of all government wage subsidy grants

Salary Grade - Grade 2

Location: Various sites across Brantford

Department: Child Care

Employment Type: Regular Part-time Hourly

Work Hours: Up to 29 hours per week

Anticipated Start Date: August 2026

No of Vacancies: Multiple

Deadline to Apply: September 30, 2026

Benefits & Perks: We offer an array of total rewards to recognize loyalty, longevity, and passion for the work we do:

• Paid Vacation Entitlements that increase with seniority (subject to eligibility)
• Competitive total compensation packages
• Group health and benefits plans (includes medical, dental, and prescription medication, subject to eligibility)
• Generous pension plans with employer matching
• Free YMCA HBB Health & Fitness Memberships
• Professional development opportunities including paid training and access to YMCA education scholarships and incentives
• Reduced rates for YMCA HBB Child Care, Camp, and Child & Youth programs (subject to eligibility)
• Mental Health on Demand (MHOD)
• Opportunities for career advancement

Position Description

Early Learning Assistants are responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of a licensed child care program that meets the developmental needs of children 4 - 12 years of age, while adhering to the YMCA HBB policies and procedures, quality standards, as well as the regulations of the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA).

Early Learning Assistants are responsible for the supervision of children at all times during program to ensure the health and safety needs of all are met. Since programs may take place in a shared space, incumbents must have excellent interpersonal skills in order to maintain and foster strong and positive relationships with school personnel, parents and other educators to promote the delivery of high quality child care services within the community.

What You'll Do

• Assist in the planning, organizing, and leading of activities for children 4 to 12 years of age to meet the developmental needs of children. Program numbers range from 10 to 90 children in attendance.
• Understand and comply with all regulatory items as per the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), YMCA and the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, and others.
• Ensure the health and safety of the children is maintained at all times; Must have knowledge of potential hazards and the ability to put a preventative plan in place.
• Assist with children’s bathroom routines, changing soiled clothing or diapers, and participating in snack/mealtimes.
• Utilize appropriate behaviour guidance techniques in all interactions with the children.
• Assume leadership of the program in the absence of the Facilitator/RECE.
• Communicate positively with parents, school personnel and community contacts.
• Participate in Association wide events and attend monthly meetings and professional learning sessions.
• This position requires the ability and flexibility to work a split shift (before and after school hours).
• Program areas are based on shared space within the school, therefore, requiring movement and set up of equipment on a daily, weekly, and/or monthly basis.
• Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort including lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending, stooping, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
• Must be able to work outdoors for at least 2 hours daily year-round; may be exposed to heat, humidity or cold.

What You'll Bring

• Completion of High School education or equivalent.

• A minimum of 12 months’ experience working with children, obtained through paid work experience, volunteering, placements, or a combination of the above.

• Must be familiar with the developmental needs of children ranging from ages 0 to 12 years.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport with children, families, staff/volunteers, and community partners.

• Strong proficiency in spoken and written English is required to communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues, and to maintain accurate documentation and records.

• Working Computer knowledge.

• 18 years of age or older.

• Current Intermediate/Standard First Aid and CPR-C & AED certification (Level C).

• Current and satisfactory Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

• May be required to travel.

This position requires a commitment to the YMCA HBB mission and core values of: Inclusion, Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility, as well as a commitment to building developmental assets in children and adults.

All offers of employment will be subject to the provision that the successful incumbent provides the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford with a current and satisfactory Police Records Check. Positions responsible for the direct supervision of children and/or vulnerable persons will be required, in addition to a Police Records Check, to provide a Vulnerable Sector Screening Report at the time of hire. Police Records Checks are reviewed on an individual basis, and the offence(s), if any, is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children; therefore, not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.

Organizational Overview

As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide solutions. By nurturing the potential of children, youth and adults, the YMCA HBB connects people to life-building opportunities, to each other and enhances their quality of life. We foster social responsibility and healthy living. The YMCA HBB works collectively with community partners that share the YMCA HBB's determination in strengthening the foundations of community for all people.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Accessibility

The YMCA of Hamilton|Burlington|Brantford is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or neurodiversity.

We understand the social barriers preventing individuals from applying for open roles. We encourage those from the Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Disabled communities to apply.

If you need any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People, Leadership and Culture Department (PLC) at View email address on ca.workus.org (mailto:View email address on ca.workus.org)

Ready to Make a Difference?

The YMCA is a charity that ignites the potential in people. #YSavesLives starts with building a strong community. If you’re passionate about people and excited to lead impactful initiatives, we want to hear from you!

Experience

Required

• A minimum of 6 months’ experience working with children, obtained through paid work experience, volunteering, placements, or a combination of the above.

Education

Required

• High School or better

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Childcare VSS
• CPR C
• Standard First Aid

Behaviors

Preferred

• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Motivations

Preferred

• Growth Opportunities: Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility
• Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization