Location: Fall River YMCA Early Learning Child Care Centre
Program: Childcare
Position Status: Full-Time Contract
Contract Duration: 6-Month Fixed-Term (with possibility of extension)
Compensation: $22.12 to $32.19
There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.
Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.
We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.
With us at their side, they can Shine On.
As part of your total compensation:
- Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
- Access to Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
- Discounts on YMCA camp programs
- 3 weeks’ Vacation entitlement and paid wellness days
- Comprehensive benefits package and pension
- Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services
Role Overview:
Reporting to the Centre Director, the Centre Cook & Support ECE plays a vital role in supporting the health, well-being, and daily operations of our centre. The primary responsibility of this role is to plan and prepare balanced, nutritious meals for the children in accordance with Nova Scotia’s Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Early Learning and Child Care Programs, providing one full meal and two snacks per day.
The Centre Cook takes ownership of the kitchen environment, including its cleanliness, organization, food safety, inventory, and appropriate stock levels. They are responsible for maintaining a welcoming and efficient kitchen environment while ensuring meals are prepared and served safely and on schedule.
As a secondary responsibility, the Centre Cook & Support ECE will support children, families, and the staff team by providing in-ratio classroom coverage as needed. This includes actively engaging with children, supporting classroom routines and programming, and contributing to a positive, inclusive, and nurturing environment.
In this role, you will:
- Plan, prepare, and serve nutritious and balanced meals each day in accordance with Nova Scotia’s Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Early Learning and Child Care Programs. Contribute ideas for child-friendly meals and snacks.
Accommodate children’s dietary restrictions, allergies, and individual nutritional needs as outlined by the Centre Director.
Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary kitchen environment in accordance with food safety and health regulations. Maintain accurate kitchen and food safety records as required, as well as ensuring proper food storage, labelling, rotation, and temperature control.
Monitor food inventory and maintain appropriate stock levels, communicating purchasing needs to the Centre Director and/or Assistant Director.
Work collaboratively with educators, leadership, families, and other members of the centre team to build positive relationships with children and support a welcoming environment that fosters a sense of belonging for all.
Provide classroom coverage and remain in-ratio as required, supporting children with daily routines, transitions, and programming. Actively engage with children through play, conversation, and meaningful learning experiences.
Support the implementation of the YMCA’s curriculum and centre-wide goals.
Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism in all interactions with children, families, and colleagues.
Follow all YMCA policies and procedures, licensing requirements, health and safety standards, and workplace expectations.
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development, training, and other centre initiatives as required.
Education and skills qualifications:
- Valid Food Handler Certification.
1-2 years’ experience in the Food Service Industry or related settings.
A background or interest in Nova Scotia Licensed Childcare settings.
Valid ECE certification (entry level, level 1, level 2, or level 3) or the willingness to obtain an entry-level certification.
Clear Background Checks obtained within the past 6 months (i.e. Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, Child Abuse Registry Check).
Valid First Aid and CPR Training.
To apply:
Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ by Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:
- Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older
- Attend Child Safeguarding Training upon hire
- Valid First Aid and CPR Training
Please note: Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA.
At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.
