Early Childhood Assistant (ECA)
Salary: $22.00–$26.00 per hour
Reports To:
Centre Director / Site Supervisor
Works Collaboratively With:
Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs), Early Childhood Assistants, Supply Staff, Students and Volunteers.
Position Summary
At Delano Academy, we believe exceptional educators deserve exceptional workplaces. We intentionally keep our classrooms smaller, foster a collaborative professional culture, and empower educators to make a meaningful difference every day.
We believe educators are professionals whose expertise, creativity, and judgement are valued and respected.
We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic, and dependable Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) who is passionate about supporting young children during their most important years of development.
Working under the direction of the Centre Director and in collaboration with Registered Early Childhood Educators, the ECA is an essential member of the teaching team, supporting the delivery of high-quality early learning experiences while helping create a safe, engaging, and nurturing classroom where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to learn.
As an established independent school expanding its early learning programs, Delano Academy offers educators the opportunity to contribute ideas, shape our culture, and help build something exceptional.
This position may be assigned to either the Toddler or Preschool program based on operational needs.
Primary Responsibilities
Educational Support
- Support the implementation of engaging, play-based learning experiences.
- Assist RECEs in delivering programming aligned with How Does Learning Happen? (HDLH) and ELECT.
- Encourage children's curiosity, independence, creativity and confidence through meaningful interactions.
- Promote a warm, welcoming and inclusive classroom environment.
- Support children's participation in daily learning experiences and routines.
Child Development
- Build positive and responsive relationships with children.
- Observe children's interests, strengths and emerging skills and share observations with the RECE to support planning and individualized learning.
- Encourage children's social, emotional, cognitive, language and physical development.
- Support inclusive practices that recognize each child's individual strengths and needs.
- Assist children with daily routines including meals, toileting, rest periods and transitions while promoting independence.
Family Partnerships
- Welcome families in a warm, respectful and professional manner.
- Support positive communication with parents and caregivers.
- Share daily information regarding children's routines and well-being as directed.
- Help create a welcoming classroom community where every family feels respected and supported.
Health & Safety
- Ensure children's health, safety and well-being at all times.
- Follow all centre policies, licensing requirements and health and safety procedures.
- Support the maintenance of required educator-to-child ratios.
- Assist with daily classroom safety checks.
- Assist with classroom cleaning, sanitization, meal service and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment.
- Report incidents, hazards and concerns promptly.
Classroom Environment
- Maintain a clean, organized and inviting classroom.
- Prepare learning materials and classroom resources.
- Assist in setting up engaging learning invitations and activity areas.
- Support classroom organization, documentation displays and daily routines.
- Help maintain attractive indoor and outdoor learning environments.
Team Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with RECEs, ECAs, supply educators and placement students.
- Contribute positively to a respectful, supportive and professional workplace culture.
- Share ideas and assist colleagues whenever needed.
- Participate actively in classroom responsibilities and centre-wide initiatives.
- Support the overall operation of the centre as required.
Professional Responsibilities
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity and confidentiality at all times.
- Participate in staff meetings and professional learning opportunities.
- Maintain all required certifications and participate in ongoing professional learning.
- Support continuous quality improvement throughout the centre.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude, flexibility and commitment to lifelong learning.
Qualifications
Required
- Experience working with young children in an educational or licensed child care setting.
- Current Standard First Aid & CPR-C Certification.
- Current Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to Delano Academy.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and teamwork skills.
- Dependable, caring and committed to supporting children's learning and well-being.
- Ability to meet the physical demands of working in an early learning environment, including lifting children when necessary, sitting, kneeling, bending and participating in indoor and outdoor activities.
- Availability to work scheduled shifts during the centre's operating hours.
Preferred
- Early Childhood Assistant Certificate or equivalent education.
- Experience working in a licensed child care setting.
- Experience working with Toddler and/or Preschool age groups.
- Knowledge of the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), How Does Learning Happen? (HDLH), and ELECT.
- Positive, flexible and solutions-focused approach.
- Experience with electronic documentation platforms (e.g., Lillio) is an asset.
- Additional languages are considered an asset.
Why Join Delano Academy?
- At Delano Academy, we are committed to building a team of educators who are passionate about excellence, collaboration and making a lasting difference in the lives of children.
- Smaller classroom sizes that allow educators to build meaningful relationships with children and families.
- A collaborative, professional culture where every team member is respected and valued.
- Beautifully designed classrooms and thoughtfully prepared learning environments.
- Supportive leadership that values collaboration, mentorship and professional growth.
- Opportunities to contribute ideas and help shape the future of our expanding early learning programs.
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision and life insurance benefits following the successful completion of the probationary period.
- Competitive compensation, professional development, and a workplace where every educator plays an important role in children's success.
Compensation
Salary: $22.00–$26.00 per hour, commensurate with qualifications, relevant experience, and demonstrated ability to support high-quality early learning environments.
Benefits are available in accordance with the terms of the organization's group benefits plan following the successful completion of the probationary period.
Application Process
Delano Academy maintains a structured recruitment and selection process. All candidates must apply directly through Indeed and submit a current resume outlining their relevant education and experience working with young children.
Only applications submitted through Indeed will be reviewed. Applications, resumes or employment inquiries submitted by telephone, text message, social media, direct email or in person will not be considered.
Candidates selected to proceed may be invited to participate in a telephone screening interview, an in-person interview and reference verification.
Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada and available to work full-time, in person, in Ontario. Delano Academy is not able to provide immigration or work permit sponsorship for this position.
Successful candidates must demonstrate professionalism, excellent verbal English communication skills, reliability and a genuine commitment to supporting children, families and colleagues.
Thank you for your interest in employment with Delano Academy. To ensure all applicants are considered through the same recruitment process, applications must be submitted directly through the applicable Indeed posting.
Delano Academy is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
We thank all applicants for their interest in Delano Academy. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $22.00-$26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Vaughan, ON L6A 1C1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
- Childcare: 1 year (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) certification (required)
Location:
- Vaughan, ON L6A 1C1 (preferred)
Work Location: In person
