Pre-k Program Manager

Nanaimo Innovation Academy is a new and innovative non-profit daycare in Nanaimo, BC., opened February 15, 2018. We are excited to welcome educators who love working with children in a creative and dynamic work environment

**OUR PHILOSOPHY AND VALUES**
- Lower student to teacher ratios helps us to provide more individualized support, built on positive relationships between the educators and children
- Ensure guidance and support of children that encourages positive self-esteem, creativity, independence, and good problem-solving skills
- Positive, respectful, and clear communications between all people
- An openness to change and collaboration
- Commitment to providing students access to nature and to help them understand the natural world and our responsibility to sustainability.

**JOB SUMMARY**

The Pre-K Program Manager will often work independently and in collaboration with the ECE teachers to provide high-quality, caring, safe, and supportive programs at Nanaimo Innovation Academy. This must take into account and address individualized child social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs, meet all regulatory standards required by federal, provincial and municipal governments, and operates within the licensing regulations as overseen by the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA).

This position reports to the Nanaimo Innovation Academy Executive Director. The Pre-K Program Manager will also attend ‘Monday Morning’ team meetings followed by a smaller meeting with HR Support.

The managers requires personal and programmatic reflection, collaboration with teachers, volunteers, and parents, open dialogue about children’s progress, and interfacing with Nanaimo Innovation Academy’s community partners. The managers may also be required to write content, provide data, or other supplemental information to assist in the grant-writing process. Specific targets and goals for grant tracking and evaluation may also be required.

The Pre-K Program Manager will work largely with the ECEs in the Pre-K Programs and, on occasion, may sometimes work in other areas of the daycare.

**DESIRED COMPETENCIES & BEHAVIOURS**
- Believes in and practices the philosophy, values, and goals of Nanaimo Innovation Academy
- Is committed to fully understanding the daycare’s policies and is responsible of ensuring they’re being followed effectively.
- Have a good understanding of the Vancouver Island Heath Authority (VIHA) licensing regulations.
- Have strong leadership abilities, excellent interpersonal, organizational, and time-management skills.
- Have the ability to intervene respectfully with staff if policies or protocols are not being followed.
- Are able to have complicated conversations and conversations that are sensitive or difficult.
- Listen to and speak compassionately with both children and adults
- Are creative problem solvers. Asks others for input when assessing a problem.
- Do not take things personally, has self-reflective abilities on performance critique.
- Are lifelong learners, who are open to all/any professional development.
- Handle emergencies skillfully and calmly. Is able to take charge to ensure the safety of all staff and children.
- Are passionate about educating children in an environment inspired by nature and natural toys.
- Are self-motivated and self-directed with the flexibility to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- Take initiative and responsibility for their assignments and duties
- Participate in the developing of new ideas and methods for curriculum or program enhancement and has the ability to adjust and adapt to changes
- Have the ability to build trust and positive relationships with staff and families
- Act as a role model of appropriate behaviour for children, families, teachers, volunteers, and others.
- Act as a role model of professional behaviour and desired ECE skills and best practises for ECE teachers.
- Help to assess and mentor ECE teachers, trains new staff, and oversees practicum students.
- Feel comfortable and confident about meeting the needs of children outdoors in all seasons and climates
- Have a strong awareness of risk management and risk assessments, in order to keep all children and adults safe.
- Have the ability to be positive, resilient, self-reflective, and maintains a sense of humour when personal resources are challenged
- Are creative and innovative when it comes to providing quality programming within a limited budget
- Maintains timely and accurate files
- Have the physical, emotional, and mental stamina to withstand full days of activities five days a week.
- The physical ability to perform all assigned tasks including walking, bending, crouching, standing for extended periods of time, and lifting items is important.

**Most Desirable Personal Qualities**:

- Love of children
- Love of nature
- Strong work ethic and reliability
- A professional demeanour and an interest in professional growth
- An honest, kind, and posi