Who Does What: Educator, Assistant, and Supervisor
Lesson 3 of 6 in Working in Canadian Childcare · 28 minutes
Read about the three main staff roles in a Canadian childcare centre and how decisions flow between them. Understand what an educator assistant is allowed to do without supervision, when to hand a question up to the lead educator, and when to bring a concern to the supervisor. Knowing the chain — and using it — is part of being a professional team member.
What you'll learn
- Describe the daily duties of an educator assistant, lead educator, and supervisor
- Identify which person to ask for which kind of question or problem
- Recognize the limits of your role — what you may not decide alone as an assistant
- Use 'reporting up' phrases ('I'll need to check with my supervisor', 'I'll bring this to Andrea')
- Understand why a clear chain protects children, parents, and staff
From the lesson
A licensed childcare centre is a small but real workplace. Children are vulnerable, families are trusting you, and the law sets minimums you cannot break. To make sure all of this is handled safely, every centre has a clear set of roles. The newcomer educator's first task is to learn this chain — not because rules are bossy, but because it keeps children and staff safe and protects you when something goes wrong.
The Educator Assistant
An educator assistant supports the lead educator. Common daily duties include: - Helping serve and clean up snack and lunch - Setting up activity stations (art table, sensory bin, building blocks) - Supervising children at the snack table or during outdoor play,…