Early Childhood Educator

**About us**

Our goal is to be an organization dedicated to a healthy community where Indigenous people, through family, community and cultural support, reflect pride, respect and self-esteem in realizing their individual potential..

Opokaa'sin Early Intervention Society

**Childcare Educator**

STARTING WAGE $18.85-20.10 (plus government top up wage as per level of education)

***:
Opokaa’sin requires a Childcare Educator to be responsible for guiding and nurturing children, from 19 months to 4.5 years of age, in a holistic approach to play based learning through an Indigenous lens. Under the supervision of the Childcare Program Coordinator, the Childcare Educator will assist children by encouraging developmental skills in the five developmental domains: social competence, physical health and well-being, interactive, cognitive and emotional intelligence. Childcare Educators not only nurture and support children’s development during hygiene, feeding, exercise and play times, but they are also building meaningful relationships as co-learners, co-researchers, and co-imaginer of possibilities with the children and families they serve. Typical day-to-day activities might include developing the child's language through sharing of stories, or improving their social skills by exploring different teamwork projects, like building sandcastles together. They may also provide children with creative activities to explore such as painting or dancing, keeping children active, stimulated and learning - creating a warm, safe and engaging atmosphere.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Supervise, guide and participate with children in daily planned activities
- Plan appropriate activities and possibilities that encourage curiosity, exploration and problem solving appropriate to the developmental levels of the children, activities that are culturally appropriate and represent diversity
- Be sensitive to individual children’s differences and needs, and be willing to adjust planning daily
- Provide educational, cultural teachings and/or opportunities, interact with children to encourage their involvement
- Consult with Wisdom committee on matters related to delivery of Culture and Language
- Plan, prepare and implement daily activities as they relate to the Play, Participation and Possibilities framework
- Provide a warm, safe and caring environment that is kept orderly, clean, and appealing
- To assist children and families in accessing community activities
- Track attendance and maintain good communication with parents on a daily basis, Hi Mama online database
- Be familiar with and abide by policies set forth by the agency and Alberta Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act
- Work with other staff members to form positive, supportive team atmosphere by attending team/staff meetings
- Complete 20 hours Professional Development throughout the year
- Abide by the Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society’s Code of Confidentiality
- Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible

**REPORTING LINE**: Accountable to the Childcare Program Coordinator

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Early Childhood Education Certificate/Diploma, Child & Youth Care Diploma and/or other Human Resource related certificate/diploma.
- Alberta Childcare Certification
- Combination of education and experience, minimum of 3 years
- Ability and experience working with culturally diverse and vulnerable populations
- Awareness and understanding of Indigenous culture and language
- Excellent written & oral communication skills
- CPR & First Aid certification
- Must submit a Child Welfare and Criminal Record check, 3 months current
- Class 4 driver’s license, preferred
- Screening Criteria: Please be advised that in order to be considered for the position applicants must clearly indicate how they meet criteria. Failure could result in elimination from hiring pool._

**Submit complete package to**:
Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society

241 Stafford Drive North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 2A5

ATT: Human Resources

Phone: (403) 380-2569 | Fax: (403) 327-6775

**Job Types**: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

**Salary**: From $18.85 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- No weekends

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Lethbridge, AB T1H 2A5: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

**Education**:

- Secondary School (required)

Work Location: In person