Early Learning Assistant - Hamilton

Position Details

Hourly Rate: $22.75 per hour, inclusive of all government wage subsidy grants.

Position Grade: Grade 2

Department: Child Care

Location: Various sites across Hamilton

Work Hours: Up to 29 hours per week.

Employment Type: Regular Part-time Hourly.

Deadline to Apply: June 30, 2026.

Anticipated Start Date: April 2026.

No. of Vacancies: Multiple.

Benefits & Perks

• Paid Vacation Entitlements that increase with seniority (subject to eligibility).
• Group health and benefits plans (includes medical, dental, and prescription medication, subject to eligibility).
• Generous pension plans with employer matching.
• Free YMCA HBB Health & Fitness Memberships.
• Professional development opportunities including paid training and access to YMCA education scholarships and incentives.
• Reduced rates for YMCA HBB Child Care, Camp, and Child & Youth programs (subject to eligibility).
• Mental Health on Demand (MHOD) Program.
• Opportunities for career advancement.

Position Description

Early Learning Assistants are responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of a licensed child care program that meets the developmental needs of children 4–12 years of age, while adhering to the YMCA HBB policies and procedures, quality standards, and the regulations of the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA).

They supervise children at all times during the program to ensure their health and safety needs are met, and maintain strong, positive relationships with school personnel, parents, and other educators to promote the delivery of high‑quality child care services within the community.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, organizing, and leading activities for children 4–12 years of age to meet developmental needs; program numbers range from 10 to 90 children.
• Understand and comply with regulatory items as per the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), YMCA, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, and others.
• Ensure the health and safety of the children is maintained at all times; know potential hazards and implement preventative plans.
• Assist with children’s bathroom routines, changing soiled clothing or diapers, and participating in snack/mealtimes.
• Use appropriate behavior guidance techniques in all interactions with the children.
• Assume leadership of the program in the absence of the Facilitator/RECE.
• Communicate positively with parents, school personnel, and community contacts.
• Participate in Association‑wide events and attend monthly meetings and professional learning sessions.
• Work a split shift (before and after school hours) with flexibility.
• Manage movement and setup of equipment on a daily, weekly, and/or monthly basis due to shared space nature of program.
• Perform frequent light to medium physical effort including lifting up to 20 kg (44 lbs.), bending, stooping, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
• Work outdoors for at least 2 hours daily year‑round; may be exposed to heat, humidity or cold.

Qualifications

• Completion of High School education or equivalent.
• A minimum of 6 months’ experience working with children (paid work, volunteering, placements, or combination).
• Familiarity with developmental needs of children ages 0–12 years.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills; ability to establish rapport with children, families, staff/volunteers, and community partners.
• Strong proficiency in spoken and written English to communicate with children, families, and colleagues, and maintain accurate documentation.
• Working computer knowledge.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C & AED certification (Level C).
• Current and satisfactory Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC).
• May be required to travel.
• Commitment to YMCA HBB mission and core values of Inclusion, Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, and to building developmental assets in children and adults.

Organizational Overview

As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide solutions. By nurturing the potential of children, youth and adults, the YMCA HBB connects people to life‑building opportunities, to each other and enhances their quality of life. We foster social responsibility and healthy living, working collectively with community partners that share the YMCA HBB’s determination in strengthening the foundations of community for all people.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equality and Accessibility

The YMCA of Hamilton | Burlington | Brantford is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or neurodiversity. We encourage those from the Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and Disabled communities to apply. If you need any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact our People, Leadership and Culture Department at plc@ymcahbb.ca.

Ready to Make a Difference?

The YMCA is a charity that ignites the potential in people. #YSavesLives starts with building a strong community. If you’re passionate about people and excited to lead impactful initiatives, we want to hear from you!

Travel Required

Yes. Ability to commute to and from centre and off‑site staff meetings.