POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Early Learning Coordinator, you will be responsible to provide an early learning program conducive to the needs of Indigenous children, 3- 5 years of age, providing direct supervision of all children in your care. You will be responsible for planning and implementing the program between the school months of September – June and provide adequate reporting and evaluation of the program.  Program goals include: 1) Pre-school readiness skills; 2) increased knowledge of Aboriginal Culture and Language; 3) increased knowledge in Health and Nutritional practices 4) increased parental involvement and parenting skills’. You will also be responsible for providing additional resources and/or referrals for the families you work with, if need be. 

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide educational and cultural teachings and/or opportunities

• Share in the responsibility for planning, preparing and implementing stimulating, age-appropriate activities that encourage children’s creativity and learning and promote each child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical development.

• Responsible for the constant supervision, safety and wellbeing of the children

• Recognize and respond to the needs of each child by using developmentally appropriate teaching and child behaviour management techniques

• Participate fully and consistently as a conscientious team member in caring for the children and in the overall operation of the program

• Ensure the health and safety of the children participating in the program

• Maintains regular and open communication with program team members and other co-workers

• Establish and maintain regular communication with parents

• Observes and records relevant information on each child's progress as required/as per Centre practices

• Coordinate, track and support Parent Involvement

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Early Childhood Services

• Ensure all children receive appropriate screening (Ages and Stages Questionnaire) throughout the year

• Follow up on screening and referrals

• Participate in Development of Individual Program Planning for Children who are receiving Early Childhood support services

  • Coordinate Parent Meetings for review of IPP’s

  • Ensure all pertinent information is collected and recorded for file 

• Provide written reports (case notes) on a weekly basis

• Coordinate Parent information and support in Early Childhood development awareness and parenting support programs 

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General / Licensing

• Be familiar with and abide by policies set forth by the agency

• Ensures the program operates at all times in compliance with all child care licensing standards

• Must know and implement: Centre routines and practices; Pre-school Licensing Act regulations; the Health Department guidelines.

• Be familiar with Alberta Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.

• Attend regular staff and/or parent meetings as scheduled

• Abide by the Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society’s Code of Confidentiality

• Share responsibility for maintaining program equipment in good repair; assist with toy/equipment disinfecting

• Shares responsibility for maintaining the play environment and storage areas in an organized and clutter-free condition

• Participates in regular fire drills and other emergency procedures

• Engage in positive collaboration with the other programs and early childhood educators of the centre in coordinating the effective use of equipment, facilities and personnel

• Assists the Centre Director in maintaining a safe and healthy work environment by promptly reporting any existing and/or potential workplace hazards

• Performs other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Centre Director or her/his designate

• Consult with Wisdom committee on matters related to delivery of Culture and Language

• Assist children and families in accessing community activities

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Skills and Training required:

• Participate in ongoing professional development and attends/maintain all mandatory training

• In depth knowledge of Infant and Early Childhood Developmental stages.

• Ability to plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities and experiences

• Knowledge of appropriate guiding and caring strategies for children 3 to 5 years.

• Strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task in a dynamic working environment; self-motivated personality; ability to work independently and as a team player.

• Extensive experience working with children 0-5 years and their families

• Working knowledge of Aboriginal Head Start philosophy and curriculum

• Basic computer skills Microsoft Word and Outlook

• Knowledge of First Nations and the language, culture and traditions

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REPORTING LINE: The Headstart Teacher is directly accountable to the Early Learning Coordinator

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QUALIFICATIONS:

• Early Childhood Diploma and preschool teaching experience.

• Ability and experience working with First Nations children

• Awareness and understanding of Indigenous culture and issues

• Excellent written & oral communication skills

• CPR & First Aid certification

• Must submit  a Child Welfare and Criminal Record check

• *Fluency in Blackfoot is a definite asset!

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Deadline: Until suitable candidate is hired.

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All potential applicants are required to submit a Criminal Records Check, Child and Youth Information Module, and provide two (2) references, cover letter and resume as a part of their application package.

Screening Criteria: Please be advised that in order to be considered for the position applicants must clearly indicate how they meet criteria. Failure could result in elimination from hiring pool.

 

Submit complete package to:

 

Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society

241 Stafford Drive North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 2A5

ATT: Human Resources

Email:  humanresources@opokaasin.org

Phone:  (403) 380-2569  |  Fax:  (403) 327-6775