Early Childhood Education Specialist

Location: Lake Charlotte YMCA Early Learning Childcare Centre

Program: Licensed Childcare

Position Status: Full Time, Permanent

Compensation: $25.61 to $32.19

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

At the YMCA, we exist to solve many community challenges, including childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health support, access to wellness, and more.

Our network spans 100+ program locations across HRM and Nova Scotia, providing vital programs that:

• Support mental health and wellness
• Deliver accessible childcare
• Help newcomers and immigrants
• Create safe spaces for youth to grow and lead
• Support older adults and isolated community members
• Help people navigate a changing labour market

We empower people to discover their inner strength.

With our guidance and support, individuals and communities can

Shine On .

Perks & Benefits

As part of your total compensation package, employees receive:

• Complimentary YMCA Health & Fitness membership
• Access to Y at Home fitness programs
• Discounts on YMCA childcare and camp programs
• Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services

Role Overview

Reporting to the Centre Director, the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) plays a vital role in creating a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment where children and families feel a strong sense of belonging.

The ECE supports children’s learning and development through responsive, play-based experiences while building meaningful and respectful relationships with families and colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain a warm, welcoming, inclusive, and safe learning environment for children and families, tailoring interactions to support individual needs.
• Foster children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through intentional interactions, observation, and thoughtful program planning.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, play-based programming aligned with Nova Scotia’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework and the YMCA’s Playing to Learn curriculum.
• Be primarily responsible for a small group of children while contributing to shared classroom and centre responsibilities, including cleaning tasks, classroom paperwork, and organization.
• Build positive and respectful relationships with children and families through open, consistent verbal and written communication.
• Support a collaborative and respectful team environment by working positively with colleagues and contributing to centre-wide goals and broader association objectives.
• Ensure all health, safety, and licensing requirements are met at all times and communicate closely with the centre leadership team to support compliance.
• Participate in ongoing professional learning, reflection, and quality improvement practices, including team meetings, training opportunities, and one-on-one support meetings with leadership.
• Support operations by working in classrooms or with age groups other than those primarily assigned and by travelling between YMCA Childcare Centres as requested by the Centre Director to support ratio coverage.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education or an equivalent qualification
• Current ECE classification with the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (ECE Level 1, 2, or 3)
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Abuse Registry Check
• Previous experience as an Early Childhood Educator or in a related field is considered an asset
• Strong understanding of child development and play-based learning approaches
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work both collaboratively as part of a team and independently
• Demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive, supportive, and respectful environments for children, families, and colleagues

How To Apply

YMCA Work With Us

Application Deadline: June 25, 2026

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:

• Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Registry Check (less than 6 months old)
• Attendance at Child Safeguarding Training upon hire
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification

Note: Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis. Offenses do not automatically disqualify candidates.

Diversity & Inclusion

The YMCA is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour; racially diverse individuals; 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals; gender-diverse people; people with disabilities; ethnic minorities; faith groups; foreign-born residents; and veterans.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance so that reasonable accommodations can be arranged.