Early Childhood Educator

at  St Matthews Day Care Society

COMPENSATION PACKAGE / BENEFITS

• Wage $22.00 per hour plus wage enhancement
• Additional paid days off (Easter Monday, Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Years Eve)
• Up to 5 weeks vacation (based on years of service)
• Employer paid family extended health and dental
• Up to 10 paid sick days annually
• Two paid development days at the facility
• Financial contributions for professional development
• Free onsite parking
• Staff appreciation lunches
• High teacher to child ratios

JOB DESCRIPTION

This position is accountable for ensuring quality care is given to all children under your supervision.
The educator is responsible for taking an active role in the planning and implementing of activities that will enhance the children’s, physical, emotional, cognitive, social and language abilities. As well, the educator must deliver a quality program in a manner that supports the philosophy of St. Matthews Day Care Society.
The educator reports directly to the Manager/Executive Director or in the absence of the Manager/Executive Director, the early childhood educator reports to the Centre Co-Ordinator/Assistant Manager.

REQUIRED SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Excellent communication skills with parents, teachers, and other co-workers
• Ability to be patient and understanding when working with children and intereacting the parents
• Extensive knowledge of childcare principles and procedures
• Ability to relate to children and make the childcare facility an enjoyable atmosphere
• Knowledge of early childhood teaching strategies

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Have a clean Certificate, issued by the Province of BC as an Early Childhood Educator
• (ECE) or Early Childhood Educator Infant/Toddler (ECE I/T) or Special Needs (ECE SN).
• Where ECE requirements are not required, hold a Responsible Adult Certificate
• Have a clean Criminal Record Check
• Hold and maintain valid first aid certificate meeting the minimum requirements under the Childcare Licensing Regulation (CCLR)
• Have a valid Food Safe certificate
• Has 2 years experience working as an ECE in BC
• Understand and be familiar with the ECE Competency Grid, Childcare Licensing Regulations and the Community Care and Assisted Living Act

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged periods of standing
• Frequent bending
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time
• Will be exposed to illness-causing bacteria and viruses
  Job Type: Full-time
  Pay: $22.00 per hour
  Expected hours: 35 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person
Expected start date: 2025-02-0

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Welcome the family and integrate each child into the group upon arrival.
• Ensure the environment is safe, warm and nurturing for each individual child and that the environment is stimulating to encourage creativity and cognitive development children.
• Ensure that all areas are tidy, attractively arranged, have materials that are rotated and of current interest to the children set out to promote play and creativity.
• Maintain inventory of all equipment and materials being used so that equipment can be kept in good repair and supplies can be purchased in time for upcoming needs.
• Respect the use and care of materials and supplies; is not wasteful.
• Organize space, equipment, and materials prior to activities ensuring that all learning centres are appropriately and clearly defined.
• Follow daily schedule allowing flexibility to meet the needs and interests of the children.
• Arrange and assist children in all transition periods by using appropriate cues and keeping waiting times to a minimum.
• Is always mindful of the number of children under direct supervision both indoors and outdoors.
• Prepares and Implements Developmentally Appropriate Activities
• Work with children in a group while retaining sensitivity to each individual child.
• Plan and implement specific small group activities, e.g. art, baking, science, math, etc. that require teacher involvement daily.
• Assist children in expressing themselves by listening and responding with questions, comments, and clarification; providing experiences which broaden the child’s sense of community to enhance learning opportunities.
• Observe, interpret, and record children’s play accurately.
• Use observational data, i.e. jot notes, running records, time samples, anecdotal records, etc., as a basis for curriculum planning, i.e. developmental and age appropriate activities.
• Modify where necessary activities to ensure the participation of all children, including children with special needs.
• Provide and encourage children to participate in a variety of activities, i.e. art, blocks, dramatic play, manipulatives, math, reading, sand/ water and science, etc.
• Provide music and movement activities that incorporate rhythm, beat, tempo, and individual creativity both indoors and outdoors several times a week.
• Provide quality literature to meet the children’s interests and developmental needs.
• Provide a print rich environment that includes child/teacher made books, thought charts, story starters, etc.
• Extend language experiences through the use of flannel boards, puppets, and other props.
• Identify and provide opportunities to extend children’s written and spoken language experiences in other curriculum areas.
• Research and is knowledgeable with regard to themes and children’s interests by using
• community resources, i.e. library, outside guest speakers, etc.
• Ensure lesson plans are completed weekly and documented appropriately. Some home preparation for activities and attendance at staff planning sessions may be necessary.

PERFORM ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS

• Assist in the orientation of new families and staff.
• Assist in the orientation, guidance and evaluation of students.
• Assist in explaining the centre’s philosophy and program to parents and perspective parents as required.
• Is knowledgeable about legislation and provincial regulations regarding child care services.
• Identify and report risk management situations to the operator or designate.
• Ensure that the operator or designate is informed of messages, correspondence, telephone numbers etc, provided by parents, social workers etc.
• Read, understand, and follow the centre’s policies and procedures.
• Other administrative duties as assigned.