Contract Family Support Lead - Early Childhood Educator (ECE)

West Neighbourhood House, formerly St. Christopher House, is a multi-service, neighbourhood-based agency that has served the diverse communities of downtown west Toronto since 1912. The central purpose of West Neighbourhood House is to enable less-advantaged individuals, families and groups in the community to gain greater control over their lives and community.

The Family Support Lead will facilitate the EarlyON Childhood Education Centre at 1033 King St. W., open Tuesday through Saturday. They will design and lead activities for parents, caregivers, and children aged 0–6 that support healthy child development across all domains, including Family Drop-In, Circle Time, Baby Time, indoor and outdoor play, and workshops. The Family Support Lead partners with families, community members, and partner agencies to provide safe, engaging, and responsive programs rooted in the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

West Neighbourhood House is actively seeking qualified applications from Indigenous, Black and People of Colour, persons with disabilities, women and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions. Applicants with lived experience as a participant of West Neighbourhood House programs, or related programming from similar organizations, are also strongly encouraged to apply.

West Neighbourhood House will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment and selection process to applicants with disabilities. During any stage of the recruitment process, please indicate the nature of any accommodation(s) you may require. Any information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Responsibilities:

• Facilitate adult/child interactive family resource program focused on healthy adult/child relationships and interactions;
• Plan and implement activities supporting child development across social-emotional, cognitive, fine and gross motor domains in a safe, culturally sensitive, and inclusive environment;
• Model positive adult/child relationships and support parent involvement and capacities;
• Plan, organize and coordinate monthly calendars;
• Encourage social interaction, mutual support and positive coping strategies among and within families;
• Conduct outreach to isolated low-income families and promote program activities and services within the catchment area;
• Provide support, developmental resources and referrals for children and their families;
• Provide support and direction to the volunteers and placement student in the program;
• Collect and compile program information (i.e. attendance, referrals, statistics, activity logs and reports, program outcomes etc.);
• Administration duties as required by the program and funder;
• Participate in the Children, Youth, and Family Support team, the Unit and broader House activities as required.
• Set up, take down, and maintain program spaces and equipment.
• Assist with other activities in the Children, Youth, and Family Support Program as needed;

Qualifications:

• Early Childhood Educator (ECE) certification required; registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators (RECE) considered an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of social, recreational, health, and educational needs of preschool-aged children.
• Experience in community development, parent engagement, program planning, group facilitation, and program promotion required.
• Familiarity with local services and resources for preschool children and caregivers in west-central Toronto.
• Administrative and analytical skills.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification required.
• Strong teamwork skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with others.
• Strong interpersonal skills, cross-cultural communication skills, and sensitivity.
• Knowledge of database and word processing software in a Windows environment.
• Creativity and adaptability in developing and promoting programs within a limited budget.
• Ability to work effectively with parents and caregivers.

Status: Contract Full-Time, January – April 11, 2026 (CUPE Local 3393 Bargaining Unit Position)

Existing Vacancy: Yes

Start Date: ASAP

Hours: 35 hours per week, Tuesday to Saturday (Saturdays required)

Rate: $25.77

Unit: Community Programs and Social Change

Immediate Supervisor: Coordinator Children, Youth, Family Services

Closing Date: February 6, 2026

Please submit your cover letter and resume clearly indicating “Contract Family Support Lead” by 5 p.m. on the closing date to:

Hiring Committee

jobs@westnh.org