Headstart Teacher Assistant for Stoney Health Services

Stoney Nakoda First Nation; Morley; Hybrid; CAD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Stoney Health Services is seeking a Headstart Teacher Assistant to support a culturally grounded, play-based early childhood program at the Aboriginal Headstart facility and community venues in Mînî Thnî, Alberta.

You will work with the Headstart Coordinator, educators, families, and partners to promote development across physical, social, emotional, language, and cultural domains while fostering school readiness and cultural identity.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of child development and early childhood education principles.
• Understanding of First Nations Head Start philosophy, guidelines, and standards.
• Commitment to Indigenous wellness, culture, language revitalization, and family engagement.

Responsibilities

• Assist Headstart Educators in planning, preparing, and implementing culturally appropriate programming.
• Support learning experiences that promote language, curiosity, and school readiness.
• Supervise children during activities and ensure safety, including outdoor/land-based learning.
• Observe development and communicate milestones to Headstart Educator/Coordinator.
• Support family engagement and community outreach activities.

Skills

Child development knowledge

First Nations Head Start philosophy

Indigenous culture understanding

Working with young children

Confidentiality & boundaries

Behaviour guidance

Education

ECE Level 1/2 preferred

First Aid Certification (Standard)

BLS considered asset

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Headstart Teacher Assistant for Stoney Health Services

Job Title Headstart Teacher Assistant

Job Location Aboriginal Headstart Pre-school facility and community venues located in Mînî Thnî, Alberta.

Job ID #

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Headstart Teacher Assistant works collaboratively with the Headstart Coordinator, Headstart Teacher, Stoney Health Services teams, families, and community partners to support the delivery of a culturally grounded, play-based early childhood program for Stoney Nakoda children. The incumbent assists in creating a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment that promotes children’s physical, emotional, social, cognitive, spiritual, and cultural development.

The ultimate goals of the position are to enhance school readiness, strengthen cultural identity, support healthy child development, and foster positive relationships with families and the Stoney community.

ACCOUNTABILITY: Reports to the Manager of Headstart and Family Resource Network.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Program Support:
  • Assist Headstart Educators in planning, preparing, and implementing culturally appropriate, developmentally appropriate programming and daily activities.
  • Support the delivery of learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, language development, problem solving, social interaction, and school readiness.
  • Assist with structured and unstructured play activities, including indoor, outdoor, and land-based learning experiences.
  • Encourage children’s participation in storytelling, music, art, traditional teachings, language activities, dramatic play, and cultural experiences.
  • Support activities that foster self-esteem, self-awareness, respect for self and others, and pride in Stoney Nakoda culture and community.
  • Assist with integrating Stoney language, culture, traditions, and community values into daily programming.
  • Participate in community events, cultural celebrations, and program outings.
• Child Care and Development:
  • Assist in supervising children during classroom activities, outdoor play, meals, field trips, transportation, and rest periods.
  • Support children in developing physical, emotional, cognitive, language, social, and self-help skills.
  • Attend to children’s daily physical needs including toileting, hygiene, eating, dressing, and rest.
  • Observe children’s development and communicate concerns, observations, or milestones to the Headstart Educator or Coordinator.
  • Assist in adapting activities and environments to support children with diverse developmental or special needs.
  • Promote positive behaviour guidance practices in a respectful and non-violent environment.
• Health, Safety and Nutrition:
  • Ensure children’s safety and well-being at all times.
  • Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, healthy, and safe learning environment.
  • Support the preparation, serving, and promotion of nutritious snacks and meals, including traditional foods when appropriate.
  • Follow all infection prevention and control practices, emergency procedures, and occupational health and safety requirements.
  • Report safety concerns, incidents, hazards, equipment concerns, or maintenance issues promptly
• Family and Community Engagement:
  • Welcome and support families in participating in Headstart activities and events.
  • Maintain respectful, professional, and culturally safe relationships with children, families, Elders, and community partners.
  • Support family engagement initiatives, home visits, parent education activities, and community outreach opportunities as directed.
  • Promote a family-centered approach that recognizes parents and caregivers as a child’s first and most important teachers.
• Documentation and Administrative Support:
  • Maintain records, attendance forms, developmental observations, andother required documentation.
  • Assist with preparing program materials, classroom resources, and activity supplies.
  • Maintain confidentiality and accurate documentation in accordance with Headstart standards and SHS policies.
  • Perform clerical duties related to program operations, including filing, inventory tracking, phone communication, and reporting activities.
• Participate as a member of the Stoney Health Services team in:
  • Quality Improvement initiatives;
  • Risk Management activities; o Occupational Health and Safety programs;
  • Accreditation activities;
  • Program development and evaluation activities;
  • Team meetings, training, and staff development opportunities;
  • Community education, outreach, and health promotion initiatives;
  • Strategic planning and operational development activities.
• Develop and maintain positive collaborative relationships with internal and external partners.
• Act as an ambassador for Headstart and Stoney Health Services.
• Comply with all applicable SHS, First Nations Head Start, and Stoney Tribal Administration policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Carry out other related duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of child development and early childhood education principles.
• Understanding of First Nations Head Start philosophy, guidelines, and standards.
• Knowledge of Indigenous culture, traditions, and community-based practices.
• Experience working with children ages birth to six years preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully with children, families, Elders, and community partners.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to support positive behaviour guidance and child-centered learning approaches.
• Basic computer skills relevant to the position.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Member of the Stoney community preferred.
• Reliable transportation to and from work (Condition of Employment).
• Current Class 4 Alberta Driver’s Licence and clean driver’s abstract preferred.
• Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (Condition of Employment).

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Level 1 or 2 certifications preferred.
• Early childhood education coursework, certificate, or equivalent experience considered an asset.
• Current Standard First Aid Certification (Required).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification considered an asset.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and participation in training related to early childhood development, Indigenous wellness, culture, language revitalization, and family engagement.

While preference is given to candidate(s) with the listed credentials and experience, Stoney Tribal Administrationis open to recruiting candidates of varying educational backgrounds and experience. If you feel you have the right attitude and drive, there will be opportunity for training and professional development to the successful candidate.

Stoney Nakoda Nations adheres to Section 1-9 of the Aboriginal Employee Preference Policy for candidate shortlisting and displacement. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.