Early Childhood Assistant (ECA)

Little Village Academy | Barrie, Ontario

Full-Time | Preschool Program

Do you believe preschoolers are capable of more?

So do we.

Little Village Academy is looking for a warm, energetic and passionate Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) who believes young children are competent, capable and incredibly curious learners.

We believe preschoolers can ask big questions. They can solve problems. They can investigate, create, experiment, make decisions, develop independence and engage in meaningful learning when they're given the opportunity.

We're looking for someone who genuinely enjoys being with children, isn't afraid to get involved, and gets excited about helping children discover just how much they can do.

If you want to be part of a preschool program that takes children's ideas seriously and believes the early years should be filled with wonder, exploration, challenge and fun, we'd love to meet you.

About Little Village Academy

Little Village Academy is a licensed preschool program and the beginning of the Urban Village educational journey.

Created in connection with Urban Village Academy, our private elementary school, LVA gives children the opportunity to begin building the confidence, independence, curiosity and love of learning that we hope they will carry throughout their school years.

We don't see preschool simply as the stage before Kindergarten.

We see these years as an incredible opportunity to help children discover who they are as learners.

Our goal isn't to make preschool feel like elementary school or to fill a child's day with worksheets. Instead, we create environments and experiences that make children want to ask, explore, investigate, build, read, create, experiment and discover.

We want our children to leave LVA believing:

My ideas matter.

I can figure things out.

I can do hard things.

I am capable.

Learning is exciting.

What Learning Looks Like at LVA

Our program combines purposeful play with intentional learning opportunities, including:

- Early literacy and language
- Early numeracy and mathematical thinking
- Science, STEM and inquiry
- Art and creativity
- Outdoor education and nature-based learning
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Independence and practical life skills
- Mindfulness and emotional development
- Hands-on projects and real-world experiences
- Guest speakers, special experiences and opportunities to explore our community





Our connection with Urban Village Academy allows us to think beyond traditional preschool programming and intentionally build the skills, confidence and curiosity children will carry into their school years. But childhood still comes first.

We believe play-based learning and meaningful academic foundations can exist beautifully together.

The ECA We're Looking For

You don't need to know everything.

You do need to be curious, engaged and willing to learn.

We're looking for someone who gets down on the floor and plays.

Someone who hears a child ask "Why?" and wants to help them find out.

Someone who encourages a child to try before automatically stepping in to do it for them.

Someone who sees a messy science experiment, a giant block structure, a muddy outdoor adventure or an ambitious art project and thinks this is what learning looks like.

And someone who wants to work alongside experienced educators, contribute their own ideas and continue becoming a stronger educator themselves.

What You'll Do

As an ECA at LVA, you will:

- Build warm, meaningful relationships with children and families
- Work alongside RECEs to deliver engaging, intentional programming
- Participate actively in children's play, projects and investigations
- Encourage curiosity, creativity and problem-solving
- Support early literacy, numeracy and school-readiness experiences
- Encourage children to develop independence, confidence and responsibility
- Help prepare activities, materials and learning environments
- Bring your own creativity and ideas to the classroom
- Participate in outdoor education, special events, guest experiences and hands-on projects
- Support classroom routines and transitions
- Maintain a clean, organized and inviting learning environment
- Collaborate positively with your teaching team
- Follow licensing, health and safety requirements
- Communicate warmly and professionally with families
- Contribute to the continued growth and development of LVA

What We Offer We believe great educators should feel valued, supported and excited about coming to work.

Our full-time team benefits include:

- Extended health benefits through MyFlex after the qualifying period
- 5 paid sick/personal days per year




- Paid vacation, beginning at 2 weeks and increasing to 3 weeks after 5 years
- Approximately 20 paid centre closure days throughout the year
- 5 additional paid Recharge Days per year after 3 years
- A paid Birthday Day Off after 3 years of service
- $150 annual Wellness Allowance
- $150 annual Uniform Allowance
- Paid First Aid and Vulnerable Sector Check renewals
- Professional development and mentorship
- Opportunities to learn alongside experienced RECEs
- Opportunities for advancement within our organization
- Access to great resources and materials
- A workplace where your ideas are welcomed and encouraged

We don't want our educators simply getting through the day. We want you to feel like you're part of something you're proud of.

Who You Are

You may be a great fit if you:
- Have experience working with young children
- Believe children are competent, capable and full of potential
- Genuinely love working with preschool-aged children
- Are warm, positive and energetic
- Take initiative and aren't afraid to jump in
- Encourage children to try things independently
- Are creative and enjoy bringing ideas to the classroom
- Are interested in early literacy, inquiry, outdoor learning and school readiness
- Work well as part of a team
- Are dependable and qualified
- Communicate positively with families and coworkers
- Are open to feedback and excited to continue learning
- Want to build a career in Early Childhood Education

Previous childcare experience is an asset, but we're also interested in finding someone with the right attitude, energy and philosophy who is excited to learn and grow with our team. Come Learn, Create and Grow With Us

At LVA, we don't see preschoolers as children who are simply getting ready to learn someday.

They're learners right now.

You don't need to be the person who always has the answer. You can be the person beside them saying:

"That's a great question. Let's find out."

If you want to spend your days helping children become curious, confident, independent and excited about learning, we'd love to meet you.

Please submit your resume along with a short introduction telling us about yourself, your experience with children and why you'd love to join Little Village Academy.

Come help us raise curious, confident and capable learners.

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits

- Casual dress
- On-site childcare
- On-site parking
- Paid time off

Work Location: In person

📌 ECA - Early Childcare Assistant (Barrie)
🏢 Little Village Academy
📍 Barrie