Early Childhood Educator (ECE)

Early Childhood Educator (ECE)

POSITION OVERVIEW

POSITION: Early Childhood Educator (ECE)         
HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
REPORTS TO: Early Childhood Education (ECE) Manager
WAGE RANGE: $28.00 to $30.00 per hour

POSITION SUMMARY
The Early Childhood Educator (ECE) is responsible for the development and delivery of culturally informed, developmentally appropriate programming to support the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children aged 0-5. Reporting to the ECE Manager, the ECE provides holistic support to children in a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment, ensuring high-quality early learning and childcare services that support healthy child development, school readiness, family wellbeing, and long-term community wellness.

The ECE works in collaboration with families, community members, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers to integrate Indigenous cultural values and language into childcare programming.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy & Program Development

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, play-based educational programming for children aged 0-5 years old.
• Create a family-friendly environment that provides safety and security for children and families.
• Develop and implement play-based learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, confidence, and school readiness.
• Assist children using respectful, responsive, and developmentally appropriate guidance practices.
• Provide consistent daily routines that promote children’s wellbeing, engagement, and sense of security.
• Provide a daily balance of active/quiet, indoor/outdoor and individual/group activities.
• Provide opportunities for parents/caregivers to observe and practice effective strategies that support early learning.
• Create, compile, and assemble learning curriculum resources.

Teamwork and Program Support

• Work collaboratively with the ECE Manager, certified educators, co-workers, support staff, practicum students, and volunteers to support quality programming.
• Participate in team meetings, program discussions, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain respectful working relationships that support a positive, culturally safe, and child-centred environment
• Share observations and relevant information regarding children’s development, behaviour, and daily experiences with the ECE Manager.
• Assist with classroom setup, transitions, meals, rest periods, outdoor play, and special activities.
• Follow established procedures, schedules, supervision plans, and program expectations.
• Model professionalism, teamwork, and respectful communication in all interactions.

Child and Family Support

• Foster positive, respectful, and trusting relationships with children, parents, caregivers, and families through responsive and family-centred service delivery.
• Promote family engagement by encouraging meaningful participation in children’s learning, development, transitions, and cultural experiences.
• Support inclusive and culturally responsive practices that recognize and respond to the developmental, social, emotional, behavioural, and cultural needs of each child.
• Work collaboratively with families and partner agencies to identify supports, referrals, and early interventions that strengthen child and family wellbeing.
• Promote child wellness, emotional safety, positive guidance, and nurturing relationships that support healthy growth and development.
• Address parent and caregiver concerns in a timely, respectful, and solution-focused manner while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Support smooth transitions for children and families entering, moving through, and exiting early learning programs, including transitions to school where appropriate.

Community Engagement and Cultural Programming

• Champion the integration of Indigenous culture, language, teachings, traditions, and land-based learning within early childhood programming in a respectful and meaningful way.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, families, schools, health providers, service agencies, and community organizations to strengthen supports for children.
• Coordinate and support cultural activities, family gatherings, workshops, community events, and early learning initiatives that promote belonging, identity, and intergenerational connection.
• Promote awareness of Early Childhood Education programs, services, and opportunities through positive community engagement and outreach.
• Ensure programming reflects community priorities, honours local values, and contributes to long-term community wellness and child development outcomes.

Administrative and Documentation Responsibilities

• Assist with maintaining accurate attendance, observation, incident, and program records.
• Prepare classroom materials, activity supplies, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain confidentiality of child and family information in accordance with policy and privacy requirements.
• Monitor concerns, incidents, supply needs, and program observations.
• Organize classroom resources, educational materials, and shared program spaces.
• Provide program reviews, reporting requirements, and quality improvement activities.

Health, Safety, and Licensing Compliance

• Follow all childcare licensing requirements, health and safety standards, emergency procedures, and organizational policies.
• Maintain safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate learning spaces, equipment, and materials.
• Supervise children at all times and ensure appropriate guidance, hygiene, nutrition, and daily care practices.
• Respond to accidents, incidents, illness, and emergencies in accordance with established procedures.
• Support compliance with routines, ratios, sanitation practices, medication procedures, and risk management protocols.
• Maintain current knowledge of child safety, wellness, inclusion, and early learning best practices.

Program Planning and Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to classroom and program planning by sharing observations, ideas, and feedback.
• Implement lesson plans, program goals, and special activities that reflect children’s interests and developmental needs.
• Participate in reflective practice, program evaluation, and quality improvement activities.
• Identify emerging child, family, or classroom needs and communicate them to the ECE Manager
• Support the consistent application of program policies, procedures, and educational approaches.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Leadership and team development
• Child-centered and family-focused practice
• Cultural awareness and community engagement
• Program planning and coordination
• Communication and relationship building
• Organization and time management
• Conflict resolution and problem-solving
• Confidentiality and professionalism
• Adaptability and initiative

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Valid Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Certification and eligibility to meet all applicable provincial licensing and regulatory requirements.
• Minimum two (2) years of progressive experience in Early Childhood Education, childcare, or early learning program delivery.
• Strong knowledge of child development, early learning frameworks, inclusive practices, trauma-informed approaches, and family-centred service delivery.
• Demonstrated knowledge of childcare licensing regulations, health and safety requirements, risk management practices, and program accountability standards.
• Experience in staff supervision, coaching, performance management, team development, and creating supportive workplace environments.
• Experience with program planning, budgeting, reporting, data tracking, funding requirements, and administrative oversight.
• Experience working with Indigenous children, families, and communities, with the ability to support culturally safe and community-informed programming.
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships across families, staff teams, leadership, and external partners.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email systems, reporting tools, and administrative software.
• Current First Aid and CPR Certification required.
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence and access to reliable transportation may be required.
• Ability to successfully complete Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Checks.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Combination of office, classroom, and community-based work environments.
• Frequent interaction with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• May require occasional evening or weekend work for community events, meetings, or program activities.
• Requires the ability to work in active early learning environments.
• Occasional lifting, movement of educational materials, and program setup may be required.

HOW TO APPLY

By submitting a cover letter and résumé outlining their qualifications and interest in the position.

Alternatively, candidates can submit a cover letter and résumé outlining their qualifications and interest in the position. Email all applications to the Director of Education, Erin Glasgow via eglasgow@stautw.ca

Tsawout First Nation is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community it serves. In accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to qualified Indigenous applicants, including Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit candidates.

All applicants are encouraged to self-identify in their application if they choose. Hiring decisions will be made based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs, while supporting SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation’s commitment to Indigenous employment and self-determination.

OTHER FACTORS

Culture/Language

Respect for and working knowledge of the W̱SÁNEĆ culture and SENĆOŦEN language is required.

Personal Attributes

Maintains strict confidentiality in performing their duties and demonstrates the following personal attributes: Respect, Empathy, Strength, Pride and Equality.

Our benefits package includes:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance

DEADLINE: June 12, 2026