Early Childhood Assistant

Position Title: Early Childhood Assistant – Student (1 position)

Job Posting Deadline for Internal Candidates: April 28, 2026, at 5:00pm

Employment Status: Fixed Term Contract 8 weeks + 9 weeks under CSJ

Position Status: This is a Non-Bargaining Unit position

This positing is for an existing vacancy

Hours of Work: Monday-Friday, 35 hours per week with limited evening and weekend requirements

Hourly Rate: $17.60 per hour – Eligible for HOOPP

Position Reports to: Manager, Integrated Care and Experience 

Primary work location: Oshawa with flexibility to work at other DCHC sites as required.

In partnership with the Canada Summer Jobs Program and its guiding principles, DCHC welcomes all qualified students to apply, particularly those considered as priority students (students with disabilities, Indigenous students, and students who are members of visible minority groups).

Organization

Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is a registered, charitable organization that provides integrated, accessible, and equitable community-based primary care, wellness services, and health education to Durham community members who face multiple barriers to their health and well-being.

DCHC also provides equity-based programs and services that focus on priority populations such as Indigenous, Black, the 2SLGBTQI Community, Newcomers to Canada, Seniors, and Unattached patients (i.e., those without a family doctor), to name a few. DCHC ensures Durham community members receive not only sick care, but preventive care as well.

At DCHC, we are a team-based interprofessional group of staff including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, counselors, dietitians, outreach workers, medical secretaries, and other administrative staff. We always place every client at the centre of our approach to care, based on their needs. We address these needs through integrated clinical and wellness care and health education.

It's an exciting time to be joining DCHC, while we are embarking on an energizing path with a focus on making our biggest impact yet on local health care by diversifying, expanding, and leveraging our Strategic Plan, Theory of Change, Brand, Client Stories and Resources.

DCHC’s 2023 – 2026 Strategic Goals

• Drive Program and Service Integration and Client Experience Across All that DCHC Does
• Evolve Program Offerings to Improve Health Equity and Meet the Needs of DCHC’s Priority Populations
• Establish DCHC as a System Advocate and Champion for Equity
• Enhance DCHC’s Brand and Awareness Across Durham Region
• Become an Employer of Choice with a Focus on Recruitment, Retention, and Development

Position Overview

As an Early Childhood Assistant, the role will focus on engaging with children from underrepresented communities, providing enriching and developmentally appropriate activities that encourage social, cognitive, and emotional growth. This position plays a critical part in helping children develop key skills in early childhood that are essential for their future academic success and well-being. By offering inclusive programs, the Early Childhood Assistant will contribute to an environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued, regardless of their background or family circumstances.

To be eligible for this position through the Canada Summer Jobs initiative, you must:

• be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment;
• have been registered as full-time students in the previous academic year and intend to return to school on a full-time basis in the next academic year; or have completed a diploma or a degree
• be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in training and planning sessions.
• Plan program activities, educational programs, and community events.
• Encourage and support participation of all participants in program activities.
• Conduct public relations activities as needed.
• Ensure acceptable levels of safety and behavior at the program sites.
• Participate in evaluating programming.
• Ensure all participants feel welcome and included regardless of their background, abilities, or identities.
• Implement activities and strategies that promote inclusivity and respect for diversity.
• Other duties as required.

Key Qualifications

• Previous experience working with pre-schooled children an asset.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Access to a reliable vehicle, with valid driver’s license.
• Proven ability to take direction and work independently.
• Current First Aid/CPR certificate would be an asset.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and software applications (Microsoft Word/Excel).
• Current Criminal Reference Check (including Vulnerable Sector Screening), if in the age range of 18-30.
• Proof of attending post-secondary education as of September 2026 or have completed a diploma or a degree.

Demonstrated Minimum Attributes core to the Agency

Service oriented, Results oriented, Flexible/Adaptable, Collaborative, Effective Communication Skills, Team Player, Ability to manage risk within one’s responsibility & scope of duties, Ability to take Accountability.

Full vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory for this position (DCHC will however adhere to its duty to accommodate those who are unable to be fully vaccinated for a reason related to a human rights protected ground).

Application Process:

1. While we thank all applicants for their interest in applying, only those qualified and considered for an interview will be contacted. All applicant submissions will be kept on file for six months, for future consideration.
2. All applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.
3. All positions are subject to the successful completion of the following pre-employment conditions for all external hires: Reference Checks; and Criminal Background checks (including Vulnerable Sector Screening).
4. Please be advised that AI Technology supports the screening process of applications. All final hiring decisions are made by our recruitment team.

Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and celebrates diversity so that all employees have the opportunity to thrive. DCHC will comply with all applicable standards as set out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), the provisions of the Ontario Human Rights Code, and any other applicable legislation. Accessibility: If you have accessibility needs and require alternate formats or other accommodations, please contact our Talent and Culture team at 905-723-0036, or by email to recruiting@durhamchc.ca.