Early Childhood Educator

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 Early Childhood Educator provides support and direct care to children under 0-5 years of age, including infants/toddlers and children with support needs, to stimulate and develop their intellectual, physical and emotional growth. 

Reports To: Childcare Facility Manager

Qualifications:

Other: Early Childhood Education Certificate

Additional Qualifications:

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)

Required Experience:

Qualifications, Education and Experience: 

• Early Childhood Education Certificate (required)
• Special Needs and/or Infant and Toddler Certificate (preferred)
• Valid BC Early Childhood Educator certificate (required)
• Current Childcare First Aid/CPR certification (required)
• 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)

Salary & Benefits:

Wages: $23.50 - $27.50 per hour (**not eligible for wage enhancement)

Benefits:

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

Additional Information:

Additional Information:                               

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.

Other Requirements:

Criminal Record Check (vulnerable sector); Class 5 Driver’s License and Abstract; reliable form of transportation.

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