Early Years Instructor (Part-time)

Lightwell Learning Society; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Neuroaffirming workplace

Certified Living Wage Employer

Job summary

Learn. Develop.Succeed. (LDS) is seeking an Early Years Instructor to deliver the Early RISErs program for children aged 3–6 and their families at our East Vancouver learning centre.

The role emphasizes neuroaffirming, play-based learning with parent participation and a collaborative team of educators and therapists. You will support social-emotional development, sensory regulation, and joyful engagement while modeling strategies for caregivers.

Qualifications

• Evidence-based early years education experience.
• Strong communication with parents/guardians.
• Experience delivering inclusive, age-appropriate activities.

Responsibilities

• Foster relationships to create a safe, collaborative learning environment.
• Lead daily program activities: free play, circle time, movement, snacks.
• Support transitions, sensory needs, and self-regulation as needed.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team to plan developmentally appropriate programming.
• Share practical strategies with caregivers to support participation and growth.
• Maintain safe, organized learning spaces and assist with setup/takedown.

Skills

ECE license

BCBA familiarity

Communication

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Inclusive practices

Education

ECE Registry License

BC Certified Teacher

SLP/OT background

Tools

Assistive tech experience

Sign language basics

Job description

Organization Overview

Learn. Develop.Succeed. is one of British Columbia’s fastest-growing education nonprofits, supporting more than 1,250 children, youth, and adults with learning and other brain-based differences.

Through innovative, evidence-informed programming and our groundbreaking RISE Next Generation AI initiative, we are working to transform how individualized instruction is delivered and supported, with the long-term potential to reach over 100,000 learners across Canada.

Learn more about our mission andimpacthere: https://ldsociety.ca/

Why join us?

• Joining us means becoming part of a passionate, collaborative team that is committed to innovation, impact, and inclusion. You will have the opportunity to:
• Build meaningful relationships withcommunity partners, educators, supporters, and more.
• Contribute to a rapidly growing organization with ambitious goals and national impact.
• Help transform educational outcomes for children, youth, adults, and families.
• Work alongside dedicated educators, researchers,developers,and nonprofit leaders.
• Play a key role in advancing innovative solutions that combine human connection with emerging technologies.
• Grow professionally while helping shape the future of a mission-driven organization.

Purpose of Position

The Early Years Instructor will play a key role in delivering LDS’ Early Years (Early RISErs) program—a neuroaffirming, play-based initiative for children ages 3 to 6 and their families. This position supports the creation of a nurturing, inclusive, and strengths-based preschool environment where children of all developmental stages and abilities can thrive. Early RISErs is a unique learning program with parent or guardian participation in sessions, bringing families and early years specialists together for a time of play, connection, and learning.

Working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team of Early Childhood Educators, Behavioural Interventionists, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Occupational Therapists, the Early Years Instructor will lead and facilitate program activities such as free play, circle time, movement games, snack time, and learning activities.

They will promote social-emotional development, sensory regulation, and joyful participation for the children, while also modelling effective support strategies for caregivers to support the child’s engagement and growth.

This role offers a meaningful opportunity to work closely with preschool-aged children, their families, and other early years professionals in a small group and community-focused setting that celebrates each child’s individuality.

Principal Roles and Responsibilities

• Foster relationships with children and their supporting adults to create a safe and collaborative learning environment.
• Lead and facilitate daily program activities including free play, circle time, movement games, snack time, and learning activities.
• Support child through transitions, sensory support, and self-regulation, as needed.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate programming focused on social-emotional development, early learning skills, and fundamental movement skills.
• Demonstrate practical strategies and share them with supporting adults to promote the child’s participation, development, and well-being.
• Contribute to classroom setup, takedown, and maintaining a safe, organized learning environment.
• Participate in team debrief discussions and record observations of children’s learning and development to support program planning and end of program reporting.
• Uphold program procedures and policies under the guidance of the Senior Manager, Early Years Programs.

This role can be combined with other instructional positions (if available). Please note if you are also interested in other positions as advertised on our career site.

Qualifications

Listed below are a number of different experiences and educational qualifications that could make you a great fit for our team! Applicants do not need to meet all the qualifications listed to be considered.

• Early Childhood Educator (ECE) and license from the ECE Registry (preferred)
• BC Certified Teacher with strong focus on early years/kindergarten school education and/or special education with neurodiverse learners
• Behavioural Interventionist (BI) certification with BCBA (preferred)
• Literacy Specialist certification, Ort- Gillingham certification, or experience teaching specialized programs with young children
• Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) or SLP-Assistant education and experience
• Occupational Therapy (OT), OT-Assistant, or Physical Therapy education and experience
• Significant experience working with diverse preschool aged children and their families.
• Significant experience leading interactive circle/story time or similar group activities with young children.

Skills & Competencies

• Experience working with preschool-aged children with undiagnosed or diagnosed learning differences and/or developmental delays
• Strong communication skills, including being comfortable discussing child development and support strategies with parents/guardians
• Experience creating and delivering inclusive, age-appropriate activities, games, or crafts
• Experience implementing early intervention strategies, assessment recommendations, Individualized Education Plans, and/or other types of support plans
• Interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset, ability to work within an interdisciplinary team
• Demonstrated values alignment with our chartable mission, including strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practices
• Some experience with assistive technology or music programming is an asset
• Some experience with sign language, AAC devices, or other communication supports is an asset.
• Ability to provide a criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening
• All applicants must be legally allowed to work in Canada

Start date: October 1, 2026

Reports to: Senior Manager, Early Years Program

Hours of Work

• LDS' Early RISErs program is offered in fall, winter, and spring cohorts with each running for a total of 9 sessions. In winter and spring, an afternoon group is added to the schedule.
• Fall – October 17 to December 12, 2026 – Saturdays 9:30am to 1:00pm (3.5hrs/week)
• Winter – January 9 to March 13, 2027 – Saturdays 9:30am to 4:30pm (6.5hrs/week)
• Spring – April 10 to June 12, 2027 – Saturdays 9:30am to 4:30pm (6.5hrs/week)

* With additional hours in October for onboarding and training before the program begins.

**There are no sessions on long weekends.

Remuneration and Benefits

• $30-33/hr for contract work.
• Neuroaffirming and inclusive workplace
• Values-based organization with collaborative peers with a wide range of backgrounds and talents
• Inclusive culture and innovative workplace with opportunity for new approaches and growth

LDS is proud to be a Certified Living Wage Employer in BC!

Location

LDS’ East Vancouver learning centre (3292 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC). Easily accessible by transit (bus and Rupert Skytrain station)

Job type

Contract

Equity

LDS is committed to employment equity and believes that a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve strengthens our ability to achieve our mission. We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, abilities, and with a range of life experiences to apply.

Accessibility

LDS’ East Vancouver location is located on the first floor of the building.