Location: Lake Charlotte YMCA Early Learning
Childcare Centre
Program: Licensed Childcare
Position Status: Full Time
Compensation: $22.12/hour
There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in
us to shine.
Every charity exists to help solve a problem. Our charity
exists to help solve many—from childcare shortages, social isolation, and
mental health challenges to access to wellness and more.
Today, our network spans more than 100 program locations
across Halifax Regional Municipality and throughout Nova Scotia, meeting some
of our communities’ most urgent needs through mental health supports,
accessible childcare, newcomer services, safe spaces for youth, employment and
labour market support, wellness programming, and opportunities for connection
among older adults.
We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe spaces
they need to discover their inner strength. When people know someone is in
their corner, offering unconditional support, they realize they can achieve
more than they ever thought possible.
It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that help
individuals ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into
vibrant, healthy communities.
With us at their side, they can Shine On.
As Part of Your Total Compensation, You Will Receive:
- Complimentary
YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
- Access
to YMCA at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your
own home
- Three
(3) weeks of vacation entitlement and paid wellness days
- Comprehensive
benefits package and pension plan (once the Centre is open)
- Complimentary
wellbeing and counselling services
About the Role
Reporting to the Director of the Lake Charlotte YMCA Early
Learning Childcare Centre, the Cook/Centre Support is responsible for preparing
and serving nutritious meals and snacks in accordance with Canada's Food Guide
and the Nova Scotia Early Learning and Child Care Regulations.
In addition to culinary responsibilities, this role includes
general cleaning duties and providing daily support within ratio-based
programming.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Kitchen Operations
- Maintain
clean, organized, and clutter-free storage and workspaces in all
designated areas.
- Prepare
and serve meals in accordance with approved menus and budgets while
ensuring quality, variety, and nutritional value.
- Conduct
weekly meal preparation every Monday to support meal service throughout
the remainder of the week.
- Safely
prepare and serve whole fruits and vegetables using appropriate tools and
equipment.
- Follow
all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards in food preparation,
storage, and service.
- Present
food in a communal style (e.g., self-serve platters), ensuring appropriate
portions and appealing presentation.
- Adhere
to allergy management protocols by following posted allergy lists and
preventing cross-contamination.
- Maintain
accurate documentation, including menus, temperature logs, allergy
records, cleaning schedules, and meal/snack modifications.
- Ensure
food carts are cleaned and sanitized and deliver meals to classrooms as
required.
- Conduct
regular inventory checks of dining supplies, including utensils, dishware,
and serving equipment.
- Comply
with all Nova Scotia Health Inspection, Compliance and Enforcement
Division requirements and childcare licensing regulations.
Facility Maintenance & Cleaning
- Perform
general cleaning duties, including garbage removal, mopping, hallway
tidying, washroom maintenance, and restocking supplies.
- Ensure
the safe storage and handling of cleaning chemicals and supplies.
- Maintain
a clean, safe, and welcoming environment throughout the centre.
Program & Team Support
- Promote
a welcoming, inclusive, equitable, and respectful environment for all
children, families, and staff.
- Adhere
to YMCA policies, procedures, Best Practices, and Child Safeguarding
standards.
- Participate
in monthly staff meetings and ongoing professional development
opportunities.
- Provide
daily support within ratio-based programming.
- Engage
in learning opportunities related to child development, YMCA Playing to
Learn curriculum, and relationship-building practices.
- Perform
additional duties as assigned by the Director.
Education & Skills Qualifications
Required
- Valid
Food Handler Certification.
- Completion
of the Orientation for Certificate (Working in Licensed Child Care) within
six (6) months of hire.
Assets
- Early
Childhood Education (ECE) Classification Level 1, 2, or 3.
To Apply
Please apply online by July 2, 2026 at: https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/
Successful Candidates Must Provide:
- Criminal
Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check
(issued within the past six months), if 18 years of age or older.
- Attendance
at Child Safeguarding Training upon hire.
- Valid
First Aid and CPR certification.
Please Note: Background checks are reviewed on an
individual basis. Any offenses will be assessed in relation to the position and
Child Safeguarding requirements and may not automatically disqualify candidates
from employment with the YMCA.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse,
inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued,
respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.
We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and
experiences strengthen our organization, enabling us to better serve our
communities and fulfill our mission.
As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications
from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and People of
Colour; racially diverse individuals; 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals; gender-diverse
people; people with disabilities; members of ethnic minority and faith
communities; newcomers to Canada; and veterans.
If you require accommodation during the recruitment process,
please inform us in advance so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
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