Level 3 Early Childhood Educator Hourly, FSCD 1:1 Support Educator
Top Benefits
About the role
Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.
When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.
About the Role:
We are seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate Early Childhood Educator to join our Out of School Care team as a dedicated FSCD 1:1 Support Educator. This position provides individualized support to a child with higher needs, including developmental delays, non-verbal communication, and a high flight risk. You will work closely with the child, their family, program staff, and any external support services to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment that promotes growth, learning, and a sense of belonging. This role requires a strong commitment to safety, patience, and the ability to adapt activities and strategies to meet the child’s unique needs, while ensuring their successful participation in the program.
Essential Functions:
- Consistently represent YMCA’s values and mission, comply with all YMCA Policies, procedures and Provincial Licensing regulations
- Work and communicate with a team to implement Child Care curriculum which may include Playing to Learn, FLIGHT and A Place to Connect.
- Guide and redirect children in situations when conflicts arise using a variety of positive child guidance techniques
- Ensure children are accounted for at all times
- Treat all families respectfully, bearing in mind their values, culture and background
- Build relationships with families and communicate, verbally and in writing on a daily basis
- Commitment to Health and Safety and Child Protection Policies and Procedures
- Consistently provide a safe and clean environment following all cleaning/sanitizing procedures
- Completed required administrative tasks
- Participates in ongoing training and development to prepare for future development in the Child Care field, including acting as Supervisor on Site during Director/Program Supervisor absence
- May be asked to help mentor new Educators
- May be asked to work on committees and working groups outside of their assigned branch, ie. Health and Safety
- Participating in the Inclusion Plan Process with families, which may include documentation, parent meetings and specific trainings
- Performs other duties as assigned
In addition to the general duties of a YMCA Child Care Educator, this support role will have a specialized focus on:
- Provide consistent 1:1 supervision and support for a designated child during program hours, ensuring their safety at all times.
- Implement strategies outlined in the child’s Inclusion Plan and FSCD goals in collaboration with families and support teams.
- Support non-verbal communication using tools such as visual schedules, PECS, gestures, or other augmentative communication methods.
- Use positive guidance techniques to help the child navigate transitions, manage behaviours, and develop self-regulation skills.
- Proactively monitor and prevent unsafe behaviours, with heightened awareness of elopement/flight risk concerns.
- Adapt activities and routines to meet the child’s developmental level and encourage engagement with peers.
- Document daily observations, progress, and incidents as required by YMCA policy and FSCD guidelines.
- Participate in regular team meetings, training, and provide feedback for case conferences with families, FSCD caseworkers, and other professionals.
- Maintain open, respectful, and professional communication with the child’s family and all program stakeholders.
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Work occurs in a loud environment
- Able to handle demanding situations with confidence and professionalism
- May be going from standing to a seated position for most working hours, and walking throughout the day
- The employee may lift children and/or move up to 30 pounds
- Spending time outdoors in all weather conditions
- Exposure to children who may not be vaccinated
Qualifications:
- Alberta Child Care Certification - Early Childhood Educator Level 3.
- Intermediate First Aid & CPR – Level C.
- Clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (dated within the last 6 months).
- Demonstrated experience working with children in a licensed child care or school-age care setting.
- Ability to maintain a safe environment for a child with high safety and supervision needs.
Assets:
- Experience supporting children with developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or brain injury.
- Familiarity with the implementation of Individual Program Plans (IPPs), or Inclusive Care Plans.
- Knowledge of augmentative and alternative communication methods (e.g., first-then boards, visual schedules, etc).
- Training in behavioural support strategies, sensory regulation, or trauma-informed care.
- Strong observational, documentation, and communication skills.
Why work for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.
Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.
If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.
In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.
The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.
Experience
Required
- 1 - 5 years: Experience working directly with children who have developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or other higher support needs
Education
Required
- Some college or better in Early Childhood Education or related field
Licenses & Certifications
Required
- CPR Level C
- Intermediate First Aid
Behaviors
Preferred
- Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
Motivations
Preferred
- Work-Life Balance: Inspired to perform well by having ample time to pursue work and interests outside of work
- 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
About YMCA of Northern Alberta
The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charitable, mission based organization dedicated to the development of thousands of people in spirit, mind and body. The YMCA has responded to urgent community issues since 1907 by addressing several of the key social determinants of health—including education, housing, physical health and well-being—the YMCA is committed to building healthy families, children and communities. YMCA staff and volunteers work together to provide important programs for children, youth, adults and families; working in a holistic and strategic manner to support participants in achieving their goals.
