Senior Early Childhood Educator FT/Permanent

About us:

Growing Roots/ tsi'semlomet / Nutr raasin aahkikinwaa Early Learning and Child Care is a small, no-fee Métis child care program offering 8 IT spaces and 16 3-5 spaces. It is fully funded through distinction-based funding from Métis Nation BC and in partnership with Mission School District and the Fraser Valley Métis Association.

Our focus is to provide culturally rich programming for Métis, First Nations, Inuit, and community children. We view children as gifts from the Creator and cherish their growth into thriving individuals. We foster a positive cultural experience for them and emphasize the pivotal role of play in learning and resilience. Our core belief is that nurturing relationships with caring adults significantly benefits children’s development.

Job Summary:

The Senior Early Childhood Educator  provides leadership and guidance for staff, volunteers and practicum students   in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities for children 0-5 years of age , including infants/toddlers and children with support needs, to stimulate their intellectual, physical and emotional growth. 

Reports To: Childcare Facility Manager (Mission)

Required Experience:

• Early Childhood Education Diploma (required)
• Infant and Toddler Educator certificate (required)
• Special Needs Early Childhood Educator certificate (required)
• Valid BC Early Childhood Educator registration (required)
• Current Childcare First Aid/CPR certification (required)
• Minimum two years of experience in recent related experience (required)
• Current FoodSafe certificate
• Knowledge and understanding of the BC Early Learning Framework and the Indigenous and Métis Early Learning and Child Care Frameworks.
• Knowledge and understanding of the BC Community Care and Assisted Living Act Child Care Licensing Regulation (current)

Key Responsibilities:

• Welcomes new children and their families to the program. Explains and interprets the philosophy, goals and objectives of the program to families and answers questions. Ensures enrolment information is in order including medical and emergency information, dietary instructions and parental consent forms in compliance with statutory requirements such as licensing.
• Plans, carries out and evaluates developmentally and culturally appropriate activities and experiences for children using modelling, observing, questioning, demonstrating and reinforcing techniques.
• Develops daily program schedules that include cultural curriculum, indoor/outdoor, active/quiet and individual and group activities based on the children's interests.
• Identifies the abilities, interests and needs of children and develops individualized and group curriculum based on these.
• With Manager, recommends referrals or additional services for children, and works in consultation with professionals such as behavioural therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists.
• Reports on progress, behaviours and other issues  . Meets with and collaborates with community support workers and other staff to create support/care plans.
• Contributes to transition plans for children moving on to elementary school. Maintains required records and statistics.
• Participates in planning and evaluation of programs offered by the organization. Provides suggestions and recommendations for program adjustments or changes to the Manager.
• Attends to the children’s physical and emotional needs   including diapering, toileting, eating, sleeping, comforting and co-regulation.
• Administers first aid and medication in accordance with established policy.
• Ensures a healthy and safe environment in which the children can interact. Identifies and removes potential hazards.
• Communicates with families about children’s growth and development in collaboration with Manager. Requests input from and participation of parents in the development of programs.
• Performs other duties as required. Will assist with duties as discussed with the Childcare Facility Manager and Métis Early Years Program Coordinator.

Salary & Benefits:

Wages and benefits:      

• $27.50-$30.50 per hour (**not eligible for wage enhancement)
• 100% paid individual benefits    
• 35-hour work week
• Paid vacation
• Staffing hours between 7:30am and 5:30pm
• Circle of Security Classroom training provided
• Cultural training and learning opportunities

Additional Notes:

Additional Information:                                               

This position requires the ability to function independently while managing the multiple needs of young children, working collaboratively with other adults, including effectively managing all situations including emergencies. Program delivery activities may require a moderate level of physical fitness to effectively carry out the duties of the position.

Other Requirements:

• Criminal Record Check (vulnerable sector); Class 5 Driver’s License and Abstract; reliable form of transportation.

Start date: As soon as possible.

Core Competencies

Indigenous Relations Behavioural Competencies

• Cultural Agility

Additional Behavioural Competencies

• Teamwork and cooperation
• Flexibility
• Reflecting on difficulties
• Service orientation