Early Childhood Educator

**Job summary**:
Cowichan Intercultural Society is an immigrant and refugee aid society that supports the integration of newcomers into our community. We have been operating since 1981.

Under the direction of the Youth and Childcare Manager, the Early Childhood Educator plans, develops and fosters a culturally sensitive, age-appropriate childcare program aimed to enhance cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development while adhering to the Cowichan Intercultural Society’s mission statement and philosophy.

The hourly wage for ECE position is **$31.70/hour** for **40 hours per week** and includes vacation pay and sick/wellness leave. After successful completion of the probationary period, this position includes extended health benefits, and RRSP contribution. The contract is until **March 31, 2028**, with the potential to be renewed for another term depending on IRCC funding.

**Professional Obligations**:

- Adherence to Vancouver Island Health Licensing Regulations
- Adherence to professional standards set out by ECEBC Code of Ethics and Cowichan Intercultural Society’s professional standards and confidentiality policy
- Maintaining certification with ECEBC

**Position Summary**:

- CIS Childcare is open during the hours of 9 am to 4 pm, Monday to Friday
- With other CIS staff, under the supervision of the ECE Coordinator, plans and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum which includes activities, and experiences for a multi-age program
- Provides a physically safe and emotionally supportive environment showing sensitivity to the individual needs of children in all aspects of development
- Observes children for daily overall health and ongoing observation for signs of potential learning or behavioral concerns and prepares written documentation for the ECE Coordinator, parents and/or outside agencies
- Engages and works collaboratively as a team member in caring for the children; maintains regular and open communication with families, peers and co-workers
- Able to implement the Early Learning Framework through observations, reflections, documentations, and curriculum planning
- Engages each child individually each day, and makes every effort to connect with their parent/guardian/caregiver each day as well
- Maintains positive relationships with colleagues, children, families, and community members

**Specific Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Responsible for planning and implementing appropriate activities that follow the children’s interests and the philosophy of learning through play
- Understanding of trauma-informed practices for childcare
- Work as a team member; serve as a role model
- Create a positive environment through fair and consistent expectations; support an environment of cultural diversity and inclusivity; provide opportunities for child-directed play experience that promote child’s understanding of their own and other’s cultures and values systems
- Plan and implement activities that follow the children’s interests.
- Maintain a safe, organized, appealing, and developmentally appropriate program space; ensuring that materials and room set up is done prior to children arriving
- Observe and record relevant information on each child’s progress/concerns regularly
- Observe and assess children’s progress and behavior to ensure program meets individual and group needs
- Discuss children’s progress/behavior/health with ECE Coordinator as necessary
- Communicate any issues of mutual concern, both verbally and in written form, with ECE Coordinator and families as necessary
- Regularly evaluate the program to ensure it meets the needs of individual children and needs of the group; spend time in reflection, set goals and meet licensing criteria
- Remain in the program space until the last child is picked up
- Develop and maintain professional relationships with families; providing ongoing support and resources
- Accommodate parent/guardian instructions for daily care routines whenever possible
- Maintain professional boundaries and constant awareness of the ‘client’ relationship
- Read, understand and abide by all policies in Staff Handbook and Parent Handbook, including emergency, fire, serious occurrence, prohibited practices and child abuse procedures

**This program shall**:

- Be in accordance with CIS philosophy and policies as well as all applicable licensing regulation
- Be based on the principle of the Early Learning Framework
- Contain a variety and balance of activities to enhance the children’s development in all areas including: cognitive, fine motor, gross motor, creative, science, sensory, social and emotional development
- Be appropriate to the age, developmental level, and interests of the children
- Provide emergent curriculum experiences to build on children’s interests
- Consist of individual, small and large group activities, activity centers, loose parts provocations, and outdoor experiences
- Create a positive social environment which promotes social/emotio