Early Childhood Educator

**Job Title**: Early Childhood Educator - Childcare Division

**Company**: BriarPatch Childcare Cottage

**Location**: Sherwood Park, Alberta

**Position Type**: Full-time

**Please send along a Cover Letter outlining your passion for the childcare field and what a typical day in your classroom would look like.**

**Please note: we are NOT set up to accept workers from overseas. Applications that are not local to our region in Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada will be automatically rejected.**

**Please note: our location is Sherwood Park, Alberta - NOT Sherwood, Calgary.**

**About Us**: The **BriarPatch Childcare Cottage** is a new division under the umbrella of the **BriarPatch Family Life Education Centre**. The BriarPatch has been operating in Sherwood Park, Alberta since 1996. As an Alberta Non-Profit Society and a Registered Canadian Charity, the organization provides a variety of programs and services, meeting the needs of local and regional families. As an Award-Winning Centre, we seek to hire the “best of the best” for our new childcare team.

The **BriarPatch Childcare Cottage** has been developed as an innovative childcare facility, dedicated to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children in our hamlet, just minutes from the urban City of Edmonton. Our centre is committed to fostering holistic development and early learning experiences for children in a safe and supportive setting. We strive to provide an enriched day that includes outdoor nature play and a cozy indoor setting.

The **BriarPatch Childcare Cottage** is seeking passionate and dedicated Early Childhood Educators to join our dynamic team. As an Early Childhood Educator, you will play a crucial role in providing high quality care and education to children from 6 months and up. You will work collaboratively with other team members to create a positive and enriching environment that promotes children's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development.

**Responsibilities**:
**1. Curriculum Planning and Implementation**:

- Develop and implement age-appropriate curriculum and activities based on children's interests, developmental stages, and individual needs.
- Create stimulating learning environments that encourage exploration, creativity, and critical thinking.

**2. Child Observation and Assessment**:

- Conduct ongoing observations and assessments of children's development and progress.
- Maintain accurate records of children's milestones, behaviors, and achievements.

**3. Parent Communication and Engagement**:

- Establish positive and open communication with parents/guardians, providing regular updates on their child's development and well-being.
- Collaborate with parents to support their involvement in their child's learning and development.

**4. Health and Safety**:

- Ensure the safety and well-being of all children by adhering to health and safety guidelines and protocols.
- Maintain a clean and organized classroom environment.

**5. Professional Development**:

- Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in early childhood education.
- Stay informed about current best practices and trends in early childhood education.

**6. Team Building**:

- All team members will be responsible for creating a cohesive and collaborative work environment together.
- Decision making is a key piece of ensuring the team is well supported.

**Qualifications**:

- Diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
- Previous experience working with young children in a childcare setting.
- Strong understanding of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
- First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations governing childcare services in Alberta.
- Knowledge and experience of the following: Reggio Emilia, Waldorf, Montessori, Flight and Learning Through Play.
- New graduates are most welcome to apply.

**Benefits to Working at the BriarPatch Childcare Cottage**:

- Competitive, Living Wage Salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
- Opportunities for Professional growth and development.
- Collaborative work environment with a dedicated team of professionals.
- Health and wellness benefits package - after probationary period.
- Paid vacation, sick days and stat holidays.
- Comfortable team space with full kitchen for breaks and meals.

**Please include what a typical day in your classroom would look like and why you have chosen the field of childcare as your profession.**

Applications will be accepted until **April 30, 2025**. All positions will begin in September of 2024 ahead of our planned opening, once our renovations are complete.

Thank you for considering the **BriarPatch Childcare Cottage** for your first or your nex