Description:
Early Childhood Educator (ECE) is responsible for planning and implementing a high-quality Early Childhood Education program for children, assisting in supporting students enrolled in ECE-related programs, modelling the philosophy and Program Statement, and developing and maintaining professional relationships with families. The successful candidate is responsible for upholding the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) along with the guidelines in the college staff handbook.
Successful candidates will be required to conduct work on-site five days per week, Monday to Friday, between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at Conestoga’s Doon campus, located at 299 Doon Valley Dr. in Kitchener.
Responsibilities
Program planning and child development
- Plan, implement, and adapt high-quality early learning programs in alignment with the Regional Early Years Engage Framework and established early childhood education best practices
- Create inclusive, engaging learning environments that respond to the individual needs, interests, developmental stages, and capabilities of children and families
- Facilitate positive, child-centred, and child-initiated learning experiences that support children's growth and development
- Observe, assess, and document children's learning and development using appropriate assessment tools and pedagogical documentation practices
- Identify and initiate referrals to additional resource consultants and specialized supports when required
- Complete required documentation, records, and reports in a timely and accurate manner
Health, safety and well-being
- Promote and maintain a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment for all children
- Provide continuous supervision of children during all activities, routines, and play experiences
- Ensure compliance with the Child Care and Early Years Act, licensing requirements, centre policies, and staff handbook guidelines
- Monitor and respond appropriately to children's physical, emotional, and developmental needs
Family engagement and communication
- Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with families that support children's success and well-being
- Participate in family intake and orientation processes
- Communicate regularly with families regarding their child's daily experiences, development, and progress
- Meet privately with families, as needed, to discuss child development, concerns, or goals
- Provide consultation, guidance, and support to families while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism
Student mentorship and academic collaboration
- Support Early Childhood Education students through mentorship and modelling of effective teaching practices
- Provide constructive verbal feedback to students and share observations with supervisors responsible for evaluations
- Contribute to academic program initiatives and partnerships as appropriate
Teamwork and professional collaboration
- Work collaboratively as a contributing member of the classroom, centre, academic program, and interdisciplinary teams
- Support colleagues, students, and external consultants by sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources
- Report incidents, concerns, parent requests, schedule changes, and other significant matters to the appropriate supervisor
- Participate in ongoing professional development activities to maintain and enhance professional knowledge and skills
Qualifications
- A two-year diploma in Early Childhood Education is required
- Membership in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE) of Ontario is required
- Experience working in a licensed childcare setting is required, preferably one that provides placement opportunities for ECE students
- Valid Standard First Aid and CPR certification is required
- Completion of a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check is required
- Ability to comply with immunization requirements
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong time management and organization skills
- Ability to work creatively, flexibly, and collaboratively in a team environment
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills