JOB SUMMARY
Registered Early Childhood Educators under the direction of the Executive Director works closely with all employees in the organization to plan and develop age-appropriate programs to enhance the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development according to Sunnylea’s program statement and philosophy and the Child Care Early Years Act, using Early Learning for Every Child Today (ELECT), and How Does Learning Happen? Assessment for Quality Improvement (AQI) and Public Health Guidelines.
Registered Early Childhood Educators are expected to develop and maintain professional relationships with families.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY & LEVEL OF AUTHORITY:
· Acts as lead staff when working with early childhood assistants (ECA), and supply staff.
· Directs teaching assistants, supply staff, volunteers and placement students.
· Responsible for the constant supervision, safety, and well-being in a classroom of several students.
PROFESSIONAL OBLIGATIONS
· Adherence to the legislative regulations and duties set out for an Early Childhood Educator under the current Ontario Child Care and Early Years Act.
· Adherence to the Professional Responsibilities and Code of Conduct set out by the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators, including but not limited to the Conflict-of-Interest Policy and the Confidentiality Policy.
· Maintaining RECE status in good standing with the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators, proof of membership must be provided annually.
POSITION SUMMARY:
· Along with other staff, under the supervision of the Executive Director and Program Supervisor, plans and implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum which includes activities, and experiences for children between the ages of 18 months to 12 years focusing on the age range of children in the room that you are planning for.
· Provides a physically safe and emotionally supportive environment showing sensitivity to the individual needs of children in all aspects of development.
· Observes children for daily overall health and ongoing observations for signs of potential learning or behavioural concerns and prepares written documentation for the Executive Director, parents, and/or outside agency.
· Demonstrated knowledge of the Early Learning and Care Assessment for Quality Improvement (AQI) and is able to use the tool to set up the classroom, materials, interactions so that they meet or exceed in all categories.
· Assess the abilities, interests, and needs of children and discuss progress or problems with other staff members and clients.
· Promotes positive interactions and behaviour guidance and direction with the ongoing supervision of the classroom, playground, group, individual and routine activities.
· Engages and works collaboratively as a team member in caring for the children and the overall operation of the program; maintains regular and open communication with peers and all other co-workers.
· Able to implement the four foundations of “How Does Learning Happen” through observations, reflections, documentation, and curriculum planning.
· Demonstrated knowledge of the Early Learning and Care Assessment for Quality Improvement (AQI).
· Assess the abilities, interests and needs of children and discuss progress or problems with other staff members and parents.
· Engages each child individually each day and makes every effort to greet every parent/guardian/caregiver.
· Performs administrative functions as required.
· May be required to be one of two staff on duty until the last child is picked up from the program.
· Experience in the use of computer technology (e.g., email, internet, word processing etc.)
· Maintains positive relationships with colleagues, children and families, school personnel, Board of Directors, government, and community.
· Sunnylea Childcare Centre is open during the hours of 7:30 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. While every attempt is made for staff to have regular schedules and programs, the nature of the job requires staff to be flexible about shifts and program assignments. Summer, March Break, winter holidays, PA days, etc., will affect staff schedules and job responsibilities.
SPECIFIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The job duties and responsibilities for the Early Childhood Educator shall include but are not limited to the following and any other duties assigned by the Executive Director, or the Program Supervisor or designate.
PROGRAM
· Responsible for planning and implementing an appropriate written program plan that will be reviewed by the Executive Director/Program Supervisor.
· Respond with sensitivity to the needs of individual children and their families, respecting diversities in age, sex, developmental level, religion, sexual orientation, and cultural background.
· Read the communication book before starting shift and read and update the room communication book daily.
· Work as a team member; serve as a role model.
· Plan and implement the daily program. This program:
a) Shall be in accordance with the Centre’s philosophy and policies as well as all applicable legislation and regulations e.g. Public Health, Child Care and Early Years Act and AQI.
b) Shall be based on the principles of “How Does Learning Happen?”
c) Shall contain a variety and balance of activities to enhance the children’s development in the following areas: cognitive, fine motor, gross motor, creative, science, sensory, social and emotional.
d) Shall be appropriate to the age, developmental level, and interests of the children.
e) Shall provide for emergent curriculum experiences to build on children’s immediate interests.
f) Shall consist of individual, small, and large group activities, activity centres, outdoor experiences, and field trips.
g) Shall create a positive social environment which promotes sharing, cooperation, problem solving, respect for others and self-help skills.
h) Shall consist of activities to enhance development in all areas, facilitated by a variety of teaching techniques, material and spaces; responsible for obtaining all supplies for planned activities and snacks. Staff are responsible for obtaining all supplies for planned activities ahead of time.
i) Shall create a positive atmosphere through fair, progressive and consistent expectations.
j) Shall provide opportunities for child-directed play experiences that are Bias Free, that promote a child’s understanding of their own and other’s cultures and value systems.
k) Shall post a daily schedule and ensure that it is followed. All changes must be noted on the program plan. Staff must be prepared to adapt the program plan when necessary.
· Design, arrange and maintain a safe, orderly, appealing, and developmentally appropriate program space, including 5 distinct program areas in the room. Ensuring that materials and room set up are done prior to children entering the room (before & after school) or activities commencing (full day program).
· Ensure children are dressed appropriately for indoor and outdoor activities.
· Conduct daily health checks of children; record illness and inform Program Supervisor; contact parents as necessary.
· Monitor lunch and snack-time activities encouraging children to eat their lunch. Report any appetite changes to parents and Program Supervisor. Mentor and monitor healthy eating and report concerns to families and Program Supervisor.
· Administer first aid and medication as per policy.
· Read, understand and abide by all policies of Sunnylea Childcare centre, including emergency, fire, serious occurrence, prohibited practices and child abuse procedures.
· Communicate regularly any issues of mutual concern, both verbally and in written form, with parents, school staff, daycare staff and outside resources.
· Observe and record relevant information on each child’s progress as required as per the Centre’s policies and practices.
· Be ready for work in the classroom by the start of your shift, having your personal belongings put away, and you are in the room/playground ready to work. This includes dressing and/or preparing for the scheduled activity and the weather.
· Handle petty cash, purchasing supplies as needed.
· Participate in maintaining accurate and complete records and other administrative tasks e.g., emergency cards, allergy lists etc.
· Observe and assess children’s progress and behaviour to ensure programs meet identified individual and group needs. Recommend referral of children to outside agencies for special needs. Complete developmental profiles.
· Discuss children’s progress/behaviour/health with parents/school staff as necessary.
· Regularly evaluate the program to ensure it meets the needs of individual children and the needs of the group; set goals and meet licensing criteria; AQI checklist, public health guidelines, update your weekly posted program plan with all changes as needed.
· When you are unable to report to work due to a personal emergency, you must call the centre as soon as possible before your shift, preferably by 6:30 PM the night before. You are responsible for contacting the Executive Director/Program Supervisor by 3:30 PM on the day you are absent to indicate your attendance for the following day.
· Remains on duty until your shift is over even if the last child is picked up prior to the end of your shift.
· Before leaving you must have completed all final documentation, classroom cleanup and any preparation required for the next day.
· In the case of a late pickup, you cannot leave (unless given permission) until all the children have been picked up from the program even if your shift is over.
HEALTH AND SAFTEY
· Is responsible for ensuring that regular attendance checks are documented as required by Sunnylea policies.
· Know where each child is always in your care by doing regular attendance verification checks during indoor, outdoor, and at all transition times and field trips. Note these checks on attendance sheets are required for verification at transitions, and other appointed times.
· Stay on duty until shift is over or until last child is picked up (whichever is later). Two staff (one of whom must be a RECE) must stay on the premises until the last child is picked up.
· Assists to ensure the overall health and safety of children enrolled in the program by maintaining a sanitary and safe environment, i.e., sanitizing the toys and equipment and signing off.
· Plans execute and document fire and emergency drills once per month.
· Prepare children for the monthly fire and/or emergency drills. Debrief with your group/individual children afterwards as to what went well and what to improve for next time.
· Remain current on the status of all children’s allergies and other special conditions, especially the children in your direct care.
· Supervise mealtimes in a relaxed, family atmosphere, sitting at the table with different groups of children daily. Ensure adequate nourishment and that any special dietary requirements are met.
· Position yourself so that you can be aware of the big picture and keep an eye on activities. Staff should position themselves to maximize visibility and accessibility.
· Ensure playground check is complete and recorded twice daily, twice yearly washing of outdoor equipment is also recorded.
· Keep the surface areas and room tidy and sanitary, as per licensing requirements.
· Release children ONLY to person’s authorized by the child’s custodial parent/guardian/caregiver and fill out Child Release Forms, as necessary.
FAMILIES
· Develop and maintain professional relationships with families by providing ongoing support, and resources.
· Establish and maintain professional communication with parents/caregivers by participating in a variety of formal and informal communication strategies (daily conversations, information sheets, surveys, developmental portfolios, classroom newsletters etc.) However, these communications must not interfere or compromise the attention of the children in your immediate care. If communication will last longer than a couple of minutes, ask to speak to that parent/guardian at another time, or ask for coverage from the Executive Director/Program Supervisor.
· Respond to parent/guardian requests regarding concerns within 24 hours document all contact and discussions.
