Early Childhood Educator

Position Title: Headstart Float - Early Childhood Educator (RECE)

Type: Full-Time, 6-Month Contract

Location: Annavale Headstart Nursery School/Carlington Community Health Centre, Ottawa, ON

Salary: $26.22-30.82/hour + Wage Enhancement Grant (up to $2/hour) based on eligibility

Start Date: Asap (Fall 2026). Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis as applications are received. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

About Us:

Carlington Community Health Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of diverse communities. We offer a wide range of services, fostering positive change and building trusting relationships with our clients. Our Annavale Headstart Nursery School provides a vital Headstart program, offering holistic support to children and families facing life challenges. We prioritize building strong, trusting relationships with children, fostering healthy attachment, and nurturing their socio-emotional and self-regulation skills through intentional practices that align with the How Does Learning Happen framework. Through play-based learning, we encourage a spirit of exploration, helping children develop the foundation they need for a successful transition to school.

Role Overview:

As a Float-Early Childhood Educator at Annavale Headstart, you’ll enjoy a full-time, 6-month contract offering a unique opportunity to develop a broad range of experiences. This role allows you to step in for core RECE staff during absences as well as assist in different functions across the team. In this dynamic position, you’ll help create a nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment for children, using attachment-supporting behavior guidance and fostering socio-emotional development. You’ll play a critical role in supporting children's growth, applying attachment principles and trauma-informed care while working within a collaborative team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Float Position: Provide coverage for core staff absences (core role) as well as assist in various team, gaining insight into multiple aspects of the program.
• Deliver high-quality, child-centered care in alignment with Ontario’s early learning framework, How Does Learning Happen?
• Implement developmentally appropriate curricula that foster emotional self-regulation, social skills, and positive behavior.
• Collaborate with RECEs, support staff, and external professionals to address the needs of vulnerable children.
• Support various team functions as needed based on daily requirements.

Qualifications:

• Education: Diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE)
• Experience: 3-5 years working with children ages 18 months-4, especially vulnerable children. Experience in Headstart or similar settings is an asset.
• Experience working with diverse communities facing social and health barriers (e.g., low income, newcomers to Canada, CAS involvement…).
• Certifications: Valid First Aid/CPR and proof of registration with the College of ECEs.
• Skills: Expertise in attachment principles, trauma-informed care, and supportive behavior management. Ability to work with children exhibiting complex emotional and behavioral needs.
• Knowledge of the Child Care and Early Years Act 2014 (CCEYA).
• Linguistic Profile: Fluency in English is essential. Additional languages (especially French) are an asset.

Why Join Us?

• Diverse Experience: Gain a variety of experiences across various within the team, with a focus on providing RECE position coverage, offering valuable insight into team dynamics.
• Meaningful Impact: Make a direct difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families facing significant challenges.
• Supportive Team Environment: Work alongside experienced professionals committed to best practices in early childhood care and development.
• Professional Growth: Access to paid professional development opportunities and mentorship from experienced colleagues.
• Competitive Salary: Enjoy a competitive salary with an additional $2/hour wage enhancement based on eligibility.

Other Details:

• Availability: Monday to Friday, with regular in-person working hours (7:45 AM – 3:45PM or 8:00 AM-4:00 PM).
• Occasional Evening hours until 5PM as needed.
• Paid Professional Development opportunities to enhance your skills and expertise.