Manager Early Childhood Education

Tla’amin Nation; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tla’amin Nation seeks a dedicated Manager of Early Childhood Education to lead their childcare programs. This role involves managing staff, ensuring quality services for Indigenous children, and fostering a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of early childhood development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years experience in childcare, 2 years in management.
• Experience in a union setting is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee ECE and pre-school programs.
• Ensure programs meet Child Care Licensing Regulations.
• Manage a team of +/- 20 educators and support staff.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Motivational Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Valid ECE Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Tla’amin Nation is a modern, forward thinking, self-governing nation located on the beautiful upper Sunshine Coast (qathet Region).

Position Summary
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours of Work: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday
Reporting to: Director of Education

Department: Education

The Nation is currently looking for a dedicated, energetic, organized and compassionate Manager of Early Childhood Education to join our hard-working team which works collaboratively and diligently to provide strong and continually improving childcare and related support services for Nation children aged 0 to 5 years, and their families.

Our Early Childhood Education Program entails programming in two adjacent buildings – the Child Development Resource Centre and či čuy ʔaye (Children’s House) – provides Provincially Licensed childcare programs (Infant/Toddler, 30 months to School age, Pre-School), as well as a strong Supported Child Development Program and Early Childhood Development Outreach.

Reporting to the Director of Education, this position is responsible for leading the Nation’s early childhood education programming to provide quality, inclusive childcare and support services for young Indigenous children and their families. The Manager has a strong and demonstrated understanding of culturally grounded best practices in early childhood learning and development, and can lead, motivate, train, and coach staff in the delivery of excellence in these areas.

Key Responsibilities

Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Tla’amin laws, regulations, policies, practices and procedures as directed by the Director of Education. Maintains confidentiality as required pertaining to Citizens, children and their families, employees and general matters of the Nation.

Program Management

• Lead and oversee Tla'amin Nation's ECE and pre-school programs, resources, and infrastructure
• Ensure the programs are responsive to community and parent needs, and facilitates parents/caregivers’ involvement
• Ensure positive communication and collaboration with parents/caregivers by all staff at all times
• Lead and coordinate culturally relevant program planning with staff, informed by the latest early childhood development research and local knowledge keepers
• Ensure programs meet all requirements of Child Care Licensing Regulations
• Prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all children and staff, including maintaining efficient emergency response plans and practices
• Ensure programs run effectively and within their budgetary requirements
• Ensure all reporting and funding requirements are met
• Explore any gaps in supports, services, and needed resources for families with young children and develop creative ways to meet those needs
• Liaise and work cooperatively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure strong wrap-around programs and services for Nation families
• Work collaboratively with Public Works and maintenance staff to ensure proper maintenance of both buildings, yards, parking areas, and outbuildings
• Support traditional cultural teachings and practice for children to promote healthy physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual development
• Maintain comprehensive, up-to-date files for each child and staff member, ensuring confidentiality is respected and all necessary forms and consents are complete
• Engage the development and/or review of policies, procedures and standards as required.
• Contribute effectively to grant writing to secure funding for programs and activities
• Oversee the purchasing of healthy foods for the daily lunch and snack programs and other continuously needed resources (diapers, wipes, etc.)
• Provide support and advice to the Director of Education on matters related to ECE, and pre-school development
• Prepare reports as requested by the Ministry or Director

Department Management

• Lead, supