Early Childhood Educator

Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to fostering a strong foundation for early childhood development. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking an Early Childhood Educator to join our team, working collaboratively to support the healthy growth and development of children in our early learning programs. 
 
Under the direction of the Early Childhood Education Team Lead, the Early Childhood Educator  provides culturally informed, hands-on childcare and early learning experiences to children enrolled in Seabird Island Band’s early childhood education programs. This role involves creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that promotes children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The Early Childhood Educator will implement developmentally appropriate learning activities, support cultural teachings, and foster positive relationships with children, families, and the community. 

What You'll Do

Child Care Responsibilities:

• Plan and implement developmentally and culturally appropriate activities that support children's cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development.
• Assist with meal and snack preparation, ensuring dietary needs and food safety guidelines are met, as needed.
• Provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment that supports flexible routines and developmentally appropriate experiences.
• Directly supervise children, ensuring their well-being, safety, and engagement in meaningful activities.
• Foster strong partnerships with parents and caregivers, encouraging their involvement in their child's learning and development.
• Respect and honor each child's individuality, diversity, and emerging interests within their family and community context.
• Support the development of peer relationships, positive social behaviors, and resilience in children.

Record-Keeping and Compliance: 

• Maintain accurate health records and follow protocols for administering medication.
• Promptly document and report all accidents, injuries, illnesses, or safety concerns to the Early Childhood Education Team Lead and record them in the communication log.
• Adhere to mandatory reporting requirements for suspected cases of child abuse and neglect, following Seabird Island Band’s policies and legal guidelines.
• Track attendance and ensure compliance with licensing regulations.
  
  

Operational and Community Engagement:

• Assist in planning and participating in field trips and other enrichment activities.
• Contribute to the overall daily operations of the childcare center, ensuring a positive and organized learning environment.
• Participate in regular staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Follow all childcare licensing regulations, policies, and best practices to maintain high standards of care. 

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values. 

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.

What You Bring

• Early Childhood Education Certificate and current license to practice required.
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Foodsafe Certification an asset.  
• Experience working with children in an Early Childhood Education environment is required.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of early intervention, child development, family centered practice and community based services required.
• Working knowledge of appropriate assessment tools is required.
• Extensive knowledge of social-economic issues affecting urban Aboriginal children and families on and off reserve is an asset.
• Excellent coordination and time management skills required.
• Ability to follow through with tasks with minimal supervision.
• Physically & emotionally capable of carrying out the duties of this position while maintaining a positive and nonjudgmental attitude.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Preferred:

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
  
• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
  
• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.
  
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

Cultural Competency:

• Understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.
• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.
  
• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities. 

How to Apply 

• Have a question about this role before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.
• Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter sharing how your experience aligns with this role.

Pre-Employment Screening 

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.