Early Childhood Educator Assistant

**About us**:
Growing Roots/ tsi'semlomet / Nutr raasin aahkikinwaa Early Learning and Child Care is a small, no-fee Métis child care program offering 8 IT spaces and 16 3-5 spaces. It is fully funded through distinction-based funding from Métis Nation BC and in partnership with Mission School District and the Fraser Valley Métis Association.
Our focus is to provide culturally rich programming for Métis, First Nations, Inuit, and community children. We view children as gifts from the Creator and cherish their growth into thriving individuals. We foster a positive cultural experience for them and emphasize the pivotal role of play in learning and resilience. Our core belief is that nurturing relationships with caring adults significantly benefits children’s development.

**Job Summary**:
The Early Childhood Educator Assistant assists Early Childhood Educators and Facility Manager in providing support and direct care to children 0-5 years of age, including infants/toddlers and children with support needs, to stimulate their intellectual, physical and emotional growth.

**Reports To**: Childcare Facility Manager

**Key Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Assists Early Childhood Educators in supporting children during indoor and outdoor activities and rest periods.
- Assists in planning, preparing and carrying out developmentally and culturally appropriate programs and activities.
- Under close supervision, conducts activities with children on an individual and group basis to promote the development of physical, cognitive, emotional and social skills.
- Attends to children’s physical and emotional needs, which may include diapering, toileting, eating, sleeping, comforting and co-regulation.
- Maintains records and reports problems or concerns to senior staff.
- Keeps program facilities and equipment safe and clean, reporting any repairs and concerns to Early Childhood Educators and Facility Manager.
- Ensures a healthy and safe environment in which the children can interact. Identifies

and removes potential hazards.
- Performs other duties as required. Will assist with duties as discussed with the Childcare Facility Manager and Métis Early Years Program Coordinator.

**Qualifications, Education and Experience**:

- High School Diploma or Adult Dogwood certificate (required)
- Current enrolment in an Early Childhood Education Certificate program or completing work experience for licensing (required)
- Valid Childcare First Aid/CPR certification (required)
- Knowledge and understanding of the BC Early Learning Framework and the Métis and Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Frameworks
- Knowledge and understanding of the BC Community Care and Assisted Living Act Child Care Licensing Regulation (current)

**Job Skills and Abilities**:

- Excellent understanding and knowledge of Métis/First Nations cultures, traditions and socio-economic issues affecting urban Indigenous families.
- Excellent oral, written, facilitation and interpersonal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work effectively with program staff, volunteers, and non-profit or publicly funded groups, agencies, and organizations.
- Knowledge of child development
- Ability to lift at least 50 lbs. (23 kg)

**Additional Information**:
This position requires the ability to function independently while managing multiple projects and deadlines including effectively managing emergency situations. Program delivery activities may require a moderate level of physical fitness to effectively carry out the duties of the position.

**Other Requirements**:
Criminal Record Check (vulnerable sector); Class 5 Driver’s License and Abstract; reliable form of transportation.

**Wages and Benefits**:
$20.50-22.50 per hour
100% paid individual benefits
35-hour work week
Paid vacation
Staffing hours between 7:30am and 5:30pm
Circle of Security Classroom Training
Cultural training and learning opportunities

**Start date**: As soon as possible.

**Core Competencies**:
Indigenous Relations Behavioural Competencies
Cultural Agility

**Additional Behavioural Competencies**
Teamwork and cooperation
Flexibility
Reflecting on difficulties
Service orientation

Métis Family Services thanks all applicants for their interest in this career opportunity; however, only those considered for the position will be contacted. No telephone inquiries please.

**Experience**: Required
- 2 year(s): Five (2) years recent related experience: will consider those currently enrolment in an Early Childhood Education Certificate program or completing work experience for licensing

**Licenses & Certifications**: Required
- Food Safe certificate
- First Aid cert w Inf CPR

**Skills**: Required
- Oral written facilitation and int comm skills
- Team Work
- Knowledge of Metis and Indigenous issues