Build a career in child care

Start your journey to a fulfilling career in Early Childhood Education

Grow your career in child care at the YMCA.

Apply to become an ECE with all training paid!

Current Opportunities

At the Y, we care about our ECEs as much as they care about our children. 

We make sure our educators receive the support, training, and work-life balance they need to excel in their field, as they foster social and emotional wellness in future generations.  

• Minimum of $27/hour — (with wage enhancement) for those beginning a career as a certified ECE  
• Paid training — We’ll pay for your ECE designation, advanced certifications and more  
• Support and flexibility — Support staff are available on every shift, giving you time off the floor for professional development, administration and more flexibility in your work schedule  
• Advancement opportunities —supervisor and management positions at each centre provide more opportunity for growth and advancement  
• Other paid perks — Over 100 professional development hours during work time, 3 weeks paid vacation, 12 paid wellness days, 5 paid family wellness days, annual wage increases, wage grids per designation, pension, and benefits  
• Priority child care placement for your children — including $10/day centres  
• Evidence-based curriculum — Our educators are proud to teach our Playing to Learn™ curriculum  

Does this sound like a career for you, discover our training program to make a career as an ECE your reality. Featuring a flexible, virtual format that allows you to earn your ECE-A/ECE certification for free. Whether you’re eager to launch your career or elevate your existing path as an Early Childhood Educator, this is your moment to acquire the essential qualifications for success.  

Secure your space now and begin your journey to becoming a confident ECE.

Newly Opened Kelowna & Lake Country centres include: 

• Black Mountain YMCA Child Care opened in August 2023 for ages 0–12 (full time child care, preschool & out of school care) 
• Okanagan Mission YMCA Child Care opened in August 2023 for ages 0–12 (full time child care, preschool & out of school care) 
• Kelowna Airport YMCA Child Care opened in September 2023 with full time care for ages 0–5 
• George Elliot YMCA Child Care is opening September 2024 for ages 0–12 (full time child care, preschool & out of school care) 

Penticton centres opening soon include: 

• Power Street YMCA Child Care Full time child care & Preschool  
• Uplands YMCA Child Care Full time child care, Preschool & Out of School Care 

Help us make a difference. Join our team. 

 For those wanting to enter the field, reach out to us to learn about paid training opportunities by emailing Val at valene.johnson@ymcasibc.ca.