Reports to: Child Care Leadership Team 

Location:    Hamilton, ON

Term:           Full Time, Permanent

Hours:          40 hours per week, some flexibility required 

Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg provides holistic programs and service for Indigenous children, youth, families, and community that are rooted in culture and language. Our vision is Strong Cultural Identity and Healthy Families.                  

Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg provides holistic programs and service for Indigenous children, youth, families, and community that are rooted in culture and language. Our vision is Strong Cultural Identity and Healthy Families. Under the direction of the Early years Manager and Leadership Team, RECEs are responsible for engaging children in early learning activities in a licensed childcare setting.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Responsible for the constant supervision, safety and well-being of the children 
  • Engaging children and families in early learning and cultural activities.  
  • Support the inclusion of all children in the early learning environment.   
  • Creating pedagogical documentation 
  • Recognizes and responds to the needs of each child by using developmentally appropriate teaching and child behaviour management techniques 
  • Shares 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 
  • Establishes and maintains regular communication with parents 
  • Ensures the program operates at all times in compliance with all child care licensing standards  
  • Must know and implement: program routines and practices; Ontario Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) regulations; the City of Hamilton Public Health Department guidelines. 
  • Shares responsibility for maintaining the play environments and storage areas in an organized and clutter-free condition 
  • Participates in regular fire drills and other emergency procedures 
  • Participates in ongoing professional development and attends/maintains all mandatory training 
  • Participates in the supervision, training and mentoring of students and supply teachers 
  • 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 
  • Informs the Early Years Manager of any necessary upkeep, repairs, maintenance, and replacement of equipment and supplies to ensure safety and security standards are maintained.  
  • Follows all policies and procedures of Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg and any relevant and related legislation.  
  • Monthly completion and submission of all reports as required. 
  • Participate in monthly staff meeting. 
  • Will submit timesheets bi-weekly to the Bookkeeper.  
  • Other duties as required or assigned by Early Years Manager, or delegate. 

Specific Job Competencies 

  • Practical knowledge of How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years. 
  • Communication; able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. 
  • Demonstrated ability to manage key relationships. 
  • Able to identify key issues; creatively and strategically overcome internal and external challenges or obstacles. 
  • Genuinely committed to helping children learn. 
  • Must possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of historical trauma and intergenerational trauma of Indigenous peoples. 
  • Experience in a community setting working with Indigenous children, youth and families would be an asset 
  • A clear and solid understanding of the issues faced by the urban Indigenous community. 
  • Must maintain a high level of self-awareness and wellness and participate in regular self- care. 
  • High level of ethics, integrity, confidentially and accountability. 
  • Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills. 
  • A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills. 
  • Able to use a wide range of administrative software including MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint). 
  • Ability to perform lifting, transferring, and toileting procedures required. 
  • Experience utilizing assistive technology, computer software: such as: SMART Technology, Boardmaker, Intellitools, Kurzwell and augmentative communication devices. 
  • Experience utilizing specialized equipment; such as: walkers and standing frames. 
  • Knowledge of the importance of Indigenous Language and Culture Traditions 

Working Conditions 

  • Will work primarily in an classroom/indoor setting but must be able to participate in outdoor settings often (field trips, outdoor play, etc.) 
  • Interacts with children, family members, staff, visitors, and local organizations. 
  • May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., 
  • Interacts with children, family members, staff, visitors and government agencies. 
  • Ability to attend and conduct presentations. 
  • Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals. 
  • Some evening and weekend hours for fundraising events, open house, professional development and meetings. 
  • Travel may be required. Reliable transportation required. 

Qualifications 

  • Mush be a Registered Early Childhood Educator 
  • Early Childhood Education diploma from a recognized college or university. 
  • 3 years experience working in an early years environment supporting inclusion and children with individualized needs. 
  • Must have a clear Vulnerable Sector Screen. 
  • Must have a valid Infant First Aid/CPR Level C certification. 
  • Must have all required medical vaccinations 
  • Knowledge of OEYC Best Practices 
  • Food Handler’s Certificate 
  • Valid Driver’s License and clear driver’s abstract 
  • Ability to lift, push, and pull heavy items over 50 lbs. 

Benefits 

– Competitive salary and benefits package.

– Opportunities for professional development and training.

– Positive, mission-driven workplace culture.

To Apply 

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and references by Friday November 22, 2024, to [email protected]. Be sure to highlight relevant experience and why you are passionate about supporting our mission. Pursuant to Section 24 of the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code), this position will give preference to applicants who identify as a member of an Indigenous community (First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples). Candidates from this group are invited to self-identify in their cover letter, transparently, as part of the application process.