The Tadpoles Early Childhood Educator is responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating the Tadpoles Program while delivering culturally responsive early childhood programming for Indigenous children from birth to six years of age and their families. The successful candidate will create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment that promotes healthy child development, strengthens parenting capacity, and supports family wellness through relationship-based programming. The Educator will incorporate Indigenous culture, traditions, language, and values into all aspects of the program while fostering meaningful relationships with children, families, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community partners.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate culturally appropriate early childhood programming for Indigenous children from birth to six years of age and their caregivers.
- Develop monthly, seasonal, and culturally responsive program plans that reflect the developmental needs of participating children and families.
- Create a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate environment that promotes children's physical, emotional, social, cognitive, language, and cultural development.
- Foster positive parent-child relationships through engaging learning experiences that strengthen family connections and encourage healthy child development.
- Promote school readiness through play-based learning opportunities that build confidence, curiosity, creativity, independence, and problem-solving skills.
- Incorporate Indigenous culture, language, traditions, stories, songs, crafts, land-based learning, and traditional teachings into daily programming.
- Provide families with access to culturally appropriate prevention and early intervention services that strengthen parenting skills and increase family capacity.
- Promote healthy pregnancies, infant development, early childhood wellness, and healthy lifestyle choices through education, resources, and community-based programming.
- Support community awareness and prevention initiatives related to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
- Connect families with formal and informal community supports, programs, and services that enhance child and family well-being.
- Prepare and provide healthy snacks and meals in accordance with FoodSafe standards and promote healthy eating habits.
- Provide transportation for families to attend programming and appointments when required.
- Build respectful and collaborative relationships with children, families, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community partners, and other service providers.
- Maintain accurate participant records, attendance records, statistics, and reports in accordance with Society policies and funding agreement requirements.
- Monitor program participation and assist with evaluating program outcomes to support continuous program improvement.
- Assist with purchasing program supplies, maintaining inventory, and ensuring program resources are available and well maintained.
- Ensure program spaces, toys, equipment, and supplies are clean, organized, safe, and developmentally appropriate.
- Participate in staff meetings, professional development opportunities, cultural learning, community events, and organizational activities.
- Follow all Dze L K'ant Friendship Centre Society policies and procedures, including confidentiality, privacy, child protection, occupational health and safety, and Child Care Licensing Regulations.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
Qualifications:
- Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Certificate recognized by the Province of British Columbia.
- Current Licence to Practice issued by the BC Early Childhood Educator Registry.
- Experience planning and delivering early childhood programming for children from birth to six years of age.
- Experience working with Indigenous children, families, and communities is considered an asset.
- Knowledge of child development, play-based learning, and the BC Early Learning Framework.
- Knowledge and appreciation of Indigenous cultures, traditions, language, and values, or a willingness to learn.
- Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.
- Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence with a satisfactory Driver's Abstract.
- Current First Aid and CPR Certification.
- FoodSafe Level 1 Certification or willingness to obtain.
- Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check, including the Vulnerable Sector Check.
Working Conditions:
- Position is scheduled for 28 hours per week, Monday through Thursday.
- Regular interaction with infants, toddlers, preschool-aged children, and their families.
- Ability to lift and carry program supplies, equipment, and children as required in accordance with Child Care Licensing Regulations.
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support community events, cultural activities, and special programming.
- Local travel within the Houston area may be required to support families and program delivery.
Pay: $22.02 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Education:
- Secondary School (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Current Licence to Practice issued by the BC ECE Registry. (required)
- ECE Certification (required)
Location:
Work Location: In person
