early childhood educator (ECE)

Work setting

• Child care centre
• Day care centre or nursery school

Tasks

• Assess the children's development in order to prepare a learning plan tailored to his needs.
• Bathe, diaper and feed infants and toddlers
• Develop and implement child-care programs that support and promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children
• Storytelling
• Supervise staff, trainees or volunteers
• Synthesize the overall situation of the children and communicate the information to the parents
• Assist early childhood educators in carrying out programs that promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children
• Lead activities by telling or reading stories, teaching songs and taking children to local points of interest
• Order supplies and equipment
• Assist early childhood educators or supervisors in keeping records
• Encourage children to express creativity through the media of art, dramatic play, music and physical activity
• Engage children in activities by telling stories, teaching songs and preparing crafts
• Guide and assist children in the development of proper eating, dressing and toilet habits
• Observe children for signs of potential learning or behavioural problems and prepare reports for parents, guardians or supervisor
• Submit written observations on children to early childhood educators or supervisors
• Discuss progress and problems of children at staff meetings
• Knowledge of licensing regulations
• Establish guidelines for behaviour
• Attend staff meetings to discuss progress and problems of children
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with co-workers and community service providers working with children
• Plan and maintain an environment that protects the health, security and well-being of children
• Plan and organize activities for school-age children in child-care programs before and after regular school hours
• Supervise and co-ordinate activities of other early childhood educators and early childhood educator assistants

Supervision

• 1 to 2 people

Certificates, licences, memberships, and courses

• Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certificate
• First Aid Certificate

Target audience

• Children

Experience with special needs children

• Children with behavioural issues
• Children with allergies
• Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit disorder (ADD)

Security and safety

• Criminal record check

Work conditions and physical capabilities

• Attention to detail
• Combination of sitting, standing, walking

Personal suitability

• Punctuality
• Efficient interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral communication
• Flexibility
• Interpersonal awareness
• Team player
• Values and ethics
• Creativity
• Honesty
• Ability to multitask

Screening questions

• Are you currently legally able to work in Canada?
• Are you willing to relocate for this position?
• Do you currently reside in proximity to the advertised location?
• Do you have previous experience in this field of employment?
• Do you have the above-indicated required certifications?
• What is the highest level of study you have completed?