CDES - Lead Early Childhood Educator

Government of Nova Scotia; Valley Station; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional education authority in Nova Scotia is looking for a Lead Early Childhood Educator. The role involves leadership in the Pre-primary Program, fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment for preschool-aged children. Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree or relevant diploma along with substantial experience in early childhood education. Strong understanding of child development and play-based learning is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or a two-year diploma with required experience.
• Three years of experience with preschool-aged children or five with a diploma.
• Skills for creating inclusive learning environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Pre-primary Program Team and collaborate with staff and families.
• Create a supportive and engaging learning environment.
• Implement the Pre-primary Program using the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework.

Skills

Understanding of child growth and development

Play-based pedagogy

Communication skills

Observation and documentation

Inclusivity in learning environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education

Early Childhood Education Diploma

Job description

Overview

Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education

Cambridge District Elementary School

Lead Early Childhood Educator - Part Year (200 days per year) - 7 hours per day

Closing date for applications September 29, 2025 at midnight

Compensation

Starting Wages

Lead Early Childhood Educator - $27.57 per hour

Terms and conditions of employment, including wages, are in accordance with the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) Local 73 Bargaining Unit at AVRCE.CA

Responsibilities

Reporting to the School Principal, the Lead Early Childhood Educator (LECE) will bring a leadership role to the Pre-primary Program Team. The LECE will work cooperatively and in collaboration with all Early Childhood Educator staff, family members, community-based professionals and service providers, such as Developmental Intervention to introduce children into the culture of school ensuring a supportive and secure learning environment for young children who attend the Pre-primary Program. The LECE, along with the Early Childhood Educator (ECE), will be responsible to create and maintain an engaging learning environment based on the children’s knowledge and interests. The environment will be one in which children are encouraged to explore and create new knowledge through their experiences and social interactions with others. The LECE, in consultation with the ECE, will use evidenced-based practices and professional judgement to ensure the learning environment is focused on the holistic development and overall well-being of the children. The LECE, in consultation with the ECE, will be responsible for implementing the Pre-primary Program using the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework, all other policies and best practices as determined by Education and Early Childhood Development including the Continuous Quality Improvement process. The LECE will be an active member of the school team and will work collaboratively with the Pre-Primary Facilitator and school principal to ensure the development, assessment and consistent delivery of a high quality early learning experience for children attending the Pre-primary program.

Requirements for the Lead Early Childhood Educator

The Lead Early Childhood Educator will require the completion of a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with a minimum of three years of recent experience working with preschool aged children or a two year Early Childhood Education Diploma with five years of experience. Confirmation of your educational requirements must be included with your application.

• In-depth understanding of child growth and development and demonstrated knowledge and experience using a play-based pedagogy and child-centered, developmentally appropriate practices.
• Ability to translate theory and best practices into action in early childhood settings.
• Experience with developmentally appropriate observation, documentation and authentic assessment strategies.
• Experience working with children and families with diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences, and developmental needs.
• The ability to create inclusive and responsive early learning environments that support the diverse and special needs of all children.
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills.
• Computer skills suitable for report writing and internet research/applications.
• Valid Standard First Aid.
• Valid Food Handlers Course.

Application and Equity

Applications will be considered:

• First, in accordance with the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) Local 73 Bargaining Unit.
• Second, to applicants who self-identify and are members of the identified peoples in accordance with AVRCE's Employment Equity.
• Third, if there are no successful candidates from the Employment Equity applicant pool, then other external candidates will be considered for this position.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.