Program Assistant Jobs in East York, ON (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Children's Program Assistant supports the delivery of high-quality recreational and educational programs for children aged 4–13 years. Working alongside Program Leaders and Educators, the Children's Program Assistant creates a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where children can learn, play, grow, and develop confidence through recreation, creativity, physical activity, and faith-based character development.

The successful candidate will support children's physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and spiritual development while promoting inclusion, positive behaviour, and healthy child development in accordance with Kovenant Kids' mission and the HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development.

Key Responsibilities

Program Delivery

• Assist in planning, preparing, and delivering engaging recreational programs.
• Support before and after school programs, PA Days, holiday camps, Stay and Play sessions, and summer camps.
• Set up and clean activity areas before and after each program.
• Deliver age-appropriate activities including:
• • Arts and crafts
  • STEM activities
  • Outdoor recreation
  • Indoor games
  • Sports
  • Music and movement
  • Storytelling
  • Sensory play
  • Homework support
  • Chess and enrichment activities
• Encourage children's participation while adapting activities to meet individual needs.

Child Supervision

• Provide active supervision at all times.
• Ensure children remain safe during indoor and outdoor activities.
• Conduct regular attendance checks.
• Follow all health and safety policies.
• Administer First Aid when required.
• Respond calmly and appropriately to emergencies.

Child Development

Support children's:

• Physical development
• Social development
• Emotional well-being
• Language development
• Cognitive development
• Creativity
• Independence
• Confidence
• Leadership skills

Use positive behaviour guidance strategies to encourage cooperation, respect, responsibility, kindness, and resilience.

Inclusion

• Welcome children from diverse backgrounds.
• Promote inclusion for children with additional support needs.
• Work collaboratively with families and support professionals.
• Adapt activities to ensure every child can participate successfully.

Family Engagement

• Welcome families during arrival and departure.
• Build positive relationships with parents and caregivers.
• Communicate professionally with families.
• Share relevant information regarding children's participation.
• Report concerns promptly to the Program Coordinator.

Administration

• Assist with attendance records.
• Complete accident and incident reports.
• Maintain confidential records.
• Prepare activity materials.
• Help maintain inventory and equipment.

Health & Safety

• Maintain clean, safe learning environments.
• Complete daily safety inspections.
• Ensure equipment remains clean and in good working order.
• Follow infection prevention procedures.
• Comply with all Kovenant Kids policies and Ontario legislation.

Christian Leadership

As a Christian organization, Children's Program Assistants are expected to:

• Model Christian values through kindness, compassion, honesty, patience, and respect.
• Support the mission and vision of Kovenant Kids.
• Encourage positive character development.
• Participate in Bible stories, worship songs, prayer, and Christian celebrations where appropriate and in accordance with family preferences.
• Demonstrate servant leadership and professionalism.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Diploma or certificate in Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Care, Recreation, Educational Assistant, Social Service Worker, or a related field, or currently enrolled in a related post-secondary program.
• Experience working with children in childcare, camps, schools, recreation, or community programs.
• Current Standard First Aid & CPR-C certification.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Passion for working with children.

Preferred:

• Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE).
• HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development Certification.
• Behaviour management training.
• Experience supporting children with additional needs.
• Food Handler Certification.

Required Screening

• Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Two professional references.
• Legal eligibility to work in Canada.

Knowledge and Skills

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong communication skills
• Creativity
• Positive behaviour guidance
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Organization
• Time management
• Flexibility
• Problem-solving
• Cultural sensitivity
• Ability to build positive relationships with children and families

Physical Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to:

• Lift up to 50 lbs.
• Participate in active indoor and outdoor play.
• Stand, bend, kneel, and move frequently throughout the day.
• Work in varying weather conditions.

Professional Expectations

Employees are expected to:

• Attend required staff meetings and training.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrate professionalism at all times.
• Follow all Kovenant Kids policies and procedures.
• Support continuous quality improvement initiatives, including HIGH FIVE® standards.
• Perform additional duties that support the organization's mission and operational needs.

Acknowledgement

This job description outlines the primary duties and responsibilities of the Children's Program Assistant position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list, and employees may be required to undertake additional duties consistent with the needs of Kovenant Kids and the delivery of high-quality children's programs.

This version is suitable for recruitment, onboarding, and policy manuals and aligns with your Kovenant Kids branding, Christian mission, and your goal of achieving HIGH FIVE® accreditation.