Early Childhood Educator Plus (Permanent, Full-Time)

Are you ready to make a lasting impact in children's lives while shaping a nurturing, faith-driven space for families in need—starting today?

The Early Childhood Educator Plus, under the direction of the Supervisor, Early Child Care Program, works closely with all Child Care Centre (CCC) staff to plan, develop and lead children in activities to stimulate and develop cognitive, physical, social and emotional growth, and ensure their security and well-being. An Early Childhood Educator Plus will provide a high quality, caring and supportive child care program that addresses the community’s unique child care needs and meets all regulatory standards required by federal, provincial and municipal governments. In order to support the well-being of children and families, you will represent the children and parent(s)/legal guardian(s) by way of advocacy, information, and referral in a trauma-informed, non-judgmental, and women-centered manner, demonstrating the love of God, our creator.

This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) position. The starting salary wage for this position is $25.01-27.33 with a $6 ECE wage enhancement.

Who We Are

Demonstrating the love of Christ, UGM feeds hope and changes lives through a faith-based continuum of care. We are a proud member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities and have earned the Best Christian Workplace award again in 2021. We provide competitive salaries, generous vacation and sick leave, an RRSP matching program, as well as the potential for educational assistance and flexible work arrangements. In addition, our extensive benefits plan is fully employer-paid and includes extended dental and medical, as well as $4,500 per year in pooled paramedical expenses. A focus on employee resilience, support for professional development, engagement in meaningful work, and a fun and caring environment are all part of being a member of the UGM team. If you are someone who desires to learn and grow, has a passion to serve and make a difference, and connects with others with both humility and humour, then you will be a great fit at UGM.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Child Care Program (90%)

• Working with the Supervisor, ECC Program, help plan and assess, and then implement developmentally appropriate activities and experiences that promote the well-being of each child and that respect and reflect the diverse needs and interests of children, following British Columbia Early Learning Framework and the Early Years Service Framework.
• • Establish and carry out a daily schedule that incorporates child directed activity, care routines and transition times.
  • Organize space, equipment and materials before activities and adapting to the environment as required.
  • Assist children in expressing themselves by actively listening and responding with curiosity and open-ended questions.
  • Utilize a variety of teaching techniques that include modeling, observing, questioning, demonstrating and reinforcing.
  • Plan and carry out experiences that foster an understanding of a variety of cultures and value systems.
  • Observe children for daily overall health and ongoing observations for signs of potential learning or behavioural concerns and prepares written documentation for Manager/Supervisor, staff, parents and/or outside agency.
  • Create a positive social environment that promotes sharing, cooperation, problem solving, respect for others and self-help skills daily.
  • Provide experiences and play materials that promote a positive approach to new experiences, interactions and attitudes.
  • Follow the “Active Play” regulations provided by the Child Care Licensing Regulation (CCLR) and the Director of Licensing Standards of Practice (DOLSOP).
• Honour Indigenous teachings and culture across the entire curriculum and in personal interactions with staff, children, families and community members by promoting and incorporating Indigenous language, concepts and pedagogies.
• Individualize the curriculum and ensure that all activities are accessible by observing the children to determine when to: expand play; review/revise individual plans; plan for extra staff support; and recommend referrals to families for additional services.
• Ensure guidance of children’s behavior that encourages positive self-concept by setting reasonable behaviour expectations consistent with CCC’s procedures and policies, providing positive guidance and immediate response to challenging behaviours.
• Ensure the child care environment is healthy and safe for all children by complying with all licensing requirements, government legislation, and CCC procedures and policies, especially with regards to medication and first aid.
• Ensure positive communication with parent(s)/legal guardian(s) by developing and maintaining relationships with families, providing support, and referrals to outside agencies, and encourage families
• Contribute to the ongoing operation of the Centre, ensuring all licensing requirements are followed in accordance with all directives, legislation and guidelines and policies of: Community Care and Assisted Living Act; Child Care Licensing Regulation (Licensing); Ministry of Health and municipal by-laws and regulations; Employment Standards Act; Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFFCSA); and UGM’s Vision and Core Values. Carry out the responsibilities of the Early Child Care Program Supervisor as the designate when requested.

