EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSISTANT (ECA)

Number of Vacancies: 1 Type of Contract: Temporary Hours of Work: 29 Hours / Week Compensation: ECA $22.28 + $2.00 Provincial Wage Enhancement Schedule: Split Shift Before and After School Job Code: 3-DBA 2026 Start Date: TBD Department: Children’s Services Location: Dunnville, ON About Us Founded in 1889, YWCA Hamilton is known as one of Hamilton’s original social innovators and works from a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive framework. We are committed to providing meaningful and accessible services that create opportunities to amplify voices and co-create gender-inclusive and equitable communities. YWORK FOR US? Grounded in our core values of intersectional feminism, people-centered approaches, belonging, shared responsibility and strong partnerships, our work is guided by the belief that lasting change can be created together. YWCA Hamilton envisions an equitable world where women (cis and trans), girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people have the rights and resources to shape their own lives and lead their communities. Join us in taking bold action that leads to life-changing impacts in our community. AS A YWCA HAMILTON EMPLOYEE YOU GET On-the-job training and professional development opportunities Childcare discounts Opportunities to get involved in our community A competitive total rewards package that may include extended health benefits and paid sick time (eligibility criteria applies) If you’re passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of women, children, gender diverse people and families every day, we would love for you to join our team! Responsibilities Assists with the efficient daily operation and activity in an early learning and licensed child care center, working collaboratively with child care staff and the Supervisor, Children’s Programs. Implements quality programs for children birth to 12 years based on the emergent curriculum, in keeping with the YWCA mission, vision and values while adhering to the YWCA policies and procedures and quality standards, as well as the regulations of the Child Care and Early Years Act. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Creates a stimulating and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow, ensuring the safety of children enrolled in the program through direct supervision, and attendance protocols; Works collaboratively with RECE team to plan innovative weekly programs that are age appropriate and meet individual and group needs, according to YWCA philosophy; Implements curriculum to meet the needs, interests and talents of all children; Participates in all activities with the children; Updates, develops and ensures positive, professional communication with parents/families, community partners, outside agencies, co-workers and support staff, an on an ongoing basis; Supports the supervision of students and volunteers as required; Supports staff and classrooms as needed (e.g. staff breaks, programming time, etc.); Ensures classroom environment is kept clean and neat, including all activity and program areas, and common spaces, including toy washing and sanitizing; Works with limited pieces of child and family confidential data, with duty to report; Captures and monitors the children’s development goals and progress through weekly documentation; Ensures that written records are accurately documented and maintained including attendance records, symptoms of ill health, daily classroom logs, etc.; Prepares reports and statistics for Supervisor as required; Complies with the Child Care Early Years Act and YWCA Policies; Understands emerging trends, leading practices, industry professional standards; Provides recommendations to strengthen existing policies and/or processes; Nurtures and forms meaningful internal and external working relationships and partnerships Supports YWCA Hamilton mission, vision and values; Participate in mandatory organizational and departmental trainings and meetings; Prepare snacks while adhering to the YWCA Hamilton Menu and Public Health guidelines; Must be able to supervise large groups of children during onsite and offsite excursions such as field trips and swimming; Perform other duties as required. Qualifications High School diploma – 18 years or older; Minimum 2 years’ experience in a licensed child care setting; Working knowledge of children and early years programs; Must provide a current Vulnerable Sector Police check or willingness to obtain at own cost; Ability to bring a feminist, anti-racist/anti-oppressive perspective to work; Must provide a TB test, proof of Tetanus (within 10 years) and proof of MMR immunizations; Must have current Standard First Aid and CPR certificate or willingness to obtain at own cost; Bilingual English/French or other languages an asset; Must have knowledge of MS Office software including Excel and Word. WORKING CONDITIONS: Works up to a 29 hours per week; Ability to use frequent light to medium physical effort: lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending and stooping; Must be able to work outdoors for at least 2 hours daily year-round; may be exposed to heat, humidity or cold. As part of YWCA Hamilton’s commitment to Access and Equity, we strive to represent the diverse communities that we serve. Individuals who are women, First Nations, Métis, immigrant, refugee, LGBTQ2S+; individuals with disabilities; and individuals from racialized communities or other marginalized communities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process, if you require accommodation please reach out to [email protected] Personal information collected during the recruitment process will only be used for employment opportunities in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act. Only applications from individuals eligible to work in Canada will be considered. YWCA Hamilton may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Thank you for your interest in YWCA Hamilton. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.

Assists in the daily operation of a licensed child care center by implementing quality programs for children aged birth to 12 years. Ensures a safe, nurturing environment through direct supervision and maintains professional communication with families and staff.

Requires a high school diploma and at least 2 years of experience in a licensed child care setting. Candidates must provide a Vulnerable Sector Police check, current immunizations, and Standard First Aid/CPR certification.

• On-the-job training • Professional development opportunities • Childcare discounts • Extended health benefits • Paid sick time

• First AidPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Early Childhood Education
• Curriculum Implementation
• Child Supervision
• Parent Communication
• First Aid
• CPR
• MS Office
• Classroom Management
• Documentation
• Sanitization Protocols

• Education
• Social Services

Minimum education

High school

Minimum experience

2+ years

Apply by

Sep 12, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

29 hours per week

Seniority

Entry level