Staff

UFCC offers a collegial and collaborative working environment where our philosophy and programs focus on each child and their family.

Most of the staff in UFCC full day programs and kindergarten extended day programs have an ECE diploma and are registered in the College of Early Childhood Educators. Staff in school age programs may have an ECE diploma or degree or training and experience in a related field.

UFCC staff are required to demonstrate an awareness of the developmental needs of children and knowledge of current best practices in early childhood education. Experience working with children with special needs is considered an asset when joining the UFCC team and additional training is provided upon hiring.

All UFCC staff are required to provide a current Criminal Reference Check/Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) prior to being employed. The Criminal Reference Check/Vulnerable Sector Check is to be renewed every five years, and all UFCC staff are also required to provide a Declaration of Non-Offense in the years in between. All UFCC staff are required to have Standard First Aid and Infant/Child CPR training and participate in WHMIS training on an annual basis. It is also mandatory that all Cooks, Supervisors, and Program Leaders obtain a Food Handler’s Certificate.

UFCC offers competitive wages, benefits, paid programming time, networking and professional development opportunities, including membership in Affiliated Services for Children & Youth (ASCY). This membership entitles UFCC staff to borrow items from the lending library, research topics of interest, and participate in workshops and networks throughout the year.

UFCC employees receive additional training upon being hired and are required to complete a minimum of 16 professional development hours each year.

Students and Volunteers

UFCC provides mentoring and practice teaching experiences for Early Childhood Education students. HWDSB high school co-op and Focus on Youth students and volunteers also participate in programs. The students and volunteers are not counted in the child/staff ratios and are never responsible for nor left alone with the children. In addition, students on placement and volunteers are required to comply with all UFCC policies and procedures.