Family Centre Coordinator

**Come work in our Family Centre, helping Indigenous children and families honour, rekindle, and express their identities as Indigenous Peoples.**

**Benefits, pension, paid time off included**

**Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) **is a diverse, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency, who has extended its services in the field of early learning and childcare. Guided and supported by the Journey Together Indigenous planning committee. SOAHAC are the operators and licensee of **Nshwaasnangong**.

Nshwaasnangong is a place for Indigenous young children and families to honour, rekindle, and express their identities as Indigenous Peoples; where kindness and compassion helps everyone to have a sense of belonging; where we nurture our well-being, while living in sync with community and all creation, where we engage deeply with questions and possibilities.

The Child Care at Nshwaasnangong offers licensed childcare for up to 88 children aged 0-6 years. The adjoining Family Centre is a place to connect with opportunities offered for young children, families, and youth, including ceremonies, land-based learning, knowledge exchange and community supports. Nshwaasnangong is located at 449 Hill Street in London, Ontario.

**Position Summary**

Working collaboratively with the Nshwaasnangong Team, the Family Centre Lead will ensure the development and provision of a high quality, holistic and culturally relevant, Indigenous-led Early Years educational programs that meet the needs of children and families in an urban Indigenous setting. The individual will coordinate programming that is reflective of _How Does Learning Happen _from an Indigenous lens.

Reporting to the Nshwaasnangong Senior Manager, the Family Centre Lead will represent Nshwaasnangong Child Care and Family Centre with families and community partners.

**Requirements**:

- Valid Ontario Driver’s “G” license; clean driver’s abstract, as well as proof of personal auto insurance (must be insured a minimum of 3 years and in good standing).
- Maintain current and satisfactory police check, including Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Up-to-date immunization records including at least 2 COVID-19 vaccines.
- First Aid and CPR Certificates.
- Must be available for evening and/or weekend meetings or programming.
- Willingness to participate in ongoing Indigenous training, teachings, and ceremonies.
- Two Year ECE Diploma and/or registration with College of ECE is an asset.

**Experience and Knowledge**
- 2+ years working in a childcare setting/EarlyON Family Centre or similar experience;
- Practical knowledge of _How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years._
- Knowledge of Medicine Wheel teachings, Holistic Learning Models, evidence-based practices, program evaluation, land-based learning programs, Indigenous Social Determinants of Health, and the 13 Moon Teachings considered an asset.
- Genuinely committed to helping children and families learn.
- A clear and solid understanding of the issues faced by the urban Indigenous community.
- Experience working in community, developing partnerships with community agencies.
- Demonstrated customer service and facilitation skills.
- Demonstrated verbal, written and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to develop positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, parents and community partners.
- Proficient with the use of computers including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet usage, as well as any relevant educational software(s).
- Experience working in a First Nation community or Indigenous organization is considered an asset.
- Fluency in an Indigenous language considered an asset.

**Responsibilities**
- Develops, maintains, and delivers a high-quality Early Years program that will meet the needs of children and families with respect to Indigenous cultures and languages, the CCEYA, and How Does Learning Happen? (HDLH?).
- Keeps informed on Indigenous child, family, and community needs.
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with co-workers and community service providers working with children.
- Support families by advocating and developing parenting workshops, resources and providing strategies regarding child development.
- Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with Nshwaasnangong Child Care Program.
- Other duties as required or assigned by the CEO; Director, Indigenous relations; Nshwaasnangong Senior Manager or delegate.
- This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre._

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

**Experience**:

- Childcare / Family Centre: 2 years (preferred)
- Indigenous community: 1 year