Early Childhood Educator: Awahsuk Preschool

**ECE Job Description**

**Looking to fill 3 ECE positions**:Awahsuk Aboriginal Head Start Preschool/ Na’tsa’maht childcare**

**Purpose**
- To provide a nurturing, culturally sensitive care, and education program for young children at Awahsuk Aboriginal Head Start Preschool, consistent with the philosophy and guidelines stated in our policy and procedures manual.
- To participate in program development and implementation of curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for children ages 3 to 5 years.
- To nurture children’s pride in and understanding of Aboriginal culture.

**Qualifications**
- A validated Early Childhood Education Certificate and a license to practice in British Columbia issued by the British Columbia Child Care Licensing Board
- A valid emergency childcare first-aid certificate
- A clear tuberculosis test and immunization booster
- A clear criminal record check
- Medical clearance from a physician stating you are physically, mentally, and emotionally capable of working with young children
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Commitment to ongoing professional development
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Familiarity with Aboriginal culture, language, and traditions an asset
- Ability to relate well with Aboriginal children and families
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position

**Job Duties**

**1) **Responsibility: Keep the Senior Educator informed about preschool operations or, in her absence, the Program Coordinator.**

**Accountabilities**

a) Report any concerns that may arise to the Senior Educator.

b) Follow all reporting procedures outlined in the procedure’s manual.

c) Observe daily interactions of children and adults and record these according to current procedures when appropriate.

d) Provide appropriate information, suitable for monthly reports, to be prepared by the coordinator.

**2) R**esponsibility: Contribute to the ongoing operation of the program.**

**Accountabilities**

a) Participate in developing culturally based curriculum and emergent curriculum as necessary to meet the needs of the children, consistent with Aboriginal societal values.

b) Participate in program planning.

c) Implement emergent curriculum and developmentally appropriate activities and experiences by using observations of the children’s interests and abilities.

d) Assist with planning, implementing, and supervising indoor and outdoor activities.

e) Assist with organizing the space, equipment, and materials before activities begin.

f) Assist with clean up.

g) Act as a bus monitor.

h) Assist with snack and meal preparation as required.

i) Follow all licensing requirements.

j) Follow all Public Health Agency of Canada requirements including record-keeping.

k) Observe and record the children’s developmental progress on an ongoing basis.

l) Document and report the need for referrals or additional services for parents and children to the Senior Educator.

m) Attend regular staff meetings.

n) Maintain confidentiality of all information related to the preschool’s children, families, and staff.

o) Maintain professional development through workshops and conferences that are relevant to the field of ECE and Aboriginal language and culture.

p) Contribute to a positive team environment.

**3) **Responsibility: Guide children’s behavior in a way that encourages positive self-development.**

**Accountabilities**

a) Guide children positively, consistent with Awahsuk Aboriginal Head Start Preschool’s Guidance and Discipline Policy.

b) Support children’s physical, social, emotional, creative, cognitive, and spiritual development.

**4) **Responsibility: Monitor the environment for health and safety.**

**Accountabilities**

a) Follow the preschool’s health and safety procedures.

b) Report all accidents, injuries and illnesses to the Senior Educator and record such incidents according to the relevant procedure.

c) Monitor the environment for hazards.

d) Be continually aware of children’s allergies and other special conditions.

e) Assist with children’s toileting needs as necessary.

f) Through classroom observation, monitor children’s general health on an on-going basis.

**5) **Responsibility: Communicate positively with parents.**

**Accountabilities**

a) Treat parents respectfully at all times.

b) Participate in PAC meetings, functions, and projects as required.

c) Assist in parent-teacher meetings.

d) Discuss the program’s daily events with parents.

e) Convey information received from parents about children’s needs or routines to other staff as appropriate.

f) Support parent participation in the program.

**6) **Responsibility: Keep accurate records.**

**Accountabilities**

a) Follow reporting procedures for abuse as stated in the _Child, Family and Community Services Act_ and in policy and procedure manuals of Kla-how-eya Aboriginal Centre of SAC