Job Summary

The Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) at the Canadian Mothercraft Society is a heart-centered role within one of Toronto’s most historic and respected child development organizations. Based in Toronto, you will work in one of Mothercraft’s five Centres for Early Development (CEDs), acting as the “nurturing scaffold” for children aged 3 months to 6 years. This role requires the “wit” to implement research-based pedagogical practices and the “grit” to maintain a high-energy, safe environment for young children while supporting their physical, cognitive, and social milestones.

Job Details

Employer: Canadian Mothercraft Society.
Location: Toronto, ON (CEDs located in Midtown, Brookfield Place, Eaton Centre, etc.).
Salary Range: $41,081 – $55,209 annually (Hiring range usually starts up to $47k).
Status: Full-time (37.5 hours/week, often involving split shifts).
Core Focus: Supporting Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) in delivering play-based, inclusive programming.

Key Responsibilities: The “Nurturing Growth” Cycle

You are more than an assistant; you are a co-creator of a child’s first educational experiences.

Relationship Building: Develop secure, positive attachments with children, providing the emotional “home base” they need to explore.
Program Implementation: Assist in carrying out culturally sensitive, play-based activities such as storytelling, music, and art that stimulate sensory and motor development.
Holistic Care: Support children’s primary needs, including dressing, diapering/toileting habits, and preparing nutritious snacks.
Environment Stewardship: Maintain a safe, enriched, and clean physical space that meets the strict requirements of the Child Care and Early Years Act.
Collaborative Documentation: Submit written observations to RECEs and managers to track developmental progress and flag potential learning needs.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

Education: Completion of a recognized Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) certificate or equivalent.
Experience: At least one year of experience working with children and families (student placements are considered an asset).
Technical Wit: Deep knowledge of child development and the “How Does Learning Happen?” Ontario framework.
Physical Grit: Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and spend significant portions of the day active, indoors and outdoors.
Required Compliance: Standard First Aid/CPR C, a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check, and up-to-date immunizations.

Technical Insights: The ECA Workflow

Early childhood education is a science of interaction.

Play-Based Learning: You will utilize the environment as a “third teacher,” setting up “invitations to play” that encourage children to solve problems and express creativity.
Culturally Sensitive Care: Mothercraft emphasizes diversity; you will help integrate children’s home languages and traditions into the classroom.
Split-Shift Dynamics: Be prepared for a schedule that may cover the early morning drop-off (7:30 AM) and late afternoon pick-up (6:00 PM), requiring high energy across a non-traditional workday.

Why Join Canadian Mothercraft Society?

Mothercraft is a “life-long learning” organization that invests heavily in its staff.

Financial Security: A competitive salary paired with a Defined Benefit Pension Plan—a rarity in the childcare sector that offers significant long-term stability.
Comprehensive Benefits: Extended health, dental, life insurance, and long-term disability coverage.
Time to Recharge: Generous paid time off starting at 3 weeks’ vacation, plus 12 sick days and 3 “floater” days per year.
Career Mobility: Access to professional development workshops and the Mothercraft College of Early Childhood Education to help you transition into an RECE role.
Well-being Support: Financial wellness tools via Enriched Academy and a robust Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

Job Description

Do you believe that 90% of brain development happens before age five and want to be part of that critical window? The Canadian Mothercraft Society is seeking an Early Childhood Assistant. We aren’t looking for a “babysitter”; we are looking for a dedicated professional who has the “grit” to manage the physical demands of a busy classroom and the “wit” to connect with a toddler on their level. If you want to work for a trailblazer that has supported Toronto families for nearly a century, you belong here.

In this role, you are a “Growth Facilitator.” You understand that every interaction—from a diaper change to a story—is a learning opportunity. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Early Learning,” ensuring every child feels safe, seen, and supported. We look for “Flexible-first” individuals who are collaborative team players and passionate about making a difference.

