Early Childhood Educator

Job Purpose

The Primary Educator at Inglewood Child Development Centre (ICDC) is responsible for fostering a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for young children. This role involves planning and implementing a Reggio-inspired, inquiry-based curriculum that follows the Alberta FLIGHT framework, focusing on the children's interests and developmental needs.

A successful Primary Educator will collaborate with parents and colleagues to create a unique learning atmosphere using natural elements and provocations. This person ensures that each child's social, emotional, and physical milestones are achieved through creative and cooperative play.

Duties and Responsibilities

Overall Responsibilities include but not limited to:

● Develop and implement a child-led curriculum based on the Alberta FLIGHT framework.

● Create engaging learning environments using natural elements and provocations to meet children's physical, social, emotional and cognitive needs.

● Observe, interact with and document children's progress and interests to inform planning.

• Develop an individual program plan as required to help children with behavioural needs or developmental delays.
• When there is an Individual Program Plan (IPP) ensure it is integrated into program planning.
• Ensure the physical environment and equipment is clean, orderly, and physically safe by tidying, disinfecting toys, and maintaining equipment.
• Maintain classroom management, this includes completing any and all necessary reports such as Accident/Incident reports, Emergency Records, Attendance, Timesheet, Illness reports and tracking and communicating pertinent information to management and families
• Ensure all health and safety checklists both indoors and outdoors are completed daily as required.
• Ensure playground is clean and safe by doing a walk around to remove debris prior to the children playing.
• Document observations on individual children's behaviour and development, sleeping, eating patterns, toileting, and other noteworthy information pertaining to the child or family situation. Family Diversity Forms are consulted in providing care.
• Develop a cooperative working relationship with co-workers, supervisors, and parents to ensure the programs offered and the care provided meet the child's and the family's needs.

● Facilitate cooperative play and creative activities.

● Communicate regularly with parents about their child's development.

● Participate in professional development opportunities.

● Perform additional related duties as assigned.

● Maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

● Diploma or degree in Early Learning and Childcare or a related field.

● ECE Certificate from the Government of Alberta

● 1 year of experience with young children an asset

● Working knowledge of Alberta Early Learning and Childcare Licensing Regulations and Alberta Health Services Health and Safety Guide for Operators of Childcare Facilities

● Previous experience in a Reggio-inspired or inquiry-based program is preferred.

● Knowledge of the Alberta FLIGHT curriculum framework.

● Certification in Childcare first aid and CPR level C.

● Valid Police Information Check (PIC) including vulnerable sector search

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

● Alberta Food Safety Basics

● Alberta Health and Safety Basics for Child Care

● All related HR and Job Specific trainings

● Read and sign off on all related manuals

Core Competencies

● Strong observation, documentation and reflective practice skills.

● Responding to the needs of the children and changing the classroom environment to meet their interests, needs and development.

● Consistent with positive child guidance strategies.

● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

● Creativity and ability to develop engaging learning activities.

● Patience, empathy, playful and caring with a nurturing disposition.

● Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, time management, and quick thinking.

● Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

● Initiative, persistence and enthusiasm.

● Critical thinking skills.

● Model respectful behaviour and language.

Working Conditions

● Work is performed in a childcare setting with continuous exposure to noise and infectious disease, and occasional exposure to chemicals, dirt, human bodily fluids and waste and related hazards, and exposure to hazardous chemicals such as bleach

● Work weeks are 40 hours with potential for occasional extended hours based on the centre ratios. The centre is open from 7am to 5:30pm with educator shifts varying due to ratios and needs of the centre.

● Work is not limited to a single room; educators may be required to cover ratios in other rooms when needed and maintain classroom management in those rooms.

● Work is performed in both indoor and outdoor in classroom settings with exposure to sun and cold temperatures, minimum requirements of outdoor play with the children is 1 hour per day

● Physical aspects of the position include walking, standing, bending, sitting on the floor and routinely lifting children up to 50 lbs.

● Physical labour may be required such as pushing/pulling children in a stroller or wagon, repetitive stair use, carrying children when necessary. Lifting and carrying supplies and waste as needed

● Other physical aspects added as necessary for the operation of the centre

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $17.41-$20.14 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Extended health care
• On-site childcare
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Education:

• AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (preferred)

Work Location: In person