Job Title: Early Childhood Educator (ECE)

Department: Welcome Centre and Immigrant Services

Reports To: Manager, Welcome Centre and Immigrant Services – Ajax and Team Lead, Care for Newcomer Children Program

Employment Status: Full-time; permanent
Hours of Work: 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. or 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; occasional evenings and weekends required

Location: 458 Fairall Street, Unit 4, Ajax ON L1S 1R6

Job purpose

The Early Childhood Educator (ECE) will report to the Manager, Welcome Centre and Immigrant Services – Ajax and the Team Lead, Care for Newcomer Children (CNC) Program. The successful incumbent will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Care for Newcomer Children (CNC) Centre.

The CNC program at CDCD offers a safe environment for immigrant children (ages 19 months to 5 years) to engage in age-appropriate activities while their parents participate in various programs offered by the Ajax Welcome Centre. The ECE will be involved in assisting the enrollment process for new children and their families, planning program activities, communicating effectively with parents, and completing various administrative forms and tasks as required.

Company Overview

Community Development Council Durham (CDCD) is an independent, not-for-profit social planning organization that has been working to enhance the quality of life for individuals, families and communities in Durham for 55 years. We organize a variety of research, community development and social planning initiatives as well as administer and deliver front line social service programs. Please visit us at www.cdcd.org for more information.

Duties and responsibilities

• Using a client-centred, anti-oppression, anti-racism, trauma-informed, gender-based analysis plus+ and strength-based approaches, build relationships and establish rapport with clients, newcomer parents and community partners.
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy protection measures for all community partners, vendors, staff and clients.
• Promote a high-functioning team environment that is inclusive, harmonious, cooperative, efficient and productive.
• Participate in promoting a positive workplace culture through agency committee membership and departmental activities.
• Maintain accurate records on each enrolled child, including but not limited to medical and consent forms, respecting privacy and confidentiality.
• Assist in providing and fostering an environment that protects the health, security and well-being of children enrolled with the Centre.
• Acknowledge that children may have diverse needs and backgrounds, and work towards creating equitable opportunities for all children to engage.
• Conduct Centre tours for parents and guide the enrollment process.
• Assist to develop and lead age-appropriate activities and programs.
• Document children’s learning and development and communicate progress with parents regularly.
• Ensure safety and cleanliness of the Centre is maintained by cleaning and sanitizing high-touch surfaces, toys, and any other areas or items as required.
• Assist children with daily routine activities such as eating, toileting and any scheduled program activities.
• Responsible for noting each child’s food restrictions and allergies.
• Identify indicators of child abuse, understand and apply legal responsibility and moral imperatives to report suspected abuse to the ECE, Manager and Child Protection Services.
• Actively communicate with parents through various methods such as emails, newsletters and phone calls.
• Serve as the point of contact for parents’ questions regarding procedures and programs. Take responsibility and ownership to respond to queries in a timely manner.
• Assist in promoting, marketing and advertising the CNC program.
• Build connections and increase engagement of parents and children, providing opportunities for them to get involved in other programs offered by the Ajax Welcome Centre.
• Maintain accurate client and volunteer records using the program database and iCARE (The Immigration Contribution Agreement Reporting Environment) system reporting platform.
• Prepare narrative and statistical reports on a monthly basis and as required.
• Promote a socially inclusive environment, recognizing and applying attitudes and practices that are sensitive to and appropriate for people with diverse cultural, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds.

The job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Early Childhood Educator Diploma
• Must be registered and a member in good standing in the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE)
• Minimum of 2-year professional experience working with young children
• Experience working with new immigrant families and children
• Knowledge of Child Care and Early Years Act
• Strong, clear and professional communication skills - verbal, written and facilitative
• Proficiency in a second language is an asset Valid standard first aid certification including infant and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Additional Requirements

• The ECE will need to be flexible in the case of attending evening and/or weekend meetings and events as required.
• A valid Ontario driver’s license (Class G), use of a vehicle and insurance with the ability to work in a variety of settings is an asset.
• The successful candidate must provide acceptable Vulnerable Sector Screening prior to commencing employment.
• Up-to-date immunizations and TB test, including certificate demonstrating proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 (or have a valid medical or other Human Rights Code-related exemption).
• Physically able to participate with children outdoors activities with the ability to lift up to 20 lbs.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Applicants are requested to submit their resume and a cover letter stating salary expectation, while outlining their strengths, experience and aptitude to fulfill the position requirements.

Please submit applications to Early Childhood Educator (ECE) at: https://communitydevelopmentcouncildurha.easyapply.co

CDCD thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those asked for additional information and/or selected for an interview will be contacted.

CDCD is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workplace that represents the cultural mosaic of the Durham Region and the communities we serve. We recognize the value that comes from the different viewpoints, unique experiences and diverse perspectives of our employees, who bring fresh, new ideas to our business. Diversity plays a key role in our ability to deliver our mission.

CDCD is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion within its community and encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to fostering innovative ideas and solutions.

As an employer, CDCD has a duty to accommodate potential candidates throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.