Early Childhood Wellness and Inclusive Learning Coordinator

The Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) provides the residents of the Northwest Territories with access to quality programs, services and support to assist them in making informed and productive choices for themselves and their families with regard to education, training, careers, employment and labour, child development, languages, culture and heritage.

The Early Childhood Wellness and Inclusive Learning Coordinator helps make sure that early learning and childcare (ELCC) programs across the Northwest Territories are inclusive, supportive, and focused on children's wellness. Based in Yellowknife, this person leads the planning, training, and evaluation of programs to ensure all children - including those with extra needs - get access to quality, affordable care and early education.

The coordinator works under the Manager of Early Learning and Child Care Operations and encourages licensed childcare centers, as well as Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs, to use inclusive and child-centered approaches. These approaches should be culturally respectful, community-based, and focused on helping all children thrive.

Their work follows laws and policies like the Early Learning and Child Care Act, the Education Act, and the NWT Official Languages Act, as well as strategies such as the 2030 ELCC Strategy and federal agreements.

The coordinator works closely with other government departments, early childhood consultants in different regions, Indigenous governments, community groups, and non-profit organizations. Together, they help build a childcare system that supports early intervention and prevents developmental challenges - ensuring kids and their families get the help they need, when they need it.

To do this well, the coordinator must understand how the whole system works, and make sure programs are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to each child's needs. The role often involves dealing with sensitive information about families and child development, balancing different viewpoints, and working under pressure - especially when quick decisions are needed for a child's safety.

The job may also involve travel to communities across the territory, sometimes in small planes or by road, and often in tough weather conditions.

What you will need to know and be able to do:

• Lead efforts to make childcare programs more inclusive, diverse, and supportive for all families, following government rules and policies.
• Guide territory-wide projects that help early childhood programs use inclusive teaching methods based on best practices.
• Create and support programs that help childcare staff meet the needs of children who require extra or specialized support.

To be successful in this position, you would have:

A degree in early childhood education, primary education, health or social sciences field, and three (3) years of relevant experience including one (1) year of experience specific to the development, delivery and implementation of inclusive learning initiatives or programming for children with complex needs, and/or neuro-diversities. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Or

A diploma in Early Child Education, health or social sciences field, and seven (7) years of relevant experience including one (1) year of experience specific to the development, delivery and implementation of inclusive learning initiatives or programming for children with complex needs, and/or neuro-diversities. All other equivalences will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Inquiries Only:

Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
YELLOWKNIFE CENTRE 5TH FLOOR
BOX 1320 YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9
Tel (867) 767-9154 Extension 14106
Fax (867) 873-0445
jobsyk@gov.nt.ca

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.