Reports to:               Early Years Leadership Team

Term:                         FULL-TIME CONTRACT to March 31, 2025, subject to renewal   

Hours:                       40 hours per week, flexibility is 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 is looking for an energetic individual to support the Early Learning Centre. The Cultural & Educational Assistant will work collaboratively with Educators to support an inclusive environment for all children.  The primary purpose is not to reduce the teacher’s workload but to assist the students in achieving the program’s goals. The Educational Assistant will assist families to access specialized programs and services and support the development of Individual Plans. The Educational Assistant will provide culturally relevant individual and group support within the early learning environment.   

RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Support the inclusion of all children in the early learning environment, utilizing inclusion tools.  
  • Incorporate Indigenous ways of knowing and being into learning plans, and through daily interactions with the children and their families. 
  • Support children with individualized needs, who may have a variety of conditions that may affect their physical, communication, intellectual, emotional, social and/or behavioral development.
  • Willing to receive appropriate training to support the needs of the child and the classroom.  
  • Work collaboratively with internal and external service providers to meet the needs of the child and their families.  
  • Assist and observe children during activities and trips. 
  • In collaboration with team members, the Cultural & Educational Assistant will support the educators in the delivery of daily programs and care for all students, including those with individual needs. 
  • Under the direction of the Leadership Team, the Cultural & Educational Assistant will assist children in activities that promote their spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth, which will assist in their transition to elementary school and contribute to lifelong learning. 
  • Under the direction of the Leadership team, the Cultural & Educational Assistant will assist and support the classrooms with ongoing projects. 
  • The Cultural & Educational Assistant will work closely with the educators, leadership team and third-party special needs resourcing agencies, to ensure all children receive appropriate support and families are informed about the IPP/IEP. 
  • Knowledge of How Does Learning Happen?  Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years. 
  • Experience working in an early year’s environment supporting inclusion and children with individualized needs.   
  • Ability to perform lifting, transferring, and toileting procedures required.
  • Assist children with specific needs by utilizing positive strategies including braille, sign language, and co-regulation. 
  • Experience utilizing assistive technology, computer software: such as: SMART Technology, Boardmaker, Intellitools, Kurzwell and augmentative communication devices ect.  
  • Experience and/or willingness to learn how to utilize specialized equipment, such as: walkers, standing frames and/or medical devices. 
  • Demonstrated ability and interest in working with; and for; diverse populations.  
  • Experience working in a politically sensitive environment.  
  • Ability to meet deadlines.  
  • Resourceful, motivated, and energetic 
  • Any other duties as assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS 

  • Support all areas of Niwasa Early Learning classrooms in collaboration with the Leadership Team to identify what is needed. 
  • Interact with children, family members, staff, visitors and Community partners. 
  • Working schedule is 8-hour shifts, some evenings and weekends may be required. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Must have or be pursuing education in a recognized post-secondary program in one of the following areas:  ECE, CYW, R.T., or E.A 
  • Demonstrated experience working with children with individualized needs is required. 
  • Current BMS/NVCI/CPS is required. 
  • Current CRC w VSS within the last 6 months  
  • Up to date Immunizations, including TB test. 
  • Current First Aid and CPR certificate is required. 
  • Minimum of 1 year work experience in the Early Learning setting 
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines and determining priorities. 
  • Ability to adhere to all CCEYA, Fire, Public Health and Niwasa requirements, at all times. 
  • Strong computer skills including excellent Microsoft Office skills. 
  • Knowledge of Indigenous Culture and language is an asset.            

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.