Outdoor Early Childhood Educator

Grateful to live and work on the unceded ancestral territory of the Coast Salish peoples, the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Terra Nova Nature School offers licensed preschool for children ages 3-5, as well as many other outdoor programs for children age birth to teen. Our school is situated on a 63 acre natural parkland within the City of Richmond. As well as diverse outdoor terrain, we also call the Edwardian Cottage our indoor home- a thoughtfully and beautifully restored heritage building.
We are currently seeking Outdoor Educators who are committed to an emergent and place-based philosophy of education. We value educators who see children as capable and strong, seeking ways to support their development in all areas. Our not-for-profit school is devoted to developing and caring for a community that values children and their families, partner agencies, artists, park visitors, and the more-than-human, all working together to create a unique learning environment.

We hold space for acknowledging and embodying the First Peoples Ways of Knowing. We recognize Canada’s colonial history and its ongoing repercussions as we walk a path of Truth and Reconciliation.
The successful candidate will be flexible, positive and energetic. We are looking for educators who are both passionate and compassionate; creative and imaginative; clear and effective communicators; curious and committed to learning from one another. Observations, documentation, discussion and research are tools our team uses to implement a responsive and emergent curriculum that makes learning visible to our community. For more information about our program please visit www.terranovanatureshcool.com and the following job postings.
We hope you will join our team!

Job Summary:
Reporting to the Preschool Coordinator, Community Facilities Coordinator or Director of Child Care Services assists with the development and implementation of a comprehensive community based preschool program for ages 3-5yrs and/or 2yrs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Programming:
Plan, implement, organize and lead nature based outdoor preschool activities and curriculum; special events, fundraising and field trips;
Assist with the development and implementation of a comprehensive nature based preschool program for ages 3-5.
Supervisory
Assist in the hiring of preschool staff; provide work direction to Preschool/Instructor I
Assist volunteers and practicum students in the classroom setting
Customer Service/Communication
Attend to children’s physical needs, which may include toileting and eating
Provide information to visitors wanting to hear about the program and/or see the classroom
Attend regular meetings with preschool instructors and Preschool Coordinator
Communicate problems or concerns with children, families, staff and external agencies
Recommend referrals or additional services for children with professionals such as behavioural therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists
Safety/Risk Management
Monitor children in indoor and outdoor activities and during rest periods; conduct activities with children on an individual and group basis
Ensure classroom safety as outlined by Health Medical Safety regulations; follow proper Centre protocol
Administer medications as required in accordance with established policy
Keep program facilities and equipment safe and clean, reporting any repairs and concerns to senior staff
Administrative
Plan and organize classroom layout
Provide input into budget; order supplies and equipment
Work with agencies to acquire resources for children
Attend regular meetings with preschool instructors, Supervisor and where appropriate
Responsible to document and report child abuse to supervisors and the Ministry
Responsible to fill out accident report forms
Other related duties as assigned and may vary according to facility.

Qualifications:

Basic ECE

Additional Qualifications:

Post basic ECE training
Training and experience in Reggio Emilia practice
Training and experience in outdoor education and gardening
2nd language
Sign language
Music background
Food safe

Years Experience Required:

2

Required Experience:

Grade 12 plus an Early Childhood Education Certificate and two years’ experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
BCRPA High Five - Principles of Healthy Child Development Certification (or willing to obtain)
Licensing requirements prior to start date:
 Standard, Childsafe or Emergency First Aid including CPR C,
 Physician’s note,
 19+yrs of age,
 Police Information Check,
 Immunization records

Salary & Benefits:

Salary: Preschool Instructor 2, $26.80, plus $6.00hr ECE Wage Enhancement
Professional Development and 4% vacation pay
Benefits package including medical, dental, and paid sick leave after three month probation period