Status: Full-time, permanent
Location: Nshwaasnangong Childcare & Family Centre (London, Ontario)
Hours: 35 hours/week
Paid Time Off: 3+ weeks of vacation, plus sick days, spiritual/cultural leave, birthday
Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, travel insurance, life insurance and more
Pension: HOOPP (defined benefit plan)
Posting Date: December 20, 2022
Deadline: January 6, 2023

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency, who has extended its services in the field of early learning and childcare. Guided and supported by the Journey Together Indigenous planning committee. SOAHAC are the operators and licensee of Nshwaasnangong.

Nshwaasnangong is a place for Indigenous young children and families to honour, rekindle, and express their identities as Indigenous Peoples; where kindness and compassion helps everyone to have a sense of belonging; where we nurture our well-being, while living in sync with community and all creation, where we engage deeply with questions and possibilities.
The Child Care at Nshwaasnangong offers licensed childcare for up to 88 children aged 0-6 years. The adjoining Family Centre is a place to connect with opportunities offered for young children, families, and youth, including ceremonies, land-based learning, knowledge exchange and community supports. Nshwaasnangong is located at 449 Hill Street in London, Ontario.

Position Summary
Working collaboratively with the Nshwaasnangong Team, the Family Centre Coordinator will ensure the development and provision of a high quality, holistic and culturally relevant, Indigenous-led Early Years educational programs that meet the needs of children and families in an urban Indigenous setting. The individual will coordinate programming that is reflective of How Does Learning Happen from an Indigenous lens.
Reporting to the Nshwaasnangong Senior Manager, the Family Centre Coordinator will represent Nshwaasnangong Child Care and Family Centre with families and community partners.

Requirements
– Two Year ECE Diploma and/or registration with College of ECE is an asset.
– Willingness to participate in ongoing Indigenous training, teachings, and ceremonies.
– Valid Ontario Driver’s “G” license; clean driver’s abstract, as well as proof of personal auto insurance (must be insured a minimum of 3 years and in good standing).
– Maintain current and satisfactory police check, including Vulnerable Sector Check.
– Up-to-date immunization records including at least 2 COVID-19 vaccines.
– First Aid and CPR Certificates.
– Must be available for evening and/or weekend meetings or programming.

Experience and Knowledge
– 2+ years working in a childcare setting/EarlyON Family Centre or similar experience.
– Practical knowledge of How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years.
– Knowledge of Medicine Wheel teachings, Holistic Learning Models, evidence-based practices, program evaluation, land-based learning programs, Indigenous Social Determinants of Health, and the 13 Moon Teachings considered an asset.
– Genuinely committed to helping children and families learn.
– A clear and solid understanding of the issues faced by the urban Indigenous community.
– Experience working in community, developing partnerships with community agencies.
– Demonstrated customer service and facilitation skills.
– Demonstrated verbal, written and communication skills.
– Demonstrated ability to develop positive interpersonal relationships with colleagues, parents and community partners.
– Proficient with the use of computers including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet usage, as well as any relevant educational software(s).
– Experience working in a First Nation community or Indigenous organization is considered an asset.
– Fluency in an Indigenous language considered an asset.

Responsibilities
– Develops, maintains, and delivers a high-quality Early Years program that will meet the needs of children and families with respect to Indigenous cultures and languages, the CCEYA, and How Does Learning Happen? (HDLH?).
– Keeps informed on Indigenous child, family, and community needs.
– Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with co-workers and community service providers working with children.
– Support families by advocating and developing parenting workshops, resources and providing strategies regarding child development.
– Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with Nshwaasnangong Child Care Program.
– Other duties as required or assigned by; Nshwaasnangong Senior Manager or delegate.

This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.
SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants (please self-identify). SOAHAC is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please advise Human Resources.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please forward your cover letter and resume before the closing date to:
Email: [email protected]
Subject line: Family Centre Coordinator
Or mail to: Human Resources
Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre
425 – 427 William Street
London, ON N6B 3E1