Childcare Program Assistant Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Who We Are
For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The position holder will perform all, some or similar range of duties as below:

Cleaning & Sanitation

• Perform routine cleaning, including vacuuming, sweeping, washing floors, dusting, and cleaning glass, windows, furniture, tables, chairs, door handles, walls, and other surfaces.
• Clean and sanitize washrooms and kitchen areas, where applicable, and restock supplies and hand sanitizer.
• Empty garbage and recycling/composite bins and follow appropriate disposal procedures.
• Perform spot cleaning and carpet shampooing as required.
• Monitor cleanliness and sanitation of areas used by children in accordance with applicable policies and guidelines.

Childcare Program & Safety

• Develop and maintain a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment for children.
• Identify and report physical hazards, safety concerns, and maintenance requirements to the appropriate Supervisor.
• Maintain equipment, materials, furnishings, toys, and program areas in a safe and sanitary condition.
• Assist with room set-up, clean-up, organization, displays, and daily childcare programming as directed.
• Assist in program planning in accordance with HDLH and Play-Based learning curriculum, when supporting ratios in program for 20 hours or more, per week.
• Support children in a calm, respectful, and patient manner and respond to challenging behaviours in accordance with policies and procedures.

Facility & Grounds Maintenance

• Maintain indoor and outdoor areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Report major repairs, damaged equipment, and other facility concerns to the Supervisor.
• Check doors and windows to support building security.
• Maintain exterior property, including litter pick-up and keeping entrances clear of snow and ice through salting as required.

Health & Safety

• Ensure cleaning products are appropriately labelled in accordance with WHMIS requirements.
• Keep fire exits, walkways, entrances, and other areas free of hazards and obstructions.
• Address spills and hazards promptly and report workplace injuries, illnesses, and safety concerns.
• Use required personal protective equipment and comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and The Salvation Army's health and safety policies and procedures.

Family, Community & Communication

• Build positive and respectful relationships with children and families and promote an inclusive environment.
• Support communication with parents/guardians and provide information and resources as directed.
• Complete required child, classroom, and program records, including daily logs.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Attend staff/parent meetings, training, and other job-related activities as required.

Record Keeping

• Complete child's daily log on CRAFTS for parents and daily program log/record in classroom daily/weekly/monthly.
• Attendance at parent meetings, staff meetings and other job-related activities which may be after hours.
• Maintain proper record attendance of children according to our Attendance Policy, when supporting ratios in program.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain and safeguard organizational property, equipment, supplies, and resources.
• Work collaboratively with childcare staff, supervisors, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:

Governance Boards and Councils: None.

Internal: Staff members, volunteers, children in the program.

External: Parents and guardians of the children, regulatory agencies, Ministry of Education, Public Health and any other relevant agencies.

MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

Reports directly to the Childcare Center Supervisor

FINANCIAL AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT:

• Responsible for the proper use, care, and safekeeping of childcare equipment, toys, furnishings, cleaning supplies, and organizational assets.
• Does not process financial transactions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Requires frequent lifting/moving of children, equipment, furniture, and supplies; room set-up; cleaning; and participation in childcare activities.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds without assistance.
• Exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, cleaning products, noise, tantrums, and verbal abuse.
• May be required to respond to challenging behaviours or physical confrontations in accordance with policies and procedures.
• May work indoors and outdoors, including snow/ice removal and salting of entrances.
• Use of tablet/iPad for parent communication and work-related activities.
• May require little to no travel and occasional attendance at meetings/training outside regular hours.

The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army's Mission Statement, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• 18 years of age or older.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Minimum one year of related experience; childcare/programming and custodial experience considered an asset.
• Standard First Aid & Level C CPR.
• Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening and required child abuse registry clearance.
• Updated Medical completed.
• Completion of required Salvation Army training, including Armatus abuse training and health and safety courses.
• Food Handler Certificate is required.
• Valid Driver's Licence and access to a vehicle is an asset.
• Alternate combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Capabilities

• Understanding of and commitment to The Salvation Army's mission and values.
• Ability to maintain a safe, clean, sanitary, and inclusive environment.
• Ability to work calmly and patiently with children and families.
• Ability to communicate respectfully and professionally.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to follow policies, procedures, health and safety requirements, and applicable codes of ethics.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to recognize and report hazards and safety concerns.
• Commitment to ongoing self-assessment, professional development, and personal wellbeing, including a minimum of 8 hours of professional development annually.

Compensation:

Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.