Children's Services

As an employer of choice, Niagara Region offers competitive salaries and benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, a corporate wellness centre, access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), mentorship and training programs, employee recognition programs, and more. In addition, the Region recognizes the value of having flexible work arrangements to support better work-life balance for our employees

Approximate Duration: 2 - 4 months

Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.

Please note that effective February 12, 2023 mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer required as per the Niagara Region’s amended COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. As a result, you will not be required to submit verification of your vaccination status before starting employment with the Niagara Region. However, the Niagara Region continues to reserve the right to reintroduce vaccination requirements in the future if necessary to respond to changing public health advice and\or government direction. The Niagara Region continues to strongly encourage everyone to remain up-to-date with vaccinations.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible to build caring and responsive relationships with children, families and colleagues. Will draw on their professional knowledge of child development, learning theories and pedagogical and curriculum approaches to plan, implement, document and assess child-centered, inquiry and play-based learning experiences for children between 0 to 12 years of age. Will create and maintain a child care environment that support children’s play and learning as well as contribute to a sense of belonging and overall well-being. Ensure compliance with Regional, Children’s Services policies, Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA) Legislation and regulations and the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE).

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Completion of a 2 year college program, with a diploma in Early Childhood Education or recognition of equivalency through the College of Early Childhood Educators registration.
• Completion of the Quality Child Care Niagara Reflective Practice Institutes which includes training in: Environmental Rating Scales, D.P.S. (Developmental Preschool Screen), referral process for speech/language and behavioural supports, the “How Does Learning Happen?” framework: Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years, ELECT (Early Learning for Every Child Today) and other training developed in this initiative.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

• Over 6 months of experience in child development and licensed child care. Working knowledge of research based best practice methods, principles and practices in Early Childhood Education.
• Proficient knowledge of the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 and Regulations and changes in legislation and policies.
• Proficient knowledge of the CECE Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice July 2017.
• Demonstrated experience in effectively working with a diverse groups of individuals.
• Current knowledge regarding child development.
• Individuals who are fluent in French (both written and verbal) and in additional languages (e.g. French, Spanish, etc.) beyond English, which are spoken within a significant proportion of the population in the local community and in the opinion of the Corporation could enhance service is an asset.
• Current Safe Food Handlers Certification an asset.

SKILLS

• Strong interpersonal, effective communication, organizational, analytical problem solving and administrative skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member with other professionals.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer applications (internet, email, MS word, IPad).
• Ability to implement legislation and regulations required for licensing requirements.
• Ability to document child interactions/learnings, identify developmental milestones and reflect.
• Human relations skills to establish, develop, and maintain positive relationships with families and colleagues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain factual, concise and objective documentation.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate, including a vulnerable sector search. The VSC must be prepared no earlier than 6 months before hire, and every five years thereafter; also must complete an annual “Offence Declaration.”
• Must be a Registered Early Childhood Educator in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario and actively participating in CPL (Continuous Professional Learning).
• Must maintain a valid Standard First Aid, and Infant & Child Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate. Must meet and maintain requirements in the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014; health assessment and proof of current records of immunizations as recommended by the Medical Officer of Health.

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!

Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.

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

If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the alternate formats for contacting us are as follows:

• Email: myhr@niagararegion.ca
• Phone: 905-980-6000 or 1-800-263-7215
• Bell Relay: 1-800-855-0511
• In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 – Human Resources Department