 | EARLY LEARNING & CHILD CARE NAVIGATOR FULL TIME (2 YEAR CONTRACT) START DATE: ASAP 4 Positions Region: Regional Municipality of Waterloo This posting will remain up and active until the position is filled |
Our community is striving to improve equitable access within the Early Learning and Child Care service system for Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+ and other racialized and marginalized families and we are looking for an experienced and passionate equity, diversity, and inclusion professional to help lead this important work.
If this is you, join our team and make a difference in the communities we serve!
The YMCA of Three Rivers is committed to better serve our communities, where and how they need us most. For over 150 years, the YMCA has supported the needs of our communities in Guelph and Wellington Counties, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. Collectively we have provided accessible, inclusive, and proactive opportunities for personal growth and involvement helping to build stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities. Our Regional YMCA helps 1 in 8 people each year find hope and health through a wide range of programs and services delivered at over 150 sites.
The Early Learning and Child Care Navigator will work with the entire Early Years Community across Waterloo Region. As Canada’s largest not-for-profit Child Care Provider and Lead Agency for EarlyON Child and Family Centres in Waterloo Region, we recognize the importance of families having equitable access to early identification, early learning, Child Care, and special needs support. Quality care, early learning, and education of all young children has a lasting impact on their ability to become healthy contributing members of our community. This is where you come in.
What you will do…
This newly created role is in direct partnership and collaboration with the Region of Waterloo. You will support Indigenous, Black and racialized, and/or marginalized families through targeted community outreach and community-based referrals. You will serve as one of the first points of contact for children, youth and families attempting to access a variety of early learning and Child Care programs in our community including Licenced Child Care, OneList, Child Care Subsidy, Family Compass, Ontario Works, and more.
You will come alongside families and using an empathetic, supportive, open-minded, and non- judgmental approach. You will be an active listener who works with families to effectively assess their needs and co-develop solutions and a service plan together using anti-racist, trauma-informed, and culturally humble practices to reduce and/or eliminate barriers to access. You will provide warm referrals to, and work collaboratively with local community agencies and resources. You will assist families in finding, applying for, and accessing centralized Child Care registries and waitlists (i.e.OneList), Child Care Subsidy, early identification pathways (i.e. Family Compass), and EarlyON Child and Family Centres through KEyON.
You will act as an advocate on behalf of individuals and families who face personal/systemic barriers and you will recognize and respond appropriately to those who are vulnerable, to ensure equitable access to programs services and supports.
You will help us understand the current early learning, Child Care and special needs system and its processes. You will build an understanding of the current processes in place and the current experience of families in accessing early learning, Child Care and special needs services.
You will demonstrate an optimistic, solution-focused and strength-based approach. You will work in collaboration and partnership with the EarlyON Community Connector and other community agencies in connecting families to the EarlyON Child and Family Centre system and additional community supports. You will provide intentional outreach to Indigenous, Black and racialized and/or marginalized families to ensure equitable access to information, resources, and services to foster a sense of belonging and connection.
You will work directly with families, early years and Child Care team members and community partners. You will work to reduce and eliminate identified gaps and existing barriers to equitable access to early learning, Child Care and special needs programs and services to create an integrated early learning and Child Care system in Waterloo Region. Your work will enhance positive outcomes for families through the development of clearer pathways, evidence-informed decision- making, coordination of services and supports for children and families and the creation and strengthening of cross sector partnerships. Your work will be primarily focused on family and community connections. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to inform, our internal YMCA’s JAIDE (Justice, Action, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity) work.
What you will bring…
You are a Registered Early Childhood Educator in good standing with the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators. You have excellent knowledge of child development, emergent curriculum and How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years.
You have experience working with diverse and under-represented populations, including program development and/or project management focused on structural or systemic change and working in the areas of group process, conflict resolution, team development, community engagement, and mobilizing groups as it relates to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
You have lived experience through personal understanding of the issues and concerns of equity- seeking groups, along with the challenges that come with systemic racism, discrimination, and inequity as an Indigenous or racialized individual, persons with disabilities, and/or member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ or another under-represented group.
