Location

EarlyON, Waterloo Region

Work Hours

37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday. Occasional evening and rotational Saturday shifts may be required based on operational needs.

Employment Type

Full Time, Permanent

Number of Vacancies

1

Anticipated Start Date

July 2026

Deadline to Apply

July 31, 2026

Starting Rate or Range

EarlyON RECE - $50,427 Annually (may vary based on experience, education, qualifications)

Total Rewards Package

We believe that everyone has the potential to shine! Our culture is built around connection, celebration, appreciation, and recognition, and it starts with a total rewards package focused on Well-Being.

Time Away from Work

- 3 weeks of vacation, with the opportunity to earn more as service increases
- 12 well‑being days for sick time or proactive self-care, earned as they accrue; bereavement days also available

Pension Plan

Full-time employees can join a group pension plan after two consecutive years of employment. Employees contribute 5% of gross earnings, matched by the Y. After three years of service, participation becomes mandatory.

Health, Dental and Well Being Advantages

- Employee and Family Assistance Program with free counseling
- Free YMCA membership for you and your family, access to fitness centers
- Discounts on YMCA programs and services, including childcare

Role Overview

You will be an integral part of the EarlyON team in a community where families feel that they belong and are valuable contributors to their children’s learning. You’ll join a dynamic team and organization that has a massive impact across the community. Your work will positively affect children and families in early years and beyond.

The YMCA of Three Rivers is a charitable organization serving Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. We aim to build connected and resilient communities, making diverse communities healthier and more vibrant.

What you will do

- Assist in ensuring the centre offers quality,



developmentally appropriate care, programs, and services exceeding regulations set by the Child Care and Early Years Act (2014), Municipality, Public Health Unit, and YMCA policies. Also comply with Ministry of Education, EarlyON leadership, and Region of Waterloo CMSM.
- Engage parents and caregivers in conversations and experiences, sharing information on child development, parenting, nutrition, play, and inquiry-based learning.
- Ensure EarlyON Best Practices are followed and raise concerns promptly to the EarlyON Supervisor or Lead.
- Support Early Learning and Development by delivering experiences that build responsive adult‑child relationships and encourage exploration, play, and inquiry, guided by Ontario’s "How Does Learning Happen?" pedagogy.
- Uphold health and safety standards, including regular cleaning of toys, materials, and collaboration with parents and other educators to keep environments clean.
- Respond to parents’ and caregivers’ questions or concerns about child development using validated tools, link to specialized services, and make connections for families during and beyond early years.
- Maintain effective, positive communication within the YMCA and with children, parents, and community contacts.
- Provide program support across multiple EarlyON locations in the Waterloo Region based on daily operational needs.
- Attend required meetings.
- Any other responsibilities or duties as assigned.

What you will bring

You are a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) or actively enrolled in the Bachelor of Early Learning Program or an Early Childhood Education program.



You possess knowledge of child development, play, inquiry-based learning, and evidence-based practice. You have experience creating nurturing environments for children, parents, and caregivers, and a demonstrated understanding of "How Does Learning Happen?" pedagogy. Relationship building, communication, adaptability, creativity, innovation, and teamwork are essential competencies.

Occasional regional travel may be required; the employee must arrange own transportation to sites.

Additional Information

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis; the posting may close early if a suitable candidate is identified or if a high volume of qualified applications is received.

Work Location

The potential home base is EarlyON | Oak Creek, 80 Tartan Avenue, Kitchener, ON N2R 0N2. This may change based on operational needs. Flexibility to travel and work across EarlyON locations in the Waterloo Region may be required.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding Children and Youth

Job offers are contingent on a current Vulnerable Sector Check and employment reference checks. Checks are reviewed individually; offenses are considered. Vulnerable Sector Checks must be renewed every three years.

Our Commitment to JAIDE (Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity)

We embrace Justice, Access, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity values and welcome applicants from all qualified persons, encouraging candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. We will not discriminate based on protected characteristics.

Our Commitment to Privacy

The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with relevant employment, pay equity, and privacy laws. We protect personal information responsibly. For more information, visit our website.

Please note that due to the large volume of applications received, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

For additional career opportunities, visit our Career Page.

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📌 EarlyON Educator (Kitchener)
🏢 YMCA of Three Rivers
📍 Kitchener