· Accommodate the parent/guardian’s instructions for daily care routines whenever possible.
· Participate in parent meetings and social events in the centre.
· Assist in facilitating referrals to outside agencies when required.
· Maintains professional boundaries and constant awareness of the “client” relationship.
STAFF/TEAM RESPONSIBILITES
· Always remain professional. This includes, but is not limited to, refraining from gossiping about parents, children or other staff; limiting socializing when you are on duty; limiting personal phone calls; and respecting personal boundaries.
· Actively participate in meetings (contributing to discussions, share learning experiences etc.) and events as required e.g., staff meetings, holiday show, etc.
· Maintain RECE status by maintaining membership in good standing with the College of ECEs. Proof of membership must be provided annually.
· Participate in the annual evaluation process and set goals for the following year. This includes continuous learning goals from the College of ECEs.
· Be actively involved in professional development by attending workshops & conferences and participating in in-house trainings including annual First Aid Certification.
· Collaborate with colleagues, support and maintain a team approach by sharing expertise and practical knowledge in developing the program.
· Establish and maintain professional communication with parents/caregivers by participating in a variety of formal and informal communication strategies (daily conversations, information sheets, surveys, developmental portfolios, classroom newsletters etc.) However, these communications must not interfere or compromise the attention of the children in your immediate care. If communication will last longer than a couple of minutes, ask to speak to that parent/guardian at another time, or ask for coverage from the Executive Director/Program Supervisor.
· Vacation requests, float day requests, and any other requests for a schedule change should be submitted to Program Supervisor in writing according to Sunnylea’s Time Off Request policy.
· Keep the Executive Director informed of any pertinent information i.e., personal information, allergies, address changes, banking information including any requirements for accommodation.
· Keep management informed of any work-related matters that include but not limited to necessary supplies, teaching aids, and equipment for the program.
· Always maintain a professional appearance, assume responsibility for your own actions and behaviour at work. (See employee handbook regarding social media Policy and Dress Code.)
RESPONSIBILITY FOR PLACEMENT STUDENTS
· Assist Senior staff in training and evaluating ECE and ECA students.
· Model and demonstrate appropriate teaching techniques.
· Assess, record, and discuss daily observations with students.
· Monitor placement students, progress and delegate responsibility for tasks in the classroom.
RECORD KEEPING
· Maintain up-to-date records for legislative and regulatory purposes.
· Record daily attendance.
· Record and report accidents, incidents and occurrences as required, get appropriate signoffs in a timely manner.
· Record cleaning procedures.
· Record absence of ill health, as per Daily Health Check.
· Record medical procedures and the administration of medication as required by the Executive Director.
· Do a daily playground/yard check and record on required forms.
· Record facility maintenance and safety checks as required, i.e., weekly flushing.
· Participate in maintaining accurate and complete records for children i.e., updating emergency contact sheets, allergy lists etc. and giving information to the Executive Director.
· Complete a child’s daily log on Himama if required by Executive Director/Parents.
· Complete daily program logbook and daily communication book.
WORK CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES
· Able to walk up 3 flights of stairs.
· Lift and/or move between 10 pounds up to 30 pounds.
· Must be comfortable being in the water on swim trips.
· Repetitive Tasks.
· Attention to detail.
· Frequent combinations of sitting, climbing, standing, walking, balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling, and crawling.
· Combination of indoor and outdoor environments.
· Exposure to; high noise levels, bodily fluids, infectious illness/diseases, occasional inclement weather.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
· Early Childhood Education Certificate or Provincially recognized equivalency.
· Valid First Aid Training and Level “C” CPR.
· Knowledge of the CCEYA, How Does Learning Happen and the ELECT document.
· Knowledge of the Occupation Health and Safety Act.
· Safe Food Handlers Certification (for staff that prep lunch on a regular basis).
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
· Current Registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
· Current satisfactory Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
· CRC to be completed every 5 years on work anniversary, to sign a declaration form annually with 2 weeks of work anniversary of alternate years.
· Valid Standard First Aid training and Level “C” CPR.
· Health Assessment, T.B. test, and up-to-date immunizations.
· Signing off all Sunnylea policies annually. These include but are not limited to: Program Statement, Behaviour Guidance, Child Abuse, Bias Free Policy, Serious Occurrence, etc.
· Working knowledge of “How Does Learning Happen?” ELECT, AQI, and Public Health Guideline
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Fixed term contract
Pay: $29.40-$33.60 per hour
Expected hours: 30 – 32 per week
Additional pay:
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Schedule:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Etobicoke, ON M8Y 2M2: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Licence/Certification:
- College of ECE License (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2024-08-30
Expected start date: 2024-09-03
