Early Childhood Educator

**About us**:
Growing Roots is a no-fee, Métis-led early learning program offering 8 infant/toddler and 16 preschool spaces located on the school grounds of West Heights Elementary School in Mission, BC on the lands of the Stó:lō People. Funded by Métis Nation BC and supported by the Mission School District and Fraser Valley Métis Association, we provide culturally rich, play-based care grounded in Métis values for Métis, First Nations, Inuit, and community children.

We honour children as sacred gifts from the Creator and nurture their growth through culture, play, and strong relationships with caring adults.

**Job Summary**:
As an Early Childhood Educator, you’ll support the development of children aged 0-5 through inclusive, culturally grounded programming. You’ll create engaging learning experiences, support children’s physical and emotional needs, and collaborate with families and specialists.

**Reports To**: Childcare Facility Manager

**Key Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Plan and lead culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate activities
- Support children’s daily routines and emotional regulation
- Collaborate with therapists and support staff for children with additional needs
- Create individualized and group learning experiences based on children’s interests
- Maintain records and contribute to transition plans for school
- Ensure a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment
- Collaborate with Métis Nation of BC Pedagogist
- Collaborate with Elders and Knowledge Keepers
- Communicate with families and support ECE Assistants as needed

**Qualifications, Education and Experience**:

- Early Childhood Education Certificate (required)
- Valid BC Early Childhood Educator certificate (required)
- Current Childcare First Aid/CPR and FoodSafe certification (required)
- One year of recent experience as an Early Childhood Educator (required)
- Special Needs and/or Infant and Toddler Certificate (preferred)

**Job Skills and Abilities**:

- Knowledge of BC Early Learning Framework, Métis Early Learning Framework, Indigenous Early Learning Framework
- Knowledge of BC Child Care Licensing Regulations and ability to plan and practice in accordance with them
- Understanding of Métis/First Nations cultures and urban Indigenous family needs
- Strong communication, leadership, and collaboration skills
- Ability to lift 50 lbs and manage physical demands of the role
- Knowledge of Michif or other Indigenous languages an asset

**Additional Information**:
This position requires the ability to function independently while managing multiple projects and deadlines including effectively managing emergency situations. Program delivery activities may require a moderate level of physical fitness to effectively carry out duties of the position.

**Other Requirements**:
Criminal Record Check (vulnerable sector).

**Core Competencies**:
**Indigenous Relations Behavioural Competency**:

- **Cultural Agility** is the ability to work respectfully, knowledgeably, and effectively with Indigenous people. It is noticing and readily adapting to cultural uniqueness in order to create a sense of safety for all. It is openness to unfamiliar experiences, transforming feelings of nervousness or anxiety into curiosity and appreciation. It is examining one's own culture and worldview, and the culture of Métis Family Services, and to notice their commonalities, and distinctions with Indigenous cultures, and worldviews. It is recognition of the ways that personal and professional values may conflict or align with those of Indigenous people. It is the capacity to relate to or allow for differing cultural perspectives and being willing to experience a personal shift in perspective. Effectively to other people from diverse backgrounds with diverse views.

**Additional Behavioural Competencies**
- **Teamwork and cooperation** is the ability to work co-operatively with diverse teams, work groups, and across the organization to achieve group and organizational goals. It includes the desire and ability to understand and respond effectively to other people from diverse backgrounds with diverse views.
- **Flexibility** is the ability and willingness to adapt to and work effectively within a variety of diverse situations, and with diverse individuals or groups. Flexibility entails understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives on an issue, adapting one’s approach as situations change and accepting changes within one’s own job or organization.
- **Reflecting on difficulties** is the ability to critically assess how one’s values, beliefs, ethics and culture influence decisions and relationships. An ability to demonstrate exemplary behaviour and curiosity regarding the perspectives of others results in appropriate boundaries and insightful practice.
- **Service orientation** implies a desire to identify and serve customers/clients, who may include the public, co-workers, other branches, other ministries/agencies, other gov