Early Childhood Educator

Reports to: Executive Director

The Early Childhood Educator collaborates closely with all other members of the program team to provide nurturing care and education to young children in a group setting, under the supervision of the Centre Executive Director; in accordance with the goals and curriculum plans of the Centre and the philosophy and policies of the agency and in compliance with provincial legislation.

Duties

• Responsible for the constant supervision, safety and wellbeing of the children
• Recognizes and responds to the needs of each child by using developmentally appropriate teaching and child behavior management techniques as outlined in The Child Care Regulations Act
• Shares in the responsibility for planning, preparing and implementing stimulating, age-appropriate activities that encourage children’s creativity and learning and promote each child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development
• Participates fully and consistently as a conscientious team member in caring for the children and in the overall operation of the program and Centre; maintains regular and open communication with program team members and all other co-workers
• Establishes and maintains regular communication with parents – is welcoming and approachable
• Ensures the program operates at all times in compliance with all child care licensing standards and implements Centre’s routines and practices
• Observes and records relevant information on each child’s progress as required, as per Centre’s practices
• Attends and participates actively in all program/Centre, parental or other meetings as required
• Shares responsibility for maintaining the play environments and storage areas in an organized and clutter-free, safe condition
• Engages in positive collaboration with the other programs and staff of the Centre in coordinating the effective use of equipment and facilities
• Participates in ongoing professional development and attends/maintains all mandatory training
• Assists the Centre’s Executive Director in maintaining a safe and healthy environment by promptly reporting any existing and/or potential workplace hazards
• Performs other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Centre Director

Competencies

• Attitude: Displays a positive and professional attitude on a daily basis and when responding to a variety of workplace situations
• Integrity: Displays honesty and transparency that exhibits the values and mission of the Centre
• Commitment and Reliability: Is committed to offering high quality childcare services and is reliable/dependable in following through on agreed to activities and in showing up regularly and on time for work
• Communication: Speaks with parents and colleagues about the progress of the children in their care. They need both good English speaking skills to provide this information effectively and good listening skills to understand parents’ instructions. Able to fill out forms and reports in the English language
• Problem Solving/Decision making: Assesses situations to identify causes, gathers and processes relevant information, determines the importance, urgency and risks, and makes clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the children and the organization
• Cultural Appreciation: Promotes, appreciates and encourages an inclusive environment, providing opportunities for sharing and learning about various cultures and experiences
• Creativity/Resourcefulness: Develops new and unique ways to improve operations of the Centre and to create new programs and activities for the children within the Centre’s budget
• Flexibility: Adapts to changing situations, such as needing to meet educator/child ratios and when you may need to work with children from other areas of the Centre
• Critical Thinking: Gathers details and information in order to effectively and quickly respond to requests and needs
• Foster Teamwork: Works cooperatively and effectively with others to plan, resolve problems, and makes decisions demonstrating support, respect and understanding of each other
• Patience: Responds to continual demands on their attention with calmness and kindness
• Instructional: Explains and teaches things in terms young children can understand and with a focus on individual children’s needs and abilities, and within the context of a group
• Leadership: Positively influences others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the children and the Centre
• Plan and Organize: Figures out processes and resources needed to complete tasks within set deadlines in order to keep activities moving forward and in evaluating process and results

Credentials

• Minimum of level 1 of the Early Childhood Education diploma or provincially recognized equivalent
• Certification approved by Ministry of Education Early Learning and childcare branch
• Criminal Record Check - clear record check in the past 6 months and cleared through the social services registry check
• Standard First Aid/CPR level C certification
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in working with children
• Have a complete record of immunizations

Working conditions

• Must be physically fit and have the physical stamina in order to lift children and participate in all of the activities associated with the position, including getting on the ground to play with children, climbing stairs, etc.
• Generally an 8 hour work day with schedules arranged between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday