Early Childhood Educator

Required Experience:

• Minimum one year of experience in recent related experience (required)
• 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:

• 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.
• Identifies the abilities, interests, and needs of children and develops individualized and group curriculum based on these.
• Attends to the children’s physical and emotional needs including diapering, toileting, eating, sleeping, comforting and co-regulation.
• 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 related to children. Meets with and collaborates with community support workers and other staff to create and follow support/care plans.
• Contributes to reports 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.
• Provides work direction to Early Childhood Educator Assistants as required.
• 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.
• 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: $24.50 - $27.50 per hour (**not eligible for wage enhancement)

Benefits:

• 100% paid individual benefits    
• 35-hour work week
• Paid vacation
• Staffing hours between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm
• Circle of Security Classroom Training
• Cultural training and learning opportunities
• Eligible for sign on bonus 
• Eligible for retention incentives

Additional Notes:

Job Skills and abilities: 

• Excellent understanding and knowledge of Métis/First Nations cultures, traditions and socio-economic issues affecting urban Indigenous families.
• Excellent oral, written, facilitation and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with program staff, volunteers, and non-profit or publicly funded groups, agencies, and organizations.
• Knowledge of child development.
• Ability to lift at least 50 lbs. (23 kg)

This position requires the ability to function independently while managing multiple projects and deadlines including effectively managing emergency situations. Program delivery activities may require a moderate level of physical fitness to effectively carry out duties of the position.

Core Competencies:

Indigenous Relations Behavioural Competency:

• Cultural Agility is the ability to work respectfully, knowledgeably, and effectively with Indigenous people. It is noticing and readily adapting to cultural uniqueness in order to create a sense of safety for all. It is openness to unfamiliar experiences, transforming feelings of nervousness or anxiety into curiosity and appreciation. It is examining one's own culture and worldview, and the culture of Métis Family Services, and to notice their commonalities, and distinctions with Indigenous cultures, and worldviews. It is recognition of the ways that personal and professional values may conflict or align with those of Indigenous people. It is the capacity to relate to or allow for differing cultural perspectives and being willing to experience a personal shift in perspective. Effectively to other people from diverse backgrounds with diverse views.

Additional Behavioural Competencies

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

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.