Senior Early Childhood Educator - Mission Childcare Centre

at  METIS FAMILY SERVICES

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)

QUALIFICATIONS , EDUCATION AND 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)

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 50 lbs. (23 Kg).

EXPERIENCE

Required

• 2 year(s): Minimum (2) years recent related experience

SKILLS

Required

• Oral written facilitation and int comm skills
• Team Work
• Knowledge of Metis and Indigenous issues

• 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.