Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA)

First Place Early Learning Centre Inc.

Location: 7 Curtis Street, St. Thomas, Ontario

Position: Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)

Schedule: Monday to Friday

Wage: $19.00–$20.50 per hour plus provincial wage enhancement grant

Estimated Start Date: December 2026

Join Our Team!

First Place Early Learning Centre Inc. is looking for a compassionate, energetic, and dependable Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) to join our growing team!

As an ECEA, you will work alongside Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive through play. You'll help support children's daily routines, encourage their development, and build meaningful relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

If you're passionate about working with young children and making a positive difference every day, we'd love to hear from you!

What You'll Do

- Support RECEs in delivering engaging, play-based learning experiences.
- Build positive, caring relationships with children and families.
- Encourage children's learning, independence, confidence, and sense of belonging.
- Assist with classroom activities, learning materials, and daily routines.
- Support children during meals, outdoor play, rest periods, and transitions throughout the day.
- Assist with personal care routines, including diapering, toileting, dressing, handwashing, and meals as required.
- Maintain active supervision to ensure children's health, safety, and well-being.
- Follow all health, safety, licensing, and infection prevention procedures.




- Work collaboratively with educators and supervisors to provide high-quality care.
- Help create a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for every child and family.

Qualifications

Applicants must have

- OSSD or equivalent.
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification.
- Current Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the employer (issued within six months prior to employment).
- Up-to-date immunization documentation as required.
- Legal authorization to work in Canada.

The following are considered assets:
- Experience working with children in a child care, school, recreation, or community setting.
- Knowledge of child development and play-based learning.
- Experience supporting children with diverse learning and developmental needs.

We're Looking For Someone Who Is
- Caring, patient, and enthusiastic about working with young children.
- Dependable, flexible, and able to work as part of a collaborative team.
- A positive communicator who builds respectful relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
- Organized and able to adapt in a busy, fast-paced environment.
- Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and creating a strong sense of belonging.
- Passionate about providing high-quality early learning experiences.

Physical Requirements This position requires the ability to:




- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, and move throughout the day.
- Lift and assist children when required.
- Participate in indoor and outdoor activities in all seasons.
- Support children's daily care routines and active play.

Compensation & Benefits
- $19.00–$20.50 per hour plus wage enhancement grant
- Paid vacation
- Comprehensive benefits package including RRSP
- Monday to Friday schedule
- Supportive, collaborative team environment
- Opportunities for ongoing qualified learning and development

About First Place Early Learning Centre Inc. First Place Early Learning Centre Inc. is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and high-quality early learning environment where children are respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. Guided by our core values of Respect, Kindness, and Fairness, we believe every child deserves a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

We are committed to creating a workplace that values diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume outlining your qualifications and experience.

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: $19.00-$20.50 per hour

Benefits

- On-site childcare
- On-site parking

Education:
- Secondary School (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Early Childhood Educator Assistant (St. Thomas)
🏢 First Place Early Learning Centre
📍 St. Thomas