As an Early Learning & Child Care Navigator, you demonstrate the ability to influence and build effective teams and partnerships through shared vision and values. You demonstrate a highly collaborative working style and conciliatory and respectful manner in connecting within and between systems that service children and their families.
Your strong analytical, research, and continuous improvement skills, with ability to develop people practices and strategies, and work with outcome metrics as a means of evaluation and issues management will be an asset.
You will also bring flexibility, leadership, partnership, communication, facilitation, conflict resolution, and collaboration skills to enable you to build trust, capacity and engage early learning, Child Care and special needs professionals at all levels. You will foster collaboration; support transformational change; and participate as an effective team member.
Don’t meet every single requirement:
We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected group.
Studies have shown that women and people of diverse backgrounds are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification in the posting. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote inclusion of equity groups. We strongly encourage applications even if you don’t believe you meet all the requirements outlined. We will do our best to respond.
In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers
The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation and privacy laws. In keeping with privacy laws, we are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices. For more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy, please visit our website. Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
What you will gain…
You will be an integral part of the People, EarlyON and Child Care teams, and an organization that has massive impact across our community. You will be joining a local organization but you’ll also be part of a global movement. The YMCA has an excellent pension plan available to all employees and a comprehensive benefit plan for full-time employees. You will have access to several continuous professional learning opportunities at no cost and opportunities for growth within the
Association. The YMCA offers a competitive wage plus government wage enhancement where eligible.
Additional information….
Please note we are currently following Public Health and Government guidelines related to COVID 19 both for our interview process and while working. Interviews will be done virtually and any entrance into a facility will be subject to health screening. You would be working from home during COVID -19 lockdown orders
If this is you, join our team and make a difference in the communities we serve!
The YMCA of Three Rivers is committed to better serve our communities, where and how they need us most. For over 150 years, the YMCA has supported the needs of our communities in Guelph and Wellington Counties, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. Collectively we have provided accessible, inclusive, and proactive opportunities for personal growth and involvement helping to build stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities. Our Regional YMCA helps 1 in 8 people each year find hope and health through a wide range of programs and services delivered at over 150 sites.
The Early Learning and Child Care Navigator will work with the entire Early Years Community across Waterloo Region. As Canada’s largest not-for-profit Child Care Provider and Lead Agency for EarlyON Child and Family Centres in Waterloo Region, we recognize the importance of families having equitable access to early identification, early learning, Child Care, and special needs support. Quality care, early learning, and education of all young children has a lasting impact on their ability to become healthy contributing members of our community. This is where you come in.
What you will do…
This newly created role is in direct partnership and collaboration with the Region of Waterloo. You will support Indigenous, Black and racialized, and/or marginalized families through targeted community outreach and community-based referrals. You will serve as one of the first points of contact for children, youth and families attempting to access a variety of early learning and Child Care programs in our community including Licenced Child Care, OneList, Child Care Subsidy, Family Compass, Ontario Works, and more.
You will come alongside families and using an empathetic, supportive, open-minded, and non- judgmental approach. You will be an active listener who works with families to effectively assess their needs and co-develop solutions and a service plan together using anti-racist, trauma-informed, and culturally humble practices to reduce and/or eliminate barriers to access. You will provide warm referrals to, and work collaboratively with local community agencies and resources. You will assist families in finding, applying for, and accessing centralized Child Care registries and waitlists (i.e.OneList), Child Care Subsidy, early identification pathways (i.e. Family Compass), and EarlyON Child and Family Centres through KEyON.
You will act as an advocate on behalf of individuals and families who face personal/systemic barriers and you will recognize and respond appropriately to those who are vulnerable, to ensure equitable access to programs services and supports.
You will help us understand the current early learning, Child Care and special needs system and its processes. You will build an understanding of the current processes in place and the current experience of families in accessing early learning, Child Care and special needs services.