Joining Mothercraft means becoming part of a supportive, family-like environment that values your success. We offer an industry-leading benefits package and a culture of teamwork that makes us a premier employer in Toronto. If you are an ECA with a commitment to “Nurturing Growth and Professional Development,” we invite you to apply today and help us build healthy communities, one child at a time.

Canadian Mothercraft Society: A Century of Excellence in Early Development

The Canadian Mothercraft Society (Mothercraft) is a premier non-profit organization in Toronto, defined by a culture of evidence-based practice, educational leadership, and compassionate intervention. Its mission is to “support healthy child development and strengthen families” by placing every child on a path to reach their full potential. The internal environment is academic and clinical, functioning as both a highly respected post-secondary college and a frontline social service agency that tackles the most complex challenges facing modern families.

In 2026, Mothercraft serves as a critical pillar of Ontario’s social infrastructure, recently honored as the 2026 Giuseppina Gagliano Family Wellness Grant recipient for its impact on high-risk families:

1. Mothercraft College of Early Childhood Education

Located at 646 St. Clair Avenue West, Mothercraft operates as an accredited Private Career College, recognized for producing the “gold standard” of Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) in Canada.

Accelerated Learning: The college offers a unique 14-month accelerated ECE Diploma for both local and internationally trained professionals. In 2026, the program is delivered through both in-person and Online Synchronous formats.
The “How Does Learning Happen?” Pedagogy: The curriculum is deeply rooted in Ontario’s modern pedagogy, focusing on Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Colonialism. Students engage in rich discussions about systemic barriers to ensure they create safe, equitable environments for children.
Specialized Certifications: Beyond the diploma, the college provides high-level training in Infant/Toddler Specialization, Pedagogical Documentation, and Family Support Leadership.

2. Specialized Intervention: “Breaking the Cycle”

Mothercraft is nationally recognized for its work with families facing “complex life circumstances.”

Breaking the Cycle (BTC): This flagship program provides wrap-around, integrated support for pregnant people and mothers struggling with substance use, trauma, and precarious housing.
2026 Impact: With the help of the 2026 Giuseppina Gagliano Grant, BTC has expanded its ability to remove “practical barriers,” providing families with food, transportation, and essential supplies to ensure mothers can focus on building nurturing relationships during a child’s most critical early years.
Infant Mental Health: Accredited by Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO), Mothercraft integrates developmental programming with clinical mental health supports, recognizing that a child’s emotional well-being is inseparable from their family’s stability.

3. Community Hubs & EarlyON Centers

Mothercraft operates several EarlyON Child and Family Centres across Toronto, providing free, high-quality programs for families with children aged 0–6:

The Main Site (32 Heath Street West): Offers a diverse range of drop-in programs, including a French Parent-Bambins program and a Spanish Drop-in, reflecting Toronto’s multicultural fabric.
The Magic Castle: In partnership with the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Mothercraft operates a free child-minding service for children whose family members are undergoing cancer treatment, providing a “safe haven” of play during difficult times.
Data-Driven Innovation: The society utilizes CYSIS (Child and Youth Services Information System), a sophisticated data-capturing tool developed in partnership with the Ministry to track and analyze the effectiveness of early years interventions.

4. Workplace Culture & Total Rewards (2026)

As a “Learning Company,” Mothercraft fosters an environment of continuous professional growth and holistic well-being:

Holistic Benefits: In line with 2026 Canadian trends, the organization prioritizes flexible health spending accounts and robust mental health support.
Professional Standards: Employees are held to rigorous standards, requiring clear Police Vulnerable Sector Checks and specialized Infant/Child CPR certifications.
Inclusive Leadership: The culture emphasizes an “anti-bias model” where staff are encouraged to challenge their own assumptions and actively participate in creating an inclusive, diverse community.

Working with the Canadian Mothercraft Society in Toronto means being part of a 90-year legacy of social change. Whether you are an ECE Student learning the latest in infant brain development or a Clinician at Breaking the Cycle, the experience is defined by the profound opportunity to “strengthen the foundation” of the next generation.

To apply for this job please visit mothercraft.ca.