Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE)

First Pact Academy | Burlington, Ontario

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $25.00–$27.00 per hour (based on qualifications and experience)

Work Location: In person – Burlington, ON

Join the First Pact Academy Team!

At First Pact Academy, we believe every child deserves a nurturing, inspiring, and thoughtfully prepared environment where they feel valued, supported, and encouraged to explore.

We are a new childcare centre in Burlington, offering an educational approach inspired by Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies, while following Ontario's How Does Learning Happen? (HDLH) framework.

We are seeking a passionate, experienced, and dedicated Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) with 3–5 years of hands-on experience in a licensed childcare setting, excluding co-op placements and student practicums.

The ideal candidate is a confident classroom leader who demonstrates creativity, initiative, strong classroom management skills, and a genuine understanding of child development.

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Leadership & Curriculum Planning

- Lead and manage a classroom while maintaining a positive, nurturing, and engaging learning environment.
- Plan and implement child-led, inquiry-based learning experiences inspired by Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches.
- Develop weekly curriculum plans based on children's interests, developmental needs, and observations.
- Incorporate Montessori-inspired practical life activities, independence-building opportunities, sensory exploration, and hands-on learning.
- Apply Reggio Emilia principles, including the setting as the third teacher, emergent curriculum, open-ended materials, and project-based investigations.
- Align programming with Ontario's How Does Learning Happen? framework and its four foundations: Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement, and Expression.- Create inviting learning spaces that encourage exploration, creativity, problem-solving, and independence.
- Observe, document, and reflect on children's learning and developmental progress.

Child Development & Well-Being

- Support children's social, emotional, cognitive, language, and physical development.
- Build positive, respectful, and responsive relationships with children and families.
- Use positive guidance and developmentally appropriate strategies to support emotional regulation and behaviour.
- Support children during daily routines, transitions, and new experiences.




- Foster an inclusive environment that respects each child's individual abilities, needs, interests, and cultural background.

Health, Safety & Classroom Operations

- Maintain a safe, clean, organized, and stimulating classroom environment.
- Follow all requirements under Ontario's Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and applicable regulations.
- Maintain accurate attendance records, daily observations, documentation, and health and safety checks.
- Ensure appropriate staff-to-child ratios and active supervision at all times.
- Follow centre's policies regarding hygiene, nutrition, rest, safety, and child well-being.

Family Communication & Team Collaboration

- Maintain professional, warm, and consistent communication with parents and guardians.
- Provide meaningful updates about children's learning, development, and daily experiences through the centre's communication platform.
- Collaborate with fellow educators and centre leadership to maintain high-quality programming.
- Provide guidance and support to classroom assistants.
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and continuous program improvement.

Qualifications

- Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
- Minimum 3 years of professional experience in a licensed childcare centre, with 3–5 years preferred. Co-op placements, student practicums, and volunteer experience do not count toward the required years of experience.
- Demonstrated ability to independently lead and manage a classroom.
- Valid Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification.
- Clear Vulnerable Sector Check completed within the required timeframe.
- Strong understanding of Ontario's How Does Learning Happen? framework and CCEYA requirements.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred:

- Previous experience as a Lead Educator or classroom leader.
- Practical knowledge and experience with Montessori and Reggio Emilia educational approaches.




- Experience developing emergent curriculum and inquiry-based learning experiences.
- Experience with pedagogical documentation, learning stories, and classroom environment design.
- Montessori or Reggio Emilia professional training is considered a strong asset.

What We Are Looking For

We are especially interested in an educator who:

- Is passionate about early childhood education and genuinely enjoys working with young children.
- Can confidently lead a classroom and take initiative.
- Understands that children learn best through meaningful relationships, hands-on experiences, and purposeful play.
- Is creative in designing beautiful, engaging, and thoughtfully prepared learning environments.
- Encourages children's independence rather than directing every activity.
- Values open communication, teamwork, and strong partnerships with families.
- Is excited to contribute ideas and grow professionally with a new childcare centre.

Why Join First Pact Academy?

At First Pact Academy, you will have the opportunity to be part of a growing childcare community where your ideas, creativity, and professional expertise are valued.

We offer

- Competitive hourly compensation based on experience and qualifications.
- A supportive, collaborative, and respectful work environment.- Opportunities for professional growth and classroom leadership.
- The opportunity to help shape our educational program and classroom environments.
- A thoughtfully designed learning environment inspired by Montessori and Reggio Emilia philosophies.
- A team that values communication, creativity, and high-quality early childhood education.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced RECE who believes in creating meaningful learning experiences and inspiring young minds, we would love to hear from you!

Please submit your resume and a brief introduction highlighting your professional childcare experience, classroom leadership experience, and familiarity with Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches.

First Pact Academy

Where little learners grow with care.

Burlington, Ontario

www.firstpactacademy.ca

First Pact Academy is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful workplace. Accommodations are available during the recruitment process upon request.

Pay: From $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

- Dental care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 Registered Early Childhood Educator (Burlington)
🏢 First Pact Academy
📍 Burlington