Child Care Program Assistant

Who We Are

For over 160 years, Children’s Village of Ottawa-Carleton has been an integral part of our community, supporting children, families, and caregivers through generations of change. Founded in 1864 as a home for orphaned and vulnerable children, we’ve evolved into a leader in high-quality, inclusive early learning and care. Throughout every chapter, one principle has remained constant: creating environments that feel like “the next best thing to home.”

Today, as one of Ottawa’s longest-standing charities, we serve families through a network of licensed childcare centres, home childcare programs, and community-based services that reach children from infancy through school age.

If you’re looking to build your career in a place where your work means care and carries meaning today and for generations to come, you’ll find it here.

Learn more about our history.

As a Program Assistant, you will support RECEs in delivering a high‑quality program of education and care for children in a group setting. Your work will reflect the principles of Early Learning for Every Child Today (ELECT) and Ontario’s pedagogy for the early years, How Does Learning Happen?, and will align with the requirements of the Child Care and Early Years Act.

You will collaborate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of developmentally appropriate programming that supports children’s learning and developmental goals through active engagement, exploration, play, and inquiry. You will also contribute to a positive, inclusive environment for children and families, while maintaining confidentiality at all times.

This posting reflects two current opportunities within our team. Both positions report to the Program Supervisor and are based at our brand-new Elizabeth Biggars Early Learning Centre (1149 Gladstone Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 3H7). These are contract positions ending June 25, 2027, with the possibility of extension.

• Support RECEs in planning, implementing, and evaluating inclusive, play-based learning environments.
• Assist in delivering emergent curriculum aligned with How Does Learning Happen? and ELECT, including contributing to observation and documentation.
• Actively supervise children, supporting ratios, safety procedures, and emergency protocols at all times.
• Build caring, responsive relationships with children and families, fostering a sense of belonging, well-being, and inclusion.
• Support positive behaviour guidance strategies to help children develop self-regulation, social skills, and problem-solving abilities.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment in compliance with the Child Care and Early Years Act, public health requirements, and organizational policies.
• Support daily routines, including meals, transitions, and program activities, ensuring children’s needs are met throughout the day.
• Contribute to record-keeping, including daily logs, observations, and required documentation.
• Participate in team meetings, professional learning, and ongoing collaboration.
• Uphold duty to report obligations and maintain strict confidentiality at all times.

• Hold a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Hold an Early Childhood Assistant Diploma from an accredited College or equivalent qualifications, preferred.

• Experience in a licensed childcare setting, working with relevant age groups.
• A commitment to confidentiality, ethical standards, and professional boundaries.
• The ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

• The ability to support the delivery of emergent, play-based learning aligned with How Does Learning Happen? and ELECT.
• Awareness of health, safety, and regulatory requirements for maintaining a safe, compliant learning environment.
• Effective behaviour guidance and group management.
• The ability to build positive relationships with children and families.

The selected candidate must hold a valid Standard First Aid & CPR ‘C’ certification and a current and satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check prior to employment.

• From your first day, you’ll earn 5 paid personal leave days per year, and 4% vacation pay.
• Should the…