Associate Director

This is an exciting opportunity to support the development and implementation of culturally rich and holistic early learning programs that honor the language, traditions, and values of the KDFN community.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Manager of Dusk’a Head Start Family Learning Centre, the Associate Manager will play a vital role in supporting the Centre’s mission of fostering healthy child development through a family-centred, Indigenous approach. This role involves team leadership, curriculum support, compliance oversight, and day-to-day program delivery, ensuring children receive culturally responsive care and education.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Program Support: Assist the Manager in setting and achieving program goals, integrating KDFN language and culture, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Compliance & Safety: Maintain compliance with all licensing and regulatory requirements, including the Child Care Act and Aboriginal Head Start Program guidelines.
• Child Development & Family Support: Oversee curriculum implementation that supports the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual development of children; provide individualized support to children and families as needed.
• Community & Family Engagement: Maintain open communication with families, provide resources, and advocate for whole-family learning.

Required Qualifications:

• Diploma in Early Childhood Education with Level 3 certification. A degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, or Special Education is an asset.
• Considerable experience as a child care provider in a licensed child care setting;
• Knowledge of child care regulations and child development principles.
• Knowledge of and experience with Yukon First Nation ways of knowing and doing, including land-based learning, language(s), and culture;
• Knowledge of Yukon public school education system and community-based educational and Indigenous service providers in Yukon.

Knowledge of Yukon First Nations history within formalized education systems, residential schools and ongoing intergenerational effects specific to education and social programming is an asset. p>

Working Conditions: This position is based on-site in Whitehorse, involving both office and active learning environment settings. Requires flexibility, as some evenings, weekends, and occasional travel within the Yukon may be required. p>

Conditions of Employment: Satisfactory criminal record check with a vulnerable sector search, valid Class 4 driver’s license (or willingness to obtain), Standard First Aid & CPR, Food Safe Level 1 certification (or willingness to obtain), Doctor’s note- fit to work with children, copy of immunizations, and TB test.

*KDFN has generous employer-paid benefits and a matching pension package that commences after 3 months of continued employment plus paid leave accruals.

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