early childhood educator (ECE)

Work setting

• Child care centre
• Urban area
• Kindergarten
• Before and after school programs

Responsibilities

Tasks

• 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
• 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

Credentials

Certificates, licences, memberships, and courses 

• Emergency child care first aid and CPR
• Food allergy and anaphylaxis training
• Member of the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE)
• Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certificate
• First Aid Certificate
• CPR Certificate

Experience and specialization

Experience with special needs children

• Children with a mental health disability
• Children with an intellectual disability
• Children with behavioural issues
• Children with allergies
• Children with asthma
• Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit disorder (ADD)

Additional information

Security and safety

• Immunization records
• Vulnerable sector check

Transportation/travel information

• Own transportation
• Public transportation is available

Work conditions and physical capabilities

• Physically demanding
• Attention to detail
• Combination of sitting, standing, walking
• Bending, crouching, kneeling
• Manual dexterity

Personal suitability

• Punctuality
• Dependability
• Efficient interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral communication
• Excellent written communication
• Flexibility
• Interpersonal awareness
• Judgement
• Reliability
• Team player
• Values and ethics

Benefits

Health benefits

• Dental plan
• Disability benefits
• Health care plan
• Vision care benefits

Financial benefits

• Group insurance benefits
• Life insurance
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)

Long term benefits

• Long-term care insurance

Other benefits

• Free parking available
• Other benefits
• Paid time off (volunteering or personal days)
• Parking available
• Travel insurance