Early Childhood Educator

The Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government is a modern treaty government located in the community of hitac̓u on the west coast of Vancouver Island, on the eastern shore of Ucluelet Inlet.

The Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government is a member of the Maa-nulth Treaty Society and, through the Maa-nulth First Nations Final Agreement, is a modern treaty Nation operating with a government-to- government relationship with Canada and the province of British Columbia. As a Self-Governing Indigenous Government, the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government continues to promote education and community programs that enhance Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ identity.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Childcare Manager, the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) is responsible for providing safe, quality, caring and supportive childcare to the participants of the qʷayac̓iikʔiis Headstart Childcare Centre program. The program ensures that the childcare needs of all participants meet the regulatory standards as prescribed by federal, provincial, and municipal governments. The role must maintain a high level of confidentiality as required pertaining to citizens, clients, employees, and general matters of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government.

Core/Primary Responsibilities

• Assists the Daycare Supervisor to develop and individualize the daycare program and curriculum.
• Delivers a developmentally and culturally appropriate curriculum of activities and experiences to include:
  • A balance of active/quiet, indoor/outdoor, and individual/group activities.
  • A daily schedule the incorporates child directed activities, care routines, and transition times.
  • Using a variety of techniques to assist children in learning, expressing themselves, self-help skills, play and social skills.
  • Learning experiences that foster an understanding of Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ culture and values.
• Organizes space, equipment, and materials before activities.
• Ensures guidance of children’s behaviour that encourages positive self-concepts that include providing positive guidelines such as redirecting, positive language and positive reinforcement.
• Follows procedures to ensure positive communication with parents including daily updates, accommodating parent instructions for daily care routines, encouraging parent participation in program activities.
• Ensures confidentiality of information related to children, parents/guardians, and staff.
• Follows policies and procedures to ensure licensing requirements are fulfilled and carries out the responsibilities of an ECE.
• Keeps up to date with early childhood education and advocacy developments.
• Maintains knowledge and understanding of services offered by the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Government for referral to parents as needed.
• Participate in short and long-term planning and program evaluation for the qʷayac̓iikʔiis Headstart Childcare Centre.
• Ensures a healthy and safe environment by following the health and safety program which includes:
  • Ensuring children are supervised at all times.
  • Attending to children’s physical needs for diapering, toileting, eating and sleeping.
  • Monitoring the environment for hazards.
  • Reporting of all accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
  • Staying up to date on children’s allergies and other special conditions.
  • Following procedures for administering medications and maintaining health records.
  • Reporting any suspected/known issues of child abuse as outlined in the Childcare Centre policies and procedures.
  • Releasing children only to authorized persons.
  • Following cleaning, hygiene, and food safety standards.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary in the performance of the position and as assigned by the Daycare Supervisor.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Certificate in Early Childhood Education and a current license to practice.
• 2 to 3 years of directly related experience working as an ECE or ECE-A with infants, toddlers, and preschool aged children preferred.
• Experience delivering a daycare curriculum including culturally aligned Indigenous learning and activities.
• Current First Aid certification.
• Current Food Safe certification.
• Up to date immunizations and a clear TB test.
• Satisfactory criminal records check (vulnerable sector).
• Current Class 5 BC Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Enjoys working with young children and actively contributing to their healthy development.
• Strong knowledge of early childhood education with well-developed child behavioural management skills.
• Able to support and actively participate in a variety of play and learning activities.
• Excellent listening, communication and interpersonal skills including conflict resolution.
• Strong cultural sensitivity and understanding.
• Able to build caring relationships with a variety of age groups built on trust.
• Ability to serve as a role model to young children.
• Strong planning and organization skills.
• Excellent client service skills. Friendly, positive, responsive, professional, and helpful.
• Able to work independently as well as working within a collaborative team framework.
• Basic computer skills including MS Office.
• Genuine respect for Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ traditions, culture, and protocols

Benefits such as:

• Competetive base salary 
• Extended Health and Dental Benefits (applicable from day one!)
• Enrolment into Municipal Pension Plan 
• 4-weeks paid vacation (with incremental increases for years of service)
• Paid personal and flex day
• Paid days off during the Christmas break
• Hybrid work arrangements (subject to operational requirements)

This job description is intended to convey the general nature and level of work expected. YG reserves the right to amend and update responsibilities to meet operational needs. Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ citizens are encouraged to apply.