Early Childhood Educator

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Supervisor/Manager, the incumbent undertakes all duties pertaining to the care and education of the children enrolled in the Early Childhood Laboratory Centre. The incumbent also models skills and provides feedback to the Early Childhood Education students to support their theoretical training.

Key Responsibilities

Plans developmental appropriate curriculum for children between 6 weeks to 10 years old that is congruent with the department philosophy and meets the requirements of the governing legislation. Provides behaviour guidance and ongoing supervision of playroom, playground, group, individual and routine activities. Ensures overall health and safety of children enrolled in the program by maintaining a sanitary and safe environment and identifying children who are unwell.

Arranges children’s play space to reflect the philosophy of the curriculum; builds and maintains responsive relationships with individual and groups of children in care. Demonstrates and explains effective curriculum and guidance strategies; models, supports, mentors, and guides the Early Childhood Educators (ECE) students.

Establishes and maintains a collaborative relationship with families through open communication by daily written charts, daily interactions, formal parent interviews and parent information sessions. Maintains currency in the curriculum methodology used at the centre and in other areas related to the field of Early Childhood Development by participating in a variety of Professional development activities.

Collaborates with colleagues, shares expertise and practical knowledge; participates in centre and program development meetings. Other duties as assigned. Educational and Experience Requirements Two-year Early Childhood Education diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution or the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario (AECEO) equivalency.

Must be currently registered with the College of E.C.E. (RECE). Minimum one year post diploma experience in a licensed preschool/childcare setting. Current St. John’s Ambulance or Red Cross Standard First Aid Certificate. Participation in mandatory professional development workshops as required by the College of Early Childhood Educators.

Must have health assessment and immunization as required by the Ministry of Education including Covid 19 vaccinations. Experience developing weekly curriculum for children. Knowledge of Indigenous culture, and language/s, and experience working with Indigenous families and communities is an asset. Skills and Attributes Ability to provide guidance and feedback to ECE students; high degree of diplomacy and tact.

Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; proven observation and reporting skills. Ability to spend most of the day at the child’s level (i.e., sitting on the floor, or on child-height chairs). Able to bend, stoop and lift child to adult height (up to 20 kg or 44 lbs) and to move children’s furniture or equipment to prepare room for programming needs.

Ability to work independently and as an effective team member. Excellent collaboration, teamwork, and interpersonal skills at a professional level. Demonstrated commitment to uphold the polytechnic’s priorities on equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenization (EDII).