Position Title: After School Program Assistant
Location: Gravenhurst Public School- Gravenhurst
Muskoka Beechgrove Public School- Gravenhurst
KP Mason Public School- Severn Bridge
Terms of Employment:
Status: Permanent, Part-Time
Start Date: Sept 8 2026 with staff meeting on August 31, 2026
Hours: Monday to Friday, up to 3 hours per day or 15 hours per week, hours of work are between 3:00 – 6 pm; hours are subject to change, contingent upon enrolment (with the exception of TLDSB school holidays and PA days). Follows the Trillium Lakelands District School Board Elementary School Calendar
Actual hours of work may be subject to slight variation.
Rate of Pay: $22.61- $25.14 per hour plus 4% vacation pay plus $2.00 WEG
Requirements:
· Early Childhood Education Diploma and registered with the Ontario College of ECE’s would be an asset or other related diploma considered for director approved. CYCW, SSW, R&LS
· Currently enrolled in ECE or child development course working towards ECE diploma.
· Secondary School Diploma and one year related experience and/or education in a school age environment.
· Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.
· A commitment to the childcare field with a philosophy that is conducive to that of Muskoka Family Focus and Children's Place.
· Knowledge and understanding of the How Does Learning Happen? Document and the Assurance for Quality Improvement Program.
· Able to meet the physical demands of daily program set up and take down.
· Worker Health and Safety Awareness Proof of Completion Certificate.
· Current Standard First Aid and Infant Child C.P.R. Certificate.
· WHMIS 2015 Training Certificate.
· Violence and Harassment in the Workplace Certificate.
· Completion of the Food Handlers Course would be an asset.
· Good attendance record.
· Satisfactory Vulnerable Check and Medical Assessment, including immunizations and TB tests, on hiring and as required by Muskoka Family Focus and Children's Place policies.
These positions are open to male and female applicants.
A FULL JOB DESCRIPTION IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
Please forward a letter expressing your interest and outlining your qualifications for this position to:
[email protected]
JOB SUMMARY: To work with the Early Childhood Educator to implement a safe and secure program that enhances the cognitive, social, emotional and physical development care of the children following the Muskoka Family Focus and Children’s Place (MFF and CP) Program Statement which, includes the How Does Learning Happen? (HDLH) document.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Help build a positive work environment and positively promote our organization in the community.
2. Be aware of and adhere to policies and procedures for Muskoka Family Focus & Children's Place. Maintain or exceed the standards set by the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and the District of Muskoka’s Assurance for Quality Improvement (AQI) Program.
3. Continue to develop and broaden an understanding of child development through experience and professional development.
4. Be able to carry on in the absence of the Early Childhood Educator.
5. Adhere to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice as prescribed by the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators.
6. Health and Safety
a. Work in compliance with the Ontario Health and Safety Acts and Regulations.b. Use personal protective equipment as directed by the Supervisor.c. Report workplace hazards and dangers to Supervisor.d. Work in a manner as required by MFF and CP and use prescribed safety equipment when required.e. In accordance the internal responsibility system take responsibility for Health and Safety as an essential part of his/her job.
7. Care of Children
- Supervise children at all times ensuring a safe playing/learning environment. Be aware of the number of children in care at all times.
- Provide care and assist with the guidance, interactions and observations of all children in the designated setting.
- Take care of the children’s physical/emotional needs, for example: listening, nurturing, hugs, administering minor first aid and/or contacting parents/emergency services when required, etc.
- Assist with the preparation and clean up of a nutritious snack; be aware of any food allergies or intolerances.
- Ensure that children and parents know the boundaries and expectations of our programs including our Muskoka Family Focus and Children’s Place Program Statement.
