Early School Age Development Coordinator

Early School Age Development Coordinator

Abiona Centre For Infant & Early Mental Health (the “Centre”) is a client-centered organization focusing on infant and early childhood mental health. We support pregnant and parenting young mothers aged 13‑29, along with their babies who reside at the Centre or in the community. As an accredited Children’s Mental Health Centre, we are the largest Young Parent Infant Centre in the province.

Our commitment is to create a better future for vulnerable pregnant and parenting young mothers and their children 0‑6. Our infant and early childhood mental health programs give our clients the tools they need to build secure relationships with their babies, cope with life’s adversities, find help when needed and succeed in life. We offer a live‑in treatment program, transitional housing, on‑site high school programs, community housing support, housing and community support referral services, and maternal‑infant mental health programs. Collaborating with community partners, our multi‑disciplinary team provides wraparound programs addressing mental health, education, life skills, and transitional needs. The Centre also operates an EarlyON Child and Family Centre, along with two Early Learning Centres open to families, young women, and their children in the community.

Our vision is a world where families led by young women have the emotional and physical supports to realize their full potential.

Reporting to the Supervisor, MIMH, the Early School‑Age Development Coordinator (the “Coordinator”) will be at the forefront of the Kuumba Project (the “Project”), an essential infant and early childhood mental health initiative at Abiona Centre (the “Centre”). The project is designed for children aged 3‑5 years within the Black, African Canadian, and racialized communities.

The Coordinator will take a collaborative approach with caregivers, educators and fellow professionals to craft and implement prevention and early intervention services that are both impactful and culturally sensitive. Operating within schools in Neighborhood Improvement Areas, including both ECPP / Section 23 and mainstream schools, the Coordinator will be pivotal in planning and executing programs that address the comprehensive developmental needs of young children, and provide vital support to meet the specific needs of their young parents. This role is not just about education and care, but to foster a nurturing environment that supports the entire family unit, aiding in the creation of a stronger, more resilient community.

Position

Early School Age Development Coordinator

Term : Permanent – Full Time / Existing Position

Rate of Pay : $51,769 per annum

Department : Maternal Infant Mental Health

Reports to : Supervisor, Maternal Infant Mental Health Program (MIMH)

Qualifications

• Post‑Secondary Degree in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field; additional qualifications in Infant Mental Health and attachment‑based interventions preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in child development or infant mental health within a structured setting.
• Thorough understanding of anti‑racism and anti‑oppressive practices affecting BIPOC and 2SLGBTQQIA communities.
• Lived experience as a Black or African Canadian individual is highly valued.
• Extensive knowledge of the challenges and strengths of marginalized Black and African Canadian families, as well as other racialized families with young children.
• Familiarity with the needs of pregnant, parenting young parents and their children.
• Demonstrated ability to establish therapeutic, trusting relationships with young children and their caregivers.
• Experience in facilitating group and community forums with a focus on parenting and parent‑child relationships.
• Knowledge of maternal and parent‑child relationship impacts on infant development.
• Proficiency in implementing evidence‑based parenting and attachment theory informed interventions.
• Excellent organizational skills and effective time management.
• Strong critical thinking abilities, empathy, and compassion.
• Familiarity with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and Developmental Support Plans (DSPs).
• Knowledge of harm reduction and client‑centered approaches.
• Standard First Aid, CPR‑C required.
• Fluency in a second language, such as French, is an asset.

Working Conditions

The Centre offers a dynamic work environment and career advancement opportunities. The successful candidate must have a negative criminal reference check and vulnerable sector screening as a condition of employment.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the Centre’s Accommodation Policy, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Please make your needs known in advance.

The Centre encourages applications from persons who represent the diverse populations we serve.

Application Contact

Human Resources

1102 Broadview Avenue

Toronto, ON M4K 2S5

Fax : 416-425-4056 OR

Email : hr@abionacentre.ca (please quote “Early School Age Development Coordinator” in the subject line)

We thank all applicants, however, only those we select for interview will be contacted.

Date of posting : December 30, 2025

#J-18808-Ljbffr