The role of an Early Childhood or Infant Toddler Educator goes beyond mere duties; it embodies a collection of pivotal responsibilities dedicated to nurturing a child's development and overall well-being. This encompasses not only active participation in daily programming but also extends to offering invaluable support to families. The educator will deliver high quality care in accordance with our philosophy while developing and implementing developmentally appropriate emergent curriculum, while ensuring the health and safety of all children are met through Child Care Licensing Regulations and Fernwood NRG Child Care policies.
As we set out to find the ideal candidate, a fundamental aspect we greatly value is a sincere connection with our family-centered approach. This individual would also encompass a profound passion for a nature-based and emergent curriculum. Furthermore, qualities of patience, genuine enthusiasm, and a collaborative team spirit are not just qualities we seek, but integral traits that lay the foundation for success in this position.
Desired start date: mid-late September.
About Fernwood NRG: Fernwood Neighbourhood Resource Group (Fernwood NRG) is a multi-service non-profit community organization working on lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) lands in Victoria, BC. Fernwood NRG serves the Fernwood neighbourhood by:
- supporting individuals and families with affordable, high-quality childcare, programs, services, and housing,
- increasing food security through improving access to affordable, high-quality food,
- playing an active role in developing the neighbourhood economy, and
- engaging the neighbourhood through activities, events, and communications.
Fernwood NRG is committed to ensuring that equity, diversity, and inclusion are valued in our decision-making, in our internal work, and our work in the Neighbourhood. We continue to work towards deeper organization-wide understanding and competence with anti-racism and decolonization. Employees’ lived experience and commitment to these values is highly valued. We recognize that people from communities who experience marginalization (e.g. on the basis of ethnicity, citizenship/immigration status, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, etc) may be less likely to apply for leadership positions. We strongly encourage you to apply if you have a passion for our mission and meet the core requirements below.
Management status: non-manager
Reports to: Early Years Manager, and ultimately the Director of Child Care
Direct Reports: none
Hours/work schedule: Permanent, full-time position with a maximum of 40 hrs/wk, Monday-Friday. Scheduled shifts may fall between 7:30 am - 5:30 pm.
Work location(s): 1240 Gladstone Avenue
Compensation & Benefits:
This is a full-time time hourly position starting at
ITE: $25.00 + $4= $29.00 hourly ($60,320 per year)
ECE: $23.00 + $4= $27.00 hourly ($56,160 per year)
*the ECEWE ($4) is separate from your base wage as it is offered directly from the provincial government. If the program is cancelled or Fernwood NRG is unable to participate, your total wage will be your base wage.
- Paid Sick Time
- Extended health benefits co-pay
- Discounts on the Good Food Box
- Priority placement for childcare spaces at the organization (as a $10/Day site fees are no more than $10 dollars a day)
- Paid professional development days
Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensures the health and wellbeing of the children by being supportive, caring and present.
- Primary point of contact for parents and guardians.
- Promotes social-emotional wellbeing by identifying and labeling emotions in self and others.
- Designs supportive, emergent and inclusive environments.
- Promotes a child’s social-emotional development through individual observations and activities.
- Establishes and implements clear appropriate rules, limits, and guidelines for developmentally appropriate behaviour.
- Builds and maintains professional working relationships with parents/guardians and co-workers.
- Assists with daily cleaning and sanitizing.
- Other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions
- Ability to lift and move chairs, cots, mats, etc. (up to 30lbs).
- Ability to work positively in a busy and loud environment.
- Ability to work outside in a variety of weather conditions.
- Ability to stand for long periods of time, run occasionally, crouch and bend frequently.
Qualifications/Skills/Requirements
We strongly encourage you to apply if you have a passion for Fernwood NRG’s mission and meet the below requirements:
- Must hold a current BC ECE or ITE or SNE Certificate.
- Minimum 1 year experience working in a Childcare Programs.
- Current First Aid Certified.
- Familiar with, or ability to quickly gain familiarity with, BC Child Care Licensing Regulations.
- Ability to work very well in team settings and work positively in a shared work environment.
- Ability to appreciate diversity, different opinions, lived experiences, backgrounds, and personality types.
- Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing with parents/caregivers, children, and colleagues in a primarily English-language context.
- Ability to problem-solve, prioritize tasks, take initiative, and managing confidential information.
- Ability to follow instructions and willingness to assume and carry out assigned tasks and to be accountable for results and actions, including quality of work.
- An understanding of and commitment to the importance of client confidentiality.
- Dependable, including the ability to maintain good attendance, be reliable and punctual.
- Professional, responsive, with a positive work attitude.
Preference given to candidates with the following skills, assets, or experience:
- Experience communicating orally and in writing with empathy and clarity
- Experience building professional, trusting relationships with parents, caregivers, and/or young children
- Experience resolving miscommunications and interpersonal conflicts
- Strong emotional self-awareness and desire to strengthen your skills
- Oral communications skills in languages spoken in our neighbourhood other than English, e.g. Japanese, Arabic, French
- Experience building strong relationships with Indigenous people, communities, and/or Nations, particularly in the context of children and youth
- Experience building strong relationships across differences in ethnicity, income level, gender identity, sexual orientation, spiritual/religious beliefs, physical and mental ability, and culture
- Additional training and/or lived experience of infant and toddler development and wellbeing
- Knowledge of local family-friendly resources, activities, and supports
Other Requirements
Candidates who progress through our selection process will be required to provide the following before an employment agreement is finalized.
- Must provide a record of immunization status.
- Must provide two professional references.
- All employees within Fernwood NRG require a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check upon being hired.
Interested applicants are requested to submit a cover letter and their resumes or CV.