8. Programming
a. Assist with the planning and implementation of inquiry play based programming for all children, including Individual Support Plans for children with medical/special/challenging needs following our Muskoka Family Focus and Children’s Place Program Statement and HDLH.
b. Provide choices whenever possible, recognizing that the children have been ‘programmed’ at school and may need some ‘down time’.
c. With consideration for the children’s needs, assist with and provide input on the programming, set up and general appearance and learning environment of the assigned program and using the environment as a “third teacher” (HDLH).
d. In cooperation with the Early Childhood Educator, assist with the preparation of monthly calendars and/or newsletters describing weekly indoor and outdoor programming.
e. Work with the Early Childhood Educator and the School Age Program Supervisor to ensure you have the materials and supplies for all aspects of the creative activities and all other areas of the program considering budgetary constraints.
f. In cooperation with the Early Childhood Educator, implement the direction of other professionals when programming for and working with children with challenging needs, when necessary, following the child’s Individual Support Plan (ISP).
g. Assist the Supervisor and co-workers with the organization and implementation of special visitors to enhance programming when appropriate.
h. If registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators, maintain a Continuous Professional Learning portfolio as required by the Ontario College for Early Childhood Educators.
9. Community/Team Building
- Communicate with the Supervisor on a regular basis regarding any issues related to the children, parents, work environment, supplies or toys, etc.
- Maintain a positive professional working relationship with co-workers, parents, school staff, students, volunteers, resource teachers and other professionals, considering the children’s needs as the priority.
- Know and comply with the school’s rules, when appropriate.
- Assist in acquainting parents with other programs that Muskoka Family Focus & Children's Place offers and with services available for individual family needs.
- Maintain ongoing communication with parents, written and verbal.
- Attend and participate in School Age Program Team Meetings and Muskoka Family Focus & Children's Place all-team meetings, as well as continuous learning opportunities.
- Act as a team player, offer ideas, support and suggestions for improvement where necessary, and as a resource to other staff.
- Report any suspicions of abuse to Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions while referring to the Child Protection Protocol. Inform the ECE and your supervisor of this report.
- Maintain the confidentiality of families, staff, volunteers, students and outside agencies at all times, including any written information collected from participants.
- Participate in monthly fire drills.
- Participate fully in the annual performance appraisal process as well as the Program Statement Checklist, including regular long and short term goal planning in cooperation with the Program Supervisor.
10. Care of Property:
a. Maintain a tidy and aesthetically pleasing environment, for example: update bulletin boards regularly, display artwork, wipe counters, put toys away, remove garbage, etc. Show respect for shared space.
b. Ensure all toys and equipment are cared for, clean, safe, and in working order following the expectations of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. If necessary, remove toys and equipment until necessary repairs are made or discard if unable to repair.
c. Follow opening and closing routine for the program.
11. Record Keeping:
a. Maintain daily record keeping for children in care, where applicable.
b. Use the daily communication log/book for the School Age Program and individual groups (if applicable).
c. Participate in the Assessment for Quality Improvement (AQI) program for the School Age Program.
d. Follow the organization’s procedures for the distribution of, and maintain a record of, any medications taken by children in care.
e. Assist with the completion of the Playground Assessment Checklist before the equipment is used daily, monthly and seasonally.
f. Maintain a record of, and communicate with your Program Supervisor, any incidents requiring first aid and/or medical attention. These could lead to a reportable serious occurrence.
Because of the changing nature of the work and work to be done, other duties and responsibilities may be assigned from time to time.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS:
· Secondary School Diploma and one year related experience and/or education.
· If the assistant holds an ECE diploma which would be an asset, must be registered and in good standing with the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators.
· Currently enrolled in ECE or child development courses working towards ECE diploma.
· Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills.
· A commitment to the childcare field with a philosophy that is conducive to that of Muskoka Family Focus and Children's Place.
· Familiar with and understanding the MFF Program Statement including HDLH.
· Able to meet the physical demands of daily program set up and take down.
· Current Standard First Aid and Infant Child C.P.R. Certificate.
· Completed Worker Health and Safety Certificate
· Completion of the Food Handlers Course would be an asset.
· Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check and Medical Assessment, including up to date immunizations and Hepatitis B, on hiring and as required by Muskoka Family Focus and Children's Place policies.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $24.61-$27.14 per hour
Education:
Experience:
- Licensed Child Care or Schools : 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- First Aid CPR-C and Food Handler Certificate (required)
Work Location: In person
