Aboriginal Head Start Program Early Childhood

**Aboriginal Head Start Program Early Childhood Educator Assistant**
- The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) is a non-profit charitable organization serving the Urban Aboriginal community with a mandate to provide programs and services that will contribute to the cultural, educational, social, economic, and recreational development of Urban Aboriginal people. The Society manages twenty-three programs and services through three locations in Vancouver. The Friendship Centre at 1607 East Hastings is a community-led organization creating meaningful change for the Urban Aboriginal Population that we serve. VAFCS is currently seeking an individual connected with Indigenous community, highly organized, and self-motivated to work with us_

**Position Summary**

The Aboriginal Head Start Early Childhood Educator Assistant (AHSECEA) will be a core member of the VAFCS Aboriginal Head Start team and will work cooperatively with the Aboriginal Head Start Coordinator and all members of the AHS team. The AHS ECEA is responsible for supporting the provision of culturally appropriate, nurturing care to young children as per the vision, goals, mandate, objectives and policies of the VAFCS and Aboriginal Head Start Association of B.C.

**Position Details**
- Support early childhood educators in carrying out programs and promoting the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children.
- Follow VCH childcare licensing regulations.
- Engage children in activities by telling stories, teaching songs and preparing crafts.
- Provide a daily balance of active/quiet, indoor/outdoor and individual/group activities.
- Organize space, equipment and materials prior to activities.
- Maintain daycare equipment and assist in housekeeping and cooking duties
- Prepare snacks and arrange rooms or furniture for lunch and rest periods.
- Assist with children’s physical needs for eating, sleeping and toileting.
- Discuss the program’s daily events with family members at drop-off and pick-up times.
- Observe children and provide written reports to expand play and plan activities that recognize individual differences and new developmental achievement.
- Work with AHS staff and other specialists (when applicable) to plan, carry out and review individual program plans.
- Participate in short and long-term planning and the annual program review.
- Assist with the development and delivery of programming.
- May assist early childhood educators or supervisors in keeping records.

**Points of Contact**:
a) Aboriginal children and families,

b) Early childhood educators,

c) Elders,

d) Community and health support (e.g., HIPPY, ASCD)

**Qualifications**:
Minimum Valid ECEA Certificate (License to Practice in BC)

**Experience**:

- Experience developing and delivering age-appropriate children’s programming designed to meet the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs of the child that empowers them to develop a sense of self and a connection with the Aboriginal community on a daily basis.
- Experience ensuring safe and active supervision of children at all times.
- Experience working with teams, including children, parents, and staff.
- Understanding of social, economic, and political issues affecting Aboriginal communities
- Firsthand knowledge of Aboriginal philosophies and values of varied cultures and traditions
- Firsthand knowledge of the Aboriginal experience and how culture influences the development of individuals and communities.

**Requirements**:

- Experience in a Licensed Child Care Setting: 1 year
- Valid ECE Assistant certificate and registration number
- Successful completion of a police information with check vulnerable sector screening
- Compliance with VAFCS COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
- BC Government Employees Union Membership
- Valid Emergency Child Care First Aid with CPR/AED Certification or equivalent
- Cover Letter, Resume and 3 professional employment related references.
- One character reference

Type of Child Care: Licensed Full-time Aboriginal Head Start 3 - 5-year-olds.

**Position is open until filled.**

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $22.06 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Vision care

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Licence/Certification:

- ECEA Certificate (required)
- Valid Emergency Child Care First Aid with CPR/AED (preferred)

Work Location: In person