Registered Early Childhood Educator - Shelter Respite

Position Title: Registered Early Childhood Educator - Shelter Respite

Department: Children and Family Services 

Program:  Shelter Respite and Leaping Lizards After School Program     

Status and Hours: Regular Part-Time - 23hr/week (with opportunities for additional hours)

Pay Scale: $26.015-$30.605   

Reports to: Team Lead, Family Support Services, Shelter Respite and Leaping Lizards

Application Deadline:  October 27, 2026 

This position is an existing vacancy. 

Benefits include:  

• 4 weeks of paid time off plus other leave entitlements 
• Extended Group Health Benefits 
• Flexible Health and Wellness Spendings Account  
• HOOPP Pension plan  
• Employee Assistance Program  
• Professional Development Opportunities 

Who are we?  

Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre is an innovative, community-based, multi-service centre. We strive to meet the needs of the diverse communities we serve. We work in partnership with individuals, families, and communities to achieve their full potential, paying particular attention to those who face barriers to care due to race, gender, income and/or ability. PQCHC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. If at any stage in the selection process, you require accommodation due to a disability, please let us know the nature of the required accommodation. 

Position Summary  

The Early Years Respite Care Worker is responsible for planning and delivering high-quality drop-in respite childcare and after-school programming tailored to the needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children living in transitional family housing. The position delivers programming that is responsive, inclusive, and grounded in How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years, supporting children’s development, well-being, and sense of belonging while fostering collaborative relationships with families and community partners. 

The ideal candidate will have a background in early childhood care and education, experience working with children ages 0–7 and their families, and a strong understanding of supporting children and families with diverse abilities and sociocultural identities. 

Key Responsibilities  

Direct Client Service  

• Plan and implement learning experiences and environments that align with How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years, supporting children’s belonging, engagement, well-being, and expression through daily routines, transitions, play, exploration, and self-expression. 
• Promote infant and early childhood mental health by building secure relationships and supporting emotional literacy and regulation 
• Observe and assess children’s development and interests to inform responsive early learning and care programming   
• Supervise and guide mixed-age groups of up to 16 children with team members, providing enriching learning experiences and interactions while maintaining a safe and supportive environment. 
• Integrate health promotion into programming, including healthy eating, physical activity, and mental wellness. During registration, identify potential health and safety risks and develop and implement individualized plans to support each child’s well-being and safety. 
• Build positive and consistent relationships with parents and caregivers, sharing information, supporting family engagement, and conducting outreach to families experiencing isolation to promote access to respite and early childhood supports. 
• Learn about community resources and, with support and training, provide families with information and referrals based on their needs and interests. 
• Create inclusive and culturally responsive environments where all children and families feel respected, valued, and a sense of belonging. 

 Administration  

• Maintain accurate, confidential client records (electronic and paper) in compliance with privacy legislation.  
• Record program statistics and contribute to routine reporting. 
• Prepare and maintain program materials such as flyers, brochures, and documentation for outreach.  
• Stay current on early childhood practices and pedagogical approaches.  
• Participate in ongoing professional development, reflective practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration.  
• Monitor environments for health and safety hazards; document and report accidents, illnesses, and serious occurrences as required.  

  Teamwork and Collaboration  

• Collaborate effectively with internal teams and co-located organizations, and community partners adhering to policies and protocols.  
• Participate in team meetings, program evaluations, and service improvement initiatives.  
• Share responsibility for maintaining program environments, including sanitizing, setup, and cleanup duties.  
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to ensure coordinated, high-quality service delivery.  
• Contribute to team culture of reflection, learning, and open communication.  

Human Resources  

• Support volunteers and placement students through orientation, supervision, and mentorship.  
• Participate in onboarding and training of new staff members.  
• Annually review operational guidelines, policies, and legislative requirements, contributing recommendations for updates. 

Standard Employee Responsibilities 

• Work in ways that uphold confidentiality, minimize risk, and comply with Centre policies. 
• Support the Centre’s data collection, research, and reporting processes. 
• Maintain professional competence and required credentials. 
• Contribute to hiring, orientation, and training of staff and students. 
•  Support interdisciplinary teamwork and health promotion practices that address social determinants of health. 
• Value diversity and inclusivity across all aspects of service delivery. 
• Participate in Centre events, development initiatives, and community engagement activities. 
• Occupational Health and Safety 
• Work in compliance with legislative and Centre health and safety requirements. 
• Participate in mandatory safety training, including Standard First Aid/CPR, WHMIS, Workplace Violence Prevention, Accessibility, Safe Food Handling, and Safe Management. 
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when required. 

Qualifications  

Education  

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education or Degree in Bachelor of Early Learning and Community Development or equivalent combination of education and experience.  

Experience  

• Experience in early years group environments including but not limited to childcare, Kindergaten programs, and before and after school programs.  
• Experience delivering programming aligned with How Does Learning Happen, Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years.  
• Knowledge of child development, emergent curriculum, and inclusive early learning practices.  
• Experience supporting families from diverse backgrounds and children with diverse abilities.  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, Outlook) and relevant databases.  

Key Competencies  

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with both children and adults.  
• Demonstrated teamwork, collaboration, and reflective practice.  
• Resilience and emotional stamina when working with children and families in complex situations.  
• Diplomacy, confidentiality, and sound judgment.  
• Initiative and adaptability in dynamic environments.  
• Commitment to trauma-informed, family-centred pracitce 

Other Requirements  

• Registration as an Early Childhood Educator is a strong asset.
• Negative Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check (current within six months; renewed every three years).  
• Standard First Aid/CPR  
• Ability to lift up to 24 kg (44 lbs) and meet the physical demands of working of active childcare.  
• Willingness to work outdoors year-round in varying weather conditions.  

Linguistic Profile  

• French oral expression, comprehension, and reading at Level C- is highly preferred.
• Other languages an asset.