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Director of Instruction – Inclusive Education and Early Learning/Child Care
School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen)
Location: Merritt, British Columbia
School District No. 58 (Nicola-Similkameen) proudly serves the communities of Merritt and Princeton, six First Nations Bands, the Métis Nation, and the Conayt Friendship Society. Our region offers stunning natural beauty, four-season outdoor recreation, and a small-town atmosphere where strong relationships are foundational to our success.
Merritt, the location of our Board Office, is located in the Nicola Valley at the intersection of major highways connecting Kamloops, Kelowna, and the Lower Mainland. Princeton, located in the Similkameen Valley, offers access to forestry, mining, agriculture, and tourism industries.
The Position
Reporting to the Superintendent of Schools, the Director of Instruction – Inclusive Education and Early Learning/Child Care is a senior district leader who champions equitable access, inclusion, and early learning opportunities for all students. The successful candidate will provide direction and oversight in areas including inclusive education services, early learning programming, child care development, and the implementation of the Accessible BC Act. This role is essential in supporting student success through a system-wide commitment to diversity, reconciliation, and well-being.
Key Responsibilities
Inclusive Education
- Provide leadership in the development and delivery of services for students with disabilities and diverse abilities.
- Support school teams in identifying and meeting the needs of designated students through consistent, effective assessment and programming practices.
- Oversee the assignment of Education Assistants and support the implementation of student safety and behaviour plans.
- Supervise and mentor specialist and school-based student support staff.
- Ensure compliance with Ministry of Education guidelines for special education services.
- Liaise with community agencies, preschools, and post-secondary institutions to support transitions and integrated services for students and families.
- Advocate for students and families, participate in School-Based Teams (SBTs), and organize District-Based Teams (DBTs) and Integrated Case Management (ICMs)
- Support LEA Implementation
Child Care & Early Learning
- Lead the development and expansion of before- and after-school child care programs and early learning opportunities on school district sites.
- Foster strong partnerships with families, community organizations, Indigenous rightsholders, and early childhood agencies.
- Manage provincial funding and initiatives such as Strong Start, Kindergarten, Changing Possibilities for Young Children, Ready, Set, Learn, and Feeding Futures.
- Design and support professional learning aligned with the BC Early Learning Framework for K–3 teachers, Early Childhood Educators (ECEs), Education Assistants, and school leaders.
Accessible BC Act Implementation
- Oversee the planning, development, and implementation of district initiatives to meet the requirements of the Accessible BC Act.
- Promote universal design, adaptability, and inclusion across the district to remove barriers for all individuals.
Leadership in Equity and Well-Being
- Lead and support programs aligned with Truth and Reconciliation, anti-racism, anti-discrimination, mental health, and student well-being.
- Promote culturally responsive practices and inclusive learning environments for all learners, including Indigenous students and those with complex needs.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Valid BC Teaching Certificate (TRB certification or eligibility required).
- Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
- School and/or district leadership experience, with a proven background in inclusive education and early learning.
- Deep knowledge of the BC Curriculum, the BC Early Learning Framework, and inclusive education best practices.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects, build collaborative relationships, and manage staff and budgets effectively.
- Commitment to Indigenous education, Truth and Reconciliation, equity, and anti-oppressive practices.
- Experience working with inter-agency and community partners.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, advocacy, and conflict-resolution skills.
The salary range for this position is determined by the BC Public Service Employer Association (BCPSEA). The range for this position is $161,168 to $175,000 per year with a comprehensive benefits package and pension. Placement on the salary range is dependent on qualifications and experience. Successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Record Search prior to employment.
Application Details
For more information about this position, please contact:
Barb McLean, Director of Human Resources
250-378-5161 | ✉️ bmclean@365.sd58.bc.ca
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, résumé, and supporting documentation, including references, by:
9:00 AM, Friday, July 25, 2025
Submit electronically to: Kassey Buckland, Executive Assistant
In submitting an application package, candidates consent to the district contacting individuals for the purpose of shortlisting and/or reference checking beyond the listed references.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.