The Abbotsford School District is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Semá:th First Nation and Mathxwí First Nation. With this, we respect the longstanding relationships that Indigenous Nations have to this land, as they are the original caretakers.
Why Abbotsford?
Located under an hour from Vancouver, the Abbotsford School District is settled in the heart of the beautiful Fraser Valley and surrounded by spectacular mountain views.
Learn more about the Abbotsford community: //
Why the Abbotsford School District?
Every day, in every classroom and office at Abbotsford School District, our employees provide a world-class, innovative educational experience for over 20,000 students. We provide a workplace that fosters creativity, inspires excellence, and challenges everyone to embrace growth.
Working in public education is both challenging and rewarding, but at the Abbotsford School District we truly believe that every one of our employees has the opportunity to help children learn, grow, and succeed.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the direction and supervision of the District Principal or designate, the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) leads before or after school care and works in partnership with the kindergarten teacher in the classroom. Knowledge of early childhood education, the BC Early Learning Framework pedagogy and principles is essential to this position.
The Seamless Day model allows primary school children to attend childcare in the kindergarten classroom with a team of Early Childhood Educators (ECE) and the classroom teacher. The morning ECE greets the children and implements the early care and learning program with the children. S/he remains with the children in the kindergarten classroom and assists in the design of programs and environments, engaging with the Early Learning Framework. The afternoon ECE begin their shift mid-day, allowing for staff overlap and leads the after-school care early learning program. This model is designed to enhance children’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional development and benefits from the professional expertise of primary teachers and early childhood educators working together.
The job involves maintaining confidentiality in all matters of the School District and current, proficient knowledge of documentation practices, School District Policies and Procedures, Collective Agreements, and Provincial Legislation.
Hours of work: 3 Hours Per Day, Monday to Friday, 2:15 PM - 5:45 PM
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES:
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Provides a classroom environment that fosters play based learning and exploration for 4 year old’s.
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Plans, coordinates and implements a quality licensed school-aged group childcare program for early primary students in response to the Early Learning Framework.
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Establishes positive working relationships with community partners, parents and school staff.
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Supports the transition of information between children, families, and classroom colleagues (second ECE and Kindergarten teacher)
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Collaborates with the kindergarten teacher, second ECE and other school staff to create a seamless transition for children moving between the childcare program and the school day.
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With other classroom colleagues, plans and maintains a learning environment that promotes the health, security and well-being of children.
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Uses verbal and written communication to interact with parents and/or caregivers and school personnel.
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Creates a friendly environment that provides safety and security for children while respecting cultural values, goals and expectations.
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Maintains program records such as statistics, forms and attendance and producing reports and work plans as required for use by the District and Ministry of Education
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Maintains equipment, supplies and materials.
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Assists with advertising and identifying required supplies and equipment as needed in accordance with budget allowance.
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Prepares the classroom for opening or closing each day including daily setup and takedown of program materials and equipment and ensuring that it is stored and maintained properly.
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Liaises regularly with various stakeholders including site-based Principal, District Principal of Early Learning, Manager of Community Partnerships and the Ministry of Child and Family Development (MCFD) for children under protection or requiring child protection.
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Understands and acts in accordance with school, district, education and childcare ministry policies and procedures, district Health & Safety Manual and WorkSafeBC regulations.
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Maintains current knowledge of early learning and childcare issues, including maintaining licensing requirements.
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Maintains a working knowledge of district operational/personnel policies related to the position.
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Ensures compliance with district and government health and safety procedures and regulations to minimize potential for accidents, injuries and hazards.
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Maintains the confidentiality of sensitive information either seen or heard.
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Undertakes related duties, as assigned consistent with this position.
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Completes ongoing professional development and maintains ECE Certification in order to practice.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Grade 12 diploma, or equivalent, supplemented by the completion of an Early Childhood Education Diploma Program (preference given to those with a degree) and a valid Early Childhood Education License to Practice in BC. A valid Food Safe and Child Safe First Aid certificate. A minimum of 1-2 years of recent and related experience working in Early Childhood Education including parent/child interactive programming. A valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License. As well, incumbents also require the following:
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Demonstrated knowledge of the British Columbia Early Learning Framework and Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework;
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Experience creating, organizing, planning and implementing an early learning program;
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Proven ability to use Microsoft Office programs, internet and internet-based programs, with the ability to learn other software programs;
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Proven ability to determine, judge and select appropriate courses of action in accordance with established policies and procedures;
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Understanding and awareness of cultural diversity;
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Proven ability to multi-task, prioritize, self-motivate, and meet deadlines;
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Proven ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and to provide service and relationship to the public and School District in a professional, respectful, positive and courteous manner;
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Proven ability to establish and maintain positive, effective work relationships in a team environment at all times;
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Proven ability to use tact and discretion and maintain confidentiality in matters pertaining to the School District;
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Working knowledge of WHMIS and WorkSafe BC occupational health and safety regulations and the demonstrated ability to work in a manner that recognizes personal safety and the safety of others;
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Ability to be flexible, adaptable and resilient to change;
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Ability to explain complex or simple instructions or information clearly to others;
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Demonstrated knowledge of child development including key aspects of the Strong Start program including literacy, numeracy, family dynamics, support and education;
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Proven ability to organize and implement a parent participation early learning program;
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Proven ability to perform physical activities such as lifting, pushing, pulling and moving materials, equipment and supplies.