You will demonstrate an optimistic, solution-focused and strength-based approach. You will work in collaboration and partnership with the EarlyON Community Connector and other community agencies in connecting families to the EarlyON Child and Family Centre system and additional community supports. You will provide intentional outreach to Indigenous, Black and racialized and/or marginalized families to ensure equitable access to information, resources, and services to foster a sense of belonging and connection.
You will work directly with families, early years and Child Care team members and community partners. You will work to reduce and eliminate identified gaps and existing barriers to equitable access to early learning, Child Care and special needs programs and services to create an integrated early learning and Child Care system in Waterloo Region. Your work will enhance positive outcomes for families through the development of clearer pathways, evidence-informed decision- making, coordination of services and supports for children and families and the creation and strengthening of cross sector partnerships. Your work will be primarily focused on family and community connections. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to inform, our internal YMCA’s JAIDE (Justice, Action, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity) work.
What you will bring…
You are a Registered Early Childhood Educator in good standing with the Ontario College of Early Childhood Educators. You have excellent knowledge of child development, emergent curriculum and How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years.
You have experience working with diverse and under-represented populations, including program development and/or project management focused on structural or systemic change and working in the areas of group process, conflict resolution, team development, community engagement, and mobilizing groups as it relates to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
You have lived experience through personal understanding of the issues and concerns of equity- seeking groups, along with the challenges that come with systemic racism, discrimination, and inequity as an Indigenous or racialized individual, persons with disabilities, and/or member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ or another under-represented group.
As an Early Learning & Child Care Navigator, you demonstrate the ability to influence and build effective teams and partnerships through shared vision and values. You demonstrate a highly collaborative working style and conciliatory and respectful manner in connecting within and between systems that service children and their families.
Your strong analytical, research, and continuous improvement skills, with ability to develop people practices and strategies, and work with outcome metrics as a means of evaluation and issues management will be an asset.
You will also bring flexibility, leadership, partnership, communication, facilitation, conflict resolution, and collaboration skills to enable you to build trust, capacity and engage early learning, Child Care and special needs professionals at all levels. You will foster collaboration; support transformational change; and participate as an effective team member.
Don’t meet every single requirement:
We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. We encourage Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on race, colour, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected group.
Studies have shown that women and people of diverse backgrounds are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification in the posting. We are committed to creating an environment where we eliminate barriers and promote inclusion of equity groups. We strongly encourage applications even if you don’t believe you meet all the requirements outlined. We will do our best to respond.
In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers
The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation and privacy laws. In keeping with privacy laws, we are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices. For more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy, please visit our website. Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
What you will gain…
You will be an integral part of the People, EarlyON and Child Care teams, and an organization that has massive impact across our community. You will be joining a local organization but you’ll also be part of a global movement. The YMCA has an excellent pension plan available to all employees and a comprehensive benefit plan for full-time employees. You will have access to several continuous professional learning opportunities at no cost and opportunities for growth within the
Association. The YMCA offers a competitive wage plus government wage enhancement where eligible.
Additional information….
Please note we are currently following Public Health and Government guidelines related to COVID 19 both for our interview process and while working. Interviews will be done virtually and any entrance into a facility will be subject to health screening. You would be working from home during COVID -19 lockdown orders
Please note we are currently following Public health and Government guidelines related to COVID 19 both for our interview process and while working. Interviews may be done virtually and any entrance into a facility will be subject to health screening.
The YMCA of Three Rivers embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers.
The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation and privacy laws. In keeping with privacy laws, we are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices. For more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy, please visit our website. Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
The YMCA of Three Rivers embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace, welcoming applications from all qualified persons. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation need known to the YMCA of Three Rivers.
The YMCA of Three Rivers complies with the Employment Standards Act, Pay Equity Legislation and privacy laws. In keeping with privacy laws, we are committed to protecting personal information by following responsible information handling practices. For more information on the YMCA of Three Rivers’ commitment to privacy, please visit our website. Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
