Early Childhood Educator

Join Beacon Community Services as an Early Childhood Educator leading the preschool room at TEAM ILC in Saanichton. Childcare programs at Beacon Community Services are outdoor and nature-based programs that support children in understanding their relationship with the land. Using our growing understanding of the Indigenous ways of knowing, we encourage children to respect their interactions with the land and their community. As educators, we become co-investigators with the children as we experience our natural environment, and support Indigenous connections, as we are able, through community alliances, and honorarium.

We are committed to providing an inclusive warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe to trust, learn, and gain independence. We believe in the importance and value of play as a medium through which children learn and facilitate opportunities that support their emotional, social, creative, cognitive, physical, and language growth. Our environment will recognize children as capable beings, respect the child’s opinions, and support every child’s physical, social and cultural diversity

**Benefits Include**:

- Making a difference in people's lives every day
- Comprehensive extended Health and Dental
- Municipal Pension Plan with employer contributions
- Generous paid leave

**Compensation**:In addition to the posted wage this position is eligible for the $6.00/hour wage enhancement

**Hiring Bonus**:Successful applicants will be eligible for a $500 bonus. $250 with your first pay, and another $250 following the completion of the probation period

**Days/Hours of Work**: Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (40 Hours per week)

**Closing Date**: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled

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Reporting to the Facility Site Supervisor, the Early Childhood Educator joins a caring and compassionate team dedicated to providing engaging and safe programs to the children and families in our community. The Early Childhood Educator promotes physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development by designing and implementing age-appropriate activities and providing individualized care to meet the unique needs of each child. In collaboration with parents and caregivers, they ensure consistent care and support. The Early Childhood Educator also maintains a safe and clean environment, observes and documents children's progress, and communicates effectively with families and team members to foster a positive and inclusive learning community for young children.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Collaborate with the ECE Assistants and Facility Site Supervisor to plan, implement, and evaluate a range of developmentally age-appropriate activities
- Maintain an inclusive and safe program that upholds the mental, physical and emotional safety and well-being of the children
- Provide a supportive environment that role models safe caregiving practices and provides learning opportunities for parents when applicable
- Provide parents with updates on their children’s progress and development in the program using a variety of communication mediums
- Provide nutritionally valuable foods for the children following Food Safe standards and guidelines
- Maintain a clean, organized and visually attractive workspace
- Follow Beacon Community Services' philosophies and policies, and respect families' philosophies.
- Know and uphold Beacon Community Services' policies and procedures.
- Provide an inclusive, accepting and culturally aware program
- Adhere to BC Child Care Regulations
- Report any concerns to the Facility Site Supervisor

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE**:

- A valid Early Childhood Education certificate
- Valid ECE BC license to practice
- Previous experience working with children and families within a childcare setting
- Valid First Aid certificate, as outlined by Child Care Regulations
- Valid Food Safe certificate (to be renewed every 3 years)
- Minimum of 40 professional development hours (to be completed every 5 years)

**SKILLS AND ABILITIES**:

- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully both verbally and in writing
- An energetic, nurturing and sensitive attitude that encourages the development of children
- Ability to work effectively as a team leader for the Before School Care programs
- Ability to maintain professional composure and attitude, even in high-stress situations

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**:
Beacon Community Services serves vulnerable populations including seniors, people with disabilities and children. Protecting these people and our teams on whom they rely is critical to us. Accordingly:

- All successful applicants must consent to a Solicitor General’s Criminal Record Check.
- All successful applicants are required to disclose their COVID-19 vaccination status upon hire. Vaccination is a requirement in some of our facilities. Depending on future public health developments, Beacon may implement a va