COMPANY OVERVIEW

Community Options - A Society for Children and Families is dedicated to ensuring every child receives a great start in life. With over 45 years of experience, we provide quality childcare and inclusive support to children and families in the greater Edmonton area, fostering an environment where every child can reach their full potential.

SUMMARY

At Community Options, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Based in Edmonton, we are a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to providing inclusive early learning, childcare, and developmental support for young children and their families. For over 45 years, we’ve championed inclusion, equity, and early intervention, ensuring that developmental delays, or other barriers never stand in the way of a child’s potential.
Through collaborative, child-centered programs and a passionate, multidisciplinary team, we help children build the foundational skills they need to succeed in life, in their own communities, alongside their peers.
Our Mission: Community Options supports the diverse needs of children and families through inclusive early childhood education programs and community initiatives.
Our Vision: Empowered families building inclusive communities.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Early Childhood Educator Certification (Level 1) or willingness to obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Clearance (obtained within the past 6 months or more recent to hire date at applicants’ expense).
• Standard Child Care First Aid and CPR/AED or Standard First Aid and CPR/AED (within 3 months of hire, at candidate’s expense).
• Child Intervention Check (within 3 months of hire).
• Experience working with children in preschool or daycare settings (paid or volunteer).
• Experience working with children with developmental delays preferred.
• Compassionate, empathetic, and patient approach while working with the children.
• Strong organization and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while supporting centre staff.
• Comfortable with regular outdoor work in all weather conditions.
• Physical ability to kneel/squat for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to ensure children’s safety (e.g., running after a child if necessary).
• Ability to travel between work sites as required.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As an Educational Assistant (EA), you’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team. Composed of a Coordinating Teacher, Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), Occupational Therapist (OT), and Physical Therapist (PT) helping the children develop and grow in an inclusive environment.
You’ll support children with developmental delays in preschool and daycare settings, implement individualized program plans (IPPs), and foster positive and respectful relationships with the children, families, and staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support children with developmental delays in a community preschool and/or daycare programs.
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team (Coordinating Teacher, SLP, OT, PT).
• Assist in creating and maintaining an inclusive early learning environment.
• Build supportive relationships with children, families, and centre staff.
• Observe, document, and support children’s developmental progress.
• Implement IPP recommendations and suggestions made by the multidisciplinary team into daily activities with children.
• Open and receptive to feedback and suggestions made.
• Provide personal care for children (e.g., toileting, dressing, diapering) as needed.
• Participate in mandatory bi-monthly training workshops.
• Ability to work outdoors, including times of inclement weather.
• Other duties as assigned.