Leadership and Supervision (10%)

• Act as lead staff when working with Early Childhood Assistants (ECA), non ECA’s, and on-call staff.
• Direct on-call staff, volunteers, interns and practicum students
• Responsible for the constant supervision, safety, and well-being in a classroom of students, volunteers, interns and practicum students.

General

• Adhere to all UGM published policies, practices and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.
• Attend and actively participate in regular staff meetings (contribute to discussions, share learning experiences etc.) and events as required.
• As part of our donor relations strategy, work closely with Resource Development staff to represent UGM well, including tours of the CCC.
• Participate in UGM seasonal events (e.g. community family meals and major meals).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KSA’s

• Mature individual, committed to UGM’s Mission Statement, Core Values and Statement of Faith. A vibrant and growing relationship with Christ, the Creator.
• Completion of Early Childhood Educator Diploma (equivalent of Early Childhood Education (ECE) Basic Level Certificate & ECE Post Basic (Infant/Toddler Specialization) & ECE Post Basic (Special needs Specialization). BA Early Childhood Care (ECC) and Education or BA Early Childhood Studies (ECS) is preferred.
• Consideration may be given to candidates who have a willingness to obtain Post Basic Certificates (Special Needs Specialization and/or Infant/Toddler Specialization.
• Consideration may be given to alternative combination of lived experience and education.
• A current BC ECE Certificate is required.
• A current and valid Standard First Aid CPR C and Emergency Child Care CPR.
• Minimum 2 years of related work experience, ideally in a multi-ethnic and socially diverse community. Experience with Indigenous community members an asset.
• Knowledge of community care licensing requirements.
• Knowledge of the British Columbia Early Learning Framework and the Early Years Service Framework.
• Commitment and adherence to the ECEBC Code of Ethics.
• Demonstrated ability in supporting families in crisis situations and to recommend appropriate referrals, with knowledge and experience of community resources.
• Intermediate computer skills (Word, Excel and Outlook)
• Able to maintain high level of confidentiality, ethically, regarding sensitive matters regarding the organization and clientele.
• Valid Class 5 drivers’ license. Class 4 drivers’ license is an asset.
• Complete UGM Non Violent Crisis Intervention Course.

Membership/Certification/License

• Valid Certificate with the Early Childhood Educator Registry in the Province of BC.
• Membership with Early Childhood Educators of BC, or willingness to become a member.

Working Conditions

• Work Location

Combination of indoor and outdoor environments.

• Physical Requirements

Employee must be able to participate with children in the indoor and outdoor environment and set up program equipment. Frequent combinations of sitting, climbing, standing, walking, balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling and crawling. The employee is able to lift and/or move up to 35 lbs.

• Work Conditions

Working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate. Work is performed amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises. Occasional environmental exposure to cold, heat, and water. This position is required to work in an environment often dealing with clients in crisis situations brought about by diverse problems. The ability to function independently and frequently under pressure, while managing concurrent tasks including emergency situations is an ongoing expectation of this position. Exposure to: high noise levels, bodily fluids and infectious illness/diseases.

• Hours of Work

This position works Monday to Friday, start/end times are flexible, and ranges between 7:30am – 6:30pm. Occasional weekend or evening work may be required. Moderate overtime may be required.

• Hazards

Hazards are considered minor and controllable. This job requires frequent interaction with the public some of whom may be upset, abusive, and/or violent. Employee is required to hear information about clients’ lives which may be troubling or upsetting, and may cause emotional issues including vicarious trauma.

• Other

Due to the nature of the job, and our commitment to a safe environment, the candidate is subject to a criminal record check and must submit a current Driver’s Abstract.