Join Our Team
Be more than a teacher.
Be more than an instructor.
Be more than a friend.
Be the Spark that allows a child to shine.
Become a YMCA Child Care Educator Today
Complete your early childhood education (ECE) training while you work. You'll have access to professional development and clear paths to grow into leadership roles.
Get 1:1 mentorship from experienced educators. With 300+ child care centres across the Greater Toronto Area, there are lots of options to move, grow, and explore.
You’ll work with people who believe in helping children thrive and communities shine. Together, we make a difference every day.
You’ll have access to a full benefits package—including dental, massage, physio, counselling and more.
Enjoy a competitive salary or hourly rate. You'll get paid vacation, stat holidays, and yearly raises based on your performance.
You’ll save on YMCA programs and services—including personal training, child care, and more.
Enjoy free access to all our centres across the GTA—including gyms, pools, and drop-in classes—with your staff membership.
Be a Part of Something Great
We have been providing child care for more than 50 years
We are Canada's largest not-for-profit child care provider
We developed YMCA Playing to Learn™, a play-based curriculum used throughout North America
We offer child care at over 300 locations and are expanding
See the Impact
Want to know what it's like to be a child care educator at the YMCA? Check out the videos below to "spend a day" with an educator working in one of our programs.
Infant, with Paula
Toddler, with Katerina
Preschool, with Petra
Before & After School, with Alicia
Hear from Our Families
Here’s what the families of children in our care programs have to say about YMCA educators.
Hear From Our Team
“Our team here, I would definitely say we’re a family”
-Deanna Prasad, Early Childhood Educator, Brampton Kennedy Road Child Care Centre
"In terms of training and resources and tools...you're going to get it at the YMCA."
-Tano Sala, Supervisor, Mississauga Meadowvale YMCA Child Care Centre
"I’m coming to work....to be a play partner, to foster learning, to empower children."
-Shanta Maharaj, Early Childhood Educator, Brampton Our Lady of Peace YMCA Child Care Centre
“The thing that I find most rewarding…is just seeing that spark in those children’s eyes.”
-Chantol Jackson, Recruitment Coordinator, Scarborough and York, YMCA of Greater Toronto Talent Acquisition
Choose an Employer That Cares
Be part of a charity that has been recognized as a top employer for 17 consecutive years. We are committed to be a great workplace and provide an environment where people enjoy their work and grow in the process. Participating in Top Employer programs allows us to continually strive towards higher standards and offer employees the best working experiences.
Begin Your Career
The YMCA of Greater Toronto has a long history of supporting student placements, guiding and mentoring the future generation of early childhood educators. Students who complete their placement at the YMCA have the opportunity to start their child care career at the Y upon graduation.
If you are a student, please talk to your school’s Placement Coordinator about opportunities at the YMCA of Greater Toronto.
Real-world experience while you study
We partner with post-secondary schools across the region to give students meaningful placement opportunities in our licensed child care centres and Before & After School programs. Our current school partners include:
Make a Fresh Start
This free program includes:
- Pre-employment training to prepare you for the Canadian workplace.
- A paid work placement at a YMCA of Greater Toronto child care setting.
Earn While You Learn
The YMCA of Greater Toronto supports educators through on-the-job training that meets Skilled Trades Ontario requirements. If you're working toward your Child Development Practitioner (CDP) Apprenticeship Certificate, we’ll help you get there.
We offer:
- Sponsorship and hands-on experience toward your Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) credentials
- 1:1 mentorship from experienced senior staff
- Access to bursaries and scholarships
- Help finding placements and new career opportunities
To learn more, email us at childcarejobs@ymcagta.org
Real stories from YMCA educators
Real stories from passionate educators who are building their careers—and helping children shine.
Meet a Y educator: Jenny
Jenny brings children's ideas to life—like building a drive-through restaurant for imaginative play in her Before & After School program.
Meet a Y educator: Muneeza
Muneeza works with infants and creates hands-on, sensory activities based on what interests them—like foil puffer fish after a story about sea animals.
Meet a Y educator: Tatiana
Tatiana loves planning activities that connect to children’s interests—like turning “Ghostbusters” into a haunted house full of preschool fun.
Meet a Y educator: Vanessa
Vanessa started as supply staff and became an On-Site Supervisor in just four months. Today, she leads a vibrant Before & After School program.
See Opportunities
We are hiring throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Find the role that's right for you.
Contact Us
Difficulty submitting your application? Email us your resume and quote the job posting number.