Nature Kindergarten

**NATURE KINDERGARTEN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR**

ONE POSITION FOR THE SCHOOL DISTRICT WITH AN ASSIGNMENT AT SANGSTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.

TWENTY-EIGHT HOURS PER WEEK.

QUALIFICATIONS AS PER THE JOB DESCRIPTION (ATTACHED).

RATE OF PAY AS PER THE COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT. HOURLY RATE IS $31.19.

DUTIES TO COMMENCE SEPTEMBER 2, 2025.

**Terms of Employment**:
Ten months

**KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE**
- Completion of Grade 12 & Graduation certificate
- Early Childhood Educator Diploma & valid ECE Certificate to Practice
- Knowledge of child development and the Early Learning Framework
- Successful experience in a variety of early childhood settings, working with diverse populations.
- Training and experience in outdoor education with younger children
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Good organization and planning skills
- Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture, as well as historic and present issues facing Indigenous communities.
- Current First Aid training and certification, and experience mitigating risks for young children in an outdoor environment.

**SKILLS AND ABILITIES**
- **Strives for Personal Excellence**:is mindful, remains calm and responds thoughtfully; takes pride in work; possesses strong attention to detail; takes initiative and proactively plans, prioritizes and organizes work; follows the District’s Code of Conduct and values; follows through on commitments and takes responsibility for actions.
- **Practices a Growth Mindset**:demonstrates a positive outlook towards learning and is committed to ongoing development to expand skill set; stays current; reflects on self to continually learn and improve; remains positive; demonstrates adaptability and is willing and able to adjust to changes.
- **Thinks Critically and Creatively**:asks questions for better understanding; uses a solution-based approach to analyze relevant facts, evidence and data to determine specific issues and inform ways forward; thinks outside of the box; looks for opportunities to continuously improve.
- **Effectively Communicates and Collaborates**:clearly articulates thoughts and ideas and shares timely and relevant information openly, honestly and respectfully using oral, written and visual formats; actively listens and respond appropriately; seeks opportunities to gain input and is open minded to the ideas and point of views of others.
- **Builds Relationships and Fosters Interconnectedness**:actively shows courtesy and respect to all, proactively builds healthy and trusting relationships with all; contributes to a positive working environment; supports a welcoming and safe environment that values and appreciates differences and is reflective of everyone.

**Responsibilities**

The Nature Kindergarten Program is modeled on forest school programs in Northern Europe, Australia, and New Zealand with a significant focus on environmental stewardship, the environment as a co-teacher, the involvement of other educational partners, daily interactions with the outdoor natural environment regardless of the weather, and engagement with Local and Traditional Ways of Knowing. Every morning, the program will take place away from Elementary School grounds and the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) will need to problem solve and address unforeseen circumstances together with the teacher while outdoors. The ECE will be outdoors during all types of weather (e.g. sun, wind, rain, sleet, snow, etc.), and will be required to walk at least 2 km with students every day. The ECE will work collaboratively in a supporting role to the Kindergarten teacher, a program development and design team, parents, community partners, and academic researchers. Flexibility is required.

Performance responsibilities:

- Support the Kindergarten teacher in carrying out the Nature Kindergarten program.
- Ensure that the Kindergarten students are participating in the programs’ activities in a safe manner.
- Attend Nature Kindergarten meetings and professional learning, when required.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff, students, parents and community partners.
- Set up and take down program materials and equipment.

**Please note that failure to attach all pertinent information (i.e.: certificates, outline of relevant experience, resume, etc.) to demonstrate that you are qualified may exclude you from this posting.