Registered Early Childhood Educator or Education Assistant

  • CompanySOAHAC
  • Education / CredentialsMinimum of 2 years’ experience working in an Early Childhood S
  • ResumeRequired
  • Cover LetterNot Required
  • Application Deadline09/01/2021

Job Description

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency, who has recently embarked on a new initiative and extended its services in the field of early learning and child care. Guided and supported by the Journey Together Indigenous planning committee. SOAHAC will be the operators and licensee of Nshwaasnangong.

Nshwaasnangong is envisioned as 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 will offer licensed child care for up to 88 children ages 0-6 years of age old. The adjoining Family Centre will be a place to connect with opportunities offered for young children, families and youth-including ceremonies, land-based learning, knowledge exchange and community supports.

Construction for Nshwaasnangong is expected to be completed summer 2021, and is located at 449 Hill Street in London, Ontario.

Position Summary

Nshwaasnangong’s team of RECEs and Education Assistants collaborate together to provide a culturally rich, inclusive early learning environment and report directly to the Child Care Manager.

The Registered Early Childhood Educator/Education Assistant is a kind and forward-thinking individual who champions the revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures within the early years. They will ensure a program that is reflective of How Does Learning Happen: Ontario’s pedagogy for the Early Years and falls within the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 and aligns with Nshwaasnangong’s Program Statement.

Requirements

  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in an Early Childhood Setting
  • A demonstrated commitment to language revitalization and reclaiming cultural identities, experience as an Indigenous language learner an asset
  • Knowledge of the Indigenous histories, cultures, creation stories, and language of the Indigenous population in the London area
  • Knowledge and experience with licensing under the Child Care Early Years Act
  • Knowledge of Indigenous pedagogical approaches that support How Does Learning Happen, Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Must be able to meet the legislative requirements for working in a licensed child care setting
  • Obtain/maintain a clean and current vulnerable sector police check as a condition of employment
  • Access to reliable transportation
  • Up-to-date immunization record
  • Current First Aid/CPR certification
  • Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies
  • Registered member of the College of Early Childhood Educators (RECE only)
  • Post-secondary diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education required (RECE only)

Responsibilities

  • Brings Nshwaasnangong’s Program Statement to life by reimagining early childhood education and emergent curriculum within an urban Indigenous context
  • Collaborates with the early learning team to create and maintain a culturally relevant curriculum within the classroom (Infant, Toddler, Preschool)
  • Collaborates to create a flexible daily schedule for their classroom (Infant, Toddler, Preschool)
  • Collaborates with the entire team; RECEs and Education Assistants to review curriculum, share ideas, assess curriculum and support a positive atmosphere of teamwork
  • Initiates respectful and culturally safe relationships with families, community partners, helpers, Elders and Language keepers
  • Maintains a healthy and safe environment
  • Keeps up-to-date on relevant information as it concerns early childhood education

This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre

Please note that this is full-time @ 35 hours (5 days) per week. This position may be required to work additional hours and/or weekends to accommodate child care ratios. Salary is subject to experience. Comprehensive benefit and pension (HOOPP) package included.

SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants. 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 as specified on job posting.