Organization Overview
Learn. Develop. Succeed. is a growing, innovative, research-based, educational nonprofit serving children, youth and adults with diagnosed or suspected learning differences such as dyslexia and dyscalculia and other brain-based differences like ADHD and ASD. Our growing, affordable programs and services operate throughout BC online, from our Learning Centers in East Vancouver and North Vancouver, at in-school locations, and in our mobile classroom.
Purpose of Position
The Early Years Instructor will play a key role in delivering LDS’ Early Years (Early RISErs) program—a neuroaffirming, play-based initiative for children ages 3 to 6 and their families. This position supports the creation of a nurturing, inclusive, and strengths-based preschool environment where children of all developmental stages and abilities can
thrive. Early RISErs
is a unique learning program with parent or guardian participation, bringing families and early years specialists together for a time of play, connection, and learning.
Working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of Early Childhood Educators, Behavioural Interventionists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Occupational Therapists, the Early Years Instructor will lead and
facilitate
program activities such as free play, circle time, movement games, snack time, and learning centres. They will promote social-emotional development, sensory regulation, and joyful participation
for the children, while also modelling
effective support strategies
for
caregivers
to support their child’s
engagement and
growth.
This role offers a meaningful opportunity to work closely with preschool-aged children, their families, and other early years professionals in a small group and community-focused setting that celebrates each child’s individuality.
Principal Roles and Responsibilities
- Foster relationships with children and their supporting adults to create a safe
and collaborative learning environment.
- Lead and facilitate daily program activities including free play, circle time, movement games, snack time, and learning centres.
- Support child through transitions, sensory support, and self-regulation, as needed.
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate programming focused on social-emotional development, early learning skills, and fundamental movement skills.
- Demonstrate practical strategies and share them with
supporting adults
to promote the child’s participation, development, and well-being.
- Contribute to classroom setup, takedown, and maintaining a safe, organized learning environment.
- Participate in team debrief discussions
and record observations of children’s learning and development to support program
planning and end of program reporting.
- Uphold program procedures and policies under the guidance of the Senior Manager, Early Years Programs.
This role can be combined with other instructional positions (if available). Please note if you are also interested in other positions as advertised on our career site.
Qualifications
Listed below are
a number of different experiences and educational qualifications that could make you a great fit for our team! Applicants do not need to meet all the qualifications listed to be considered.
- Early Childhood Educator (ECE) and license from the ECE Registry (preferred)
- BC Certified Teacher with strong focus on early years/elementary school education and/or special education with neurodiverse learners
- Behavioural Interventionist (BI) certification with BCBA (preferred)
- Literacy Specialist certification, Orton-Gillingham
certification, or experience teaching specialized programs with young children
- Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) or SLP-Assistant education and experience
- Occupational Therapy
(OT, OT-Assistant, or Physical Therapy education and experience
- Significant experience working with diverse preschool aged children and their families.
- Significant experience leading circle/story time
or similar group activities with groups of young children.
Skills & Competencies
- Experience working with preschool-aged children with undiagnosed or diagnosed learning differences and/or developmental delays
- Strong communication skills, including being comfortable discussing
child development and support strategies with parents/guardians
- Experience creating and delivering inclusive, age-appropriate activities, games, or crafts
- Experience implementing
early intervention strategies, assessment recommendations, Individualized Education Plans, and/or other types of
support plans
- Interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset, ability to
work within an interdisciplinary team
- Demonstrated values alignment with our chartable mission, including strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices
- Some experience with assistive technology or music programming is an asset
- Ability to provide a criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening
- All applicants must be legally allowed to work in Canada
Start date: Program starts on October 18 - paid, self-paced onboarding and team introductions may happen prior.
Reports to:
Senior Manager, Early Years Program
Hours of work: LDS’ Early RISErs program runs
Remuneration and Benefits: $30-33/hr for contract work.
- Neuroaffirming and inclusive workplace
- Values-based organization with collaborative peers with a wide range of backgrounds and talents
- Inclusive culture and innovative workplace with opportunity for new approaches and growth
LDS is proud to be a Certified Living Wage Employer in BC!
Location: LDS’ East Vancouver learning centre (3292 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC). Easily accessible by transit (bus and Rupert Skytrain station)
Job type: Contract
Equity: LDS is committed to employment equity and believes that a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve strengthens our ability to achieve our mission. We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, abilities, and with a range of life experiences to apply.
Accessibility: LDS’ East Vancouver location is located on the first floor of the building.
How to apply: Please submit
a cover letter and current CV directly through our careers page https://ldsociety.ca/careers/
Applications will be considered as received. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest. We look forward to hearing from you.
