Early Childhood Educator

The Cowichan Intercultural Society is a Canadian registered charitable organization that has been

Operating in the Cowichan Valley Region since 1981. We provide services and support to newcomers to Canada settling in the Cowichan Valley, and activities to create a more welcoming and inclusive community.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Youth and Childcare Manager, the Early Childhood Educator plans, develops and fosters a culturally sensitive, age-appropriate childcare program aimed to enhance cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development while adhering to the Cowichan Intercultural Society’s mission statement and philosophy.

PROFESSIONAL OBLIGATIONS

• Adherence to Vancouver Island Health Licensing Regulations
• Adherence to professional standards set out by ECEBC Code of Ethics and Cowichan Intercultural Society’s professional standards and confidentiality policy
• Maintaining certification with ECEBC

POSITION SUMMARY

• CIS Childcare is open during the hours of 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday
• With other CIS staff, under the supervision of the ECE Coordinator, plans and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum which includes activities, and experiences for a multi-age program
• Provides a physically safe and emotionally supportive environment showing sensitivity to the individual needs of children in all aspects of development
• Observes children for daily overall health and ongoing observation for signs of potential learning or behavioural concerns and prepares written documentation for the ECE Coordinator, parents and/or outside agencies
• Engages and works collaboratively as a team member in caring for the children; maintains regular and open communication with families, peers and co-workers
• Able to implement the Early Learning Framework through observations, reflections, documentations, and curriculum planning
• Engages each child individually each day, and makes every effort to connect with their parent/guardian/caregiver each day as well
• Maintains positive relationships with colleagues, children, families, and community members

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for planning and implementing appropriate activities that follow the children’s interests and the philosophy of learning through play
• Understanding of trauma-informed practices for childcare
• Work as a team member; serve as a role model
• Create a positive environment through fair and consistent expectations; support an environment of cultural diversity and inclusivity; provide opportunities for child-directed play experience that promote child’s understanding of their own and other’s cultures and values systems
• Plan and implement activities that follow the children’s interests.
• Maintain a safe, organized, appealing, and developmentally appropriate program space; ensuring that materials and room set up is done prior to children arriving
• Observe and record relevant information on each child’s progress/concerns regularly
• Observe and assess children’s progress and behaviour to ensure program meets individual and group needs
• Discuss children’s progress/behaviour/health with ECE Coordinator as necessary
• Communicate any issues of mutual concern, both verbally and in written form, with ECE Coordinator and families as necessary
• Regularly evaluate the program to ensure it meets the needs of individual children and needs of the group; spend time in reflection, set goals and meet licensing criteria
• Remain in the program space until the last child is picked up
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with families; providing ongoing support and resources
• Accommodate parent/guardian instructions for daily care routines whenever possible
• Maintain professional boundaries and constant awareness of the ‘client’ relationship
• Read, understand and abide by all policies in Staff Handbook and Parent Handbook, including emergency, fire, serious occurrence, prohibited practices and child abuse procedures

This program shall:

• Be in accordance with CIS philosophy and policies as well as all applicable licensing regulation
• Be based on the principle of the Early Learning Framework
• Contain a variety and balance of activities to enhance the children’s development in all areas including: cognitive, fine motor, gross motor, creative, science, sensory, social and emotional development
• Be appropriate to the age, developmental level, and interests of the children
• Provide emergent curriculum experiences to build on children’s interests
• Consist of individual, small and large group activities, activity centres, loose parts provocations, and outdoor experiences
• Create a positive social environment which promotes social/emotional learning: sharing, cooperation, problem solving, respect and kindness for others and self-help skills

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Responsible for ensuring regular attendance is documented
• Know where each child in care is at all times; position yourself so that you maximize visibility and accessibility
• Ensure playground check is complete and recorded daily
• Keep surface areas and room sanitary as per CIS Communicable Disease Plan
• Biannual washing of all play materials is also recorded
• Release children ONLY to persons authorized by child’s custodial parent/guardian/caregiver according to Child Release Form
• Ensure children are dressed appropriately for indoor and outdoor activities
• Conduct daily health check of children; record illness and inform ECE Coordinator; contact parents as necessary
• Mentor and monitor healthy eating and report concerns to Coordinator and families

STAFF/TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be ready for work by the start of each shift
• Remain professional at all times
• Actively participate in meetings and events as required eg. Staff meetings
• Maintain ECEBC Certification status
• Participate in annual evaluation processes and set goals for the following year
• Be actively involved in professional development by attending relevant workshops and participating in CIS professional training
• Maintain regular, effective, and open communication with ECE Coordinator and other team members in a positive and professional manner
• Submit vacation requests, days off to ECE Coordinator in writing
• Maintain a professional appearance at all times; assume responsibility for your own actions and behaviour

Qualifications:

Basic ECE

Additional Qualifications:

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Early Childhood Education Certificate with ECEBC
• Valid Standard First Aid Training and CPR
• Knowledge and understanding of BC’s Early Learning Framework
• Knowledge of Island Health Licensing Standards
• Current Criminal Record Check 

Salary & Benefits:

The hourly wage is $31.20 and includes holiday pay and sick/wellness leave. After successful completion of the probationary period, this position includes extended health benefits and RRSP contribution.