Level 3 Early Childhood Educator Hourly, FSCD 1:1 Support Educator
Top Benefits
About the role
Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.
When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.
About the Role:
We are seeking an enthusiastic and compassionate Early Childhood Educator to join our Out of School Care team as a dedicated FSCD 1:1 Support Educator. This position provides individualized support to a child with higher needs, including developmental delays, non-verbal communication, and a high flight risk. You will work closely with the child, their family, program staff, and any external support services to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment that promotes growth, learning, and a sense of belonging. This role requires a strong commitment to safety, patience, and the ability to adapt activities and strategies to meet the child’s unique needs, while ensuring their successful participation in the program.
Essential Functions:
- Consistently represent YMCA’s values and mission, comply with all YMCA Policies, procedures and Provincial Licensing regulations
- Work and communicate with a team to implement Child Care curriculum which may include Playing to Learn, FLIGHT and A Place to Connect.
- Guide and redirect children in situations when conflicts arise using a variety of positive child guidance techniques
- Ensure children are accounted for at all times
- Treat all families respectfully, bearing in mind their values, culture and background
- Build relationships with families and communicate, verbally and in writing on a daily basis
- Commitment to Health and Safety and Child Protection Policies and Procedures
- Consistently provide a safe and clean environment following all cleaning/sanitizing procedures
- Completed required administrative tasks
- Participates in ongoing training and development to prepare for future development in the Child Care field, including acting as Supervisor on Site during Director/Program Supervisor absence
- May be asked to help mentor new Educators
- May be asked to work on committees and working groups outside of their assigned branch, ie. Health and Safety
- Participating in the Inclusion Plan Process with families, which may include documentation, parent meetings and specific trainings
- Performs other duties as assigned
In addition to the general duties of a YMCA Child Care Educator, this support role will have a specialized focus on:
- Provide consistent 1:1 supervision and support for a designated child during program hours, ensuring their safety at all times.
- Implement strategies outlined in the child’s Inclusion Plan and FSCD goals in collaboration with families and support teams.
- Support non-verbal communication using tools such as visual schedules, PECS, gestures, or other augmentative communication methods.
- Use positive guidance techniques to help the child navigate transitions, manage behaviours, and develop self-regulation skills.
- Proactively monitor and prevent unsafe behaviours, with heightened awareness of elopement/flight risk concerns.
- Adapt activities and routines to meet the child’s developmental level and encourage engagement with peers.
- Document daily observations, progress, and incidents as required by YMCA policy and FSCD guidelines.
- Participate in regular team meetings, training, and provide feedback for case conferences with families, FSCD caseworkers, and other professionals.
- Maintain open, respectful, and professional communication with the child’s family and all program stakeholders.
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Work occurs in a loud environment
- Able to handle demanding situations with confidence and professionalism
- May be going from standing to a seated position for most working hours, and walking throughout the day
- The employee may lift children and/or move up to 30 pounds
- Spending time outdoors in all weather conditions
- Exposure to children who may not be vaccinated
Qualifications:
- Alberta Child Care Certification - Early Childhood Educator Level 3.
- Intermediate First Aid & CPR – Level C.
- Clear Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search (dated within the last 6 months).
- Demonstrated experience working with children in a licensed child care or school-age care setting.
- Ability to maintain a safe environment for a child with high safety and supervision needs.
Assets:
- Experience supporting children with developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, or brain injury.
- Familiarity with the implementation of Individual Program Plans (IPPs), or Inclusive Care Plans.
- Knowledge of augmentative and alternative communication methods (e.g., first-then boards, visual schedules, etc).
- Training in behavioural support strategies, sensory regulation, or trauma-informed care.
- Strong observational, documentation, and communication skills.
Why work for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.
Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.
If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.
In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.
The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.
Experience
Required
- 1 - 5 years: Experience working directly with children who have developmental delays, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, or other higher support needs
Education
Required
- Some college or better in Early Childhood Education or related field
Licenses & Certifications
Required
- CPR Level C
- Intermediate First Aid
Behaviors
Preferred
- Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
- Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
Motivations
Preferred
- Work-Life Balance: Inspired to perform well by having ample time to pursue work and interests outside of work
- 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
About YMCA of Northern Alberta
The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charitable, mission based organization dedicated to the development of thousands of people in spirit, mind and body. The YMCA has responded to urgent community issues since 1907 by addressing several of the key social determinants of health—including education, housing, physical health and well-being—the YMCA is committed to building healthy families, children and communities. YMCA staff and volunteers work together to provide important programs for children, youth, adults and families; working in a holistic and strategic manner to support participants in achieving their goals.