Casual / On-Call Backup Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE)

The Willows Collective Preschool | Toronto, Ontario

About The Willows Collective Preschool

The Willows Collective Preschool is a licensed, relationship-centred early learning program offering a thoughtfully prepared, nurturing environment for a small group of up to six children, approximately 12 months to four years of age.

Our educational approach draws inspiration from Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Waldorf philosophies, with an emphasis on meaningful relationships, inquiry, independence, creativity, social-emotional development, and connections with nature. We are committed to providing a high-quality learning environment where every child feels safe, valued, and supported in their individual development.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a caring, experienced, and dependable Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) to join our network of trusted backup educators.

This flexible, casual position is ideal for an educator seeking occasional work within a high-quality licensed preschool setting. The successful candidate will provide coverage during planned school breaks, occasional unexpected closures or staff absences, and, when needed, assist within the preschool alongside the regular educator.

The ideal candidate will be confident caring for a mixed-age group of up to six young children, maintaining established routines, implementing thoughtful learning experiences, and building warm, professional relationships with families. They will be comfortable stepping into an established program and upholding its educational philosophy, daily practices, and licensing requirements.

We are looking for someone who views early childhood education as a professional practice grounded in knowledge of child development, responsive caregiving, intentional environments, and respectful partnerships with families.

Key Responsibilities

- Provide high-quality care and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for up to six children, approximately one to four years of age.
- Maintain a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and engaging environment that supports children’s individual interests, developmental needs, and emerging abilities.
- Facilitate meaningful learning experiences inspired by Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Waldorf philosophies.
- Foster children’s curiosity, independence, creativity, communication, social-emotional development, and emerging self-help skills.
- Build trusting relationships with children and establish positive rapport with families through warm, respectful, and professional communication.




- Recognize and respond to diverse developmental profiles and individual learning needs, adapting experiences and routines to support inclusion.
- Maintain appropriate supervision and follow established preschool routines, policies, health and safety procedures, and applicable Ontario Ministry of Education licensing requirements.
- Support daily transitions, meals, rest routines, personal care, and other aspects of children’s well-being.
- Complete attendance records, observations, documentation, and family communications as required.
- Prepare learning materials and maintain a clean, organized, and thoughtfully arranged environment.
- Exercise sound professional judgment, work independently when providing backup coverage, and communicate any concerns or incidents promptly.
- Collaborate with the regular educator to ensure continuity of care, consistent expectations, and a positive experience for children and families.

Scheduling and Availability

This is a casual, flexible position. Work will be offered according to program needs and mutual availability.

Opportunities may include:

- Seasonal coverage: TDSB March Break, the Christmas school break, and the month of August.
- On-call coverage: Occasional requests to cover unexpected closures, illness, or other absences.
- Assistant opportunities: Occasional shifts assisting within the licensed preschool when additional support is needed.
- Orientation and training: Advance preparation to become familiar with the program’s philosophy, routines, policies, and expectations before providing independent coverage.

Availability during school breaks and a willingness to consider occasional on-call requests are strong assets. Applicants should be interested in establishing an ongoing skilled relationship and communicating their availability reliably.

Please note that coverage dates and hours will vary, and accepting the position does not guarantee a set schedule.

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants must have:

- Current registration in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario.
- Valid Standard First Aid and CPR certification appropriate for an early childhood setting, including infant and child CPR, as required.
- A current,



satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check and any other required police record documentation.
- Required health documentation and TB screening, in accordance with applicable regulations and program requirements.
- Knowledge of child development, inclusive early learning practices, and Ontario’s licensed child care requirements.
- Experience working with toddlers and preschool-aged children, preferably in a mixed-age group or small-group environment.
- Strong communication, organization, observation, and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to manage daily routines, maintain appropriate supervision, and respond calmly and professionally to unexpected situations.
- Familiarity with digital documentation, record keeping, and professional communication tools.
- A dependable, collaborative, and professional approach, with the ability to work independently when providing backup coverage.
- Willingness to complete required orientation and training and review all applicable program policies before commencing work.

Familiarity with Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Waldorf approaches is an asset.

The Ideal Candidate

You are a thoughtful, responsive educator who understands that high-quality early learning extends far beyond supervision and daily routines. You recognize the importance of consistent relationships, respectful interactions, carefully considered environments, and meaningful partnerships with families.

You bring initiative, sound judgment, flexibility, and a genuine commitment to children’s well-being. You are comfortable caring for a mixed-age group of young children while maintaining a calm, nurturing, and purposeful learning environment.

Above all, you take pride in your profession and understand the responsibility involved in stepping into another educator’s program and ensuring that children and families continue to receive secure, thoughtful, consistent, high-quality care.

How to Apply

Please submit your résumé and a brief introduction outlining your early childhood education experience, your approach to working with young children, and your general availability for seasonal and on-call coverage.

Please also indicate whether your RECE registration, First Aid and CPR certification, Vulnerable Sector Check, and required health documentation are current.

We look forward to connecting with an educator who shares our commitment to thoughtful, relationship-centred early learning.

The Willows Collective PreschoolWhere childhood blossoms.

Rooted in heart-centred learning. Growing in community.

Pay: $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

- Casual dress
- On-site childcare

Work Location: In person

📌 Long-Term Occasional RECE (Toronto)
🏢 The Willows Collective Preschool
📍 Toronto