Position: Early Years Program Worker – Annavale Headstart
Type: Relief/Casual - 10 months contract
Location: Annavale Headstart Nursery School/Carlington Community Health Centre, Ottawa, ON
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. This position requires working at 2 programs. Our Annavale Headstart Program 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.
This position also supports our EarlyON child and family centre, supporting families with children 0-6 as part of the Carlington EarlyON team. The EYPW supports playgroups, workshops, and other EarlyON programs that are welcoming, inclusive, and offer opportunities and environments that stimulate healthy child development to maximize their potential within the contexts of both the family and the community. EYPWs also work with family members, caregivers, and communities to recognize and support the developmental needs of children and parenting skills. They ensure that programs and services meet all regulatory standards and are aligned with provincial guidelines and best practices for early years and EarlyON programming in the community. Must have the ability to work in accordance to all MEDU / Public Health directives.
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:
- Deliver playgroups and early years programs that promote child development and support families with children aged 0-6.
- Create a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environment for children and families.
- Implement play-based, child-centered activities, with a focus on nature-based play, aligned with Ontario’s early learning framework.
- Collaborate with families, caregivers, and community partners to enhance children’s development and parenting skills.
- Provide ongoing support and resources to families and caregivers through effective communication.
- Work in person at the main location and at various satellite sites, as required.
- Provide coverage and/or support at the main site or satellite locations, with in-person attendance required.
- Be available for occasional weekend shifts, as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or equivalent experience in early childhood development is required, along with valid registration with the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators.
- 3–5 years of experience working in early childhood settings with children aged 0–6. Experience leading playgroups or drop-in programs is considered an asset.
- Experience working with marginalized communities, including low-income, high-needs, and newcomer families. Familiarity with program development and evaluation, as well as working in a non-profit, community-based organization, is preferred.
Linguistic Profile:
- Fluency in French is preferred.
- A third language relevant to our client population is an asset.
Personal Suitability:
- Sensitivity to the needs of marginalized and diverse clientele.
- Commitment to health promotion concepts, strategies, and philosophy.
- Commitment to community-based health care and social services, and strength-based philosophy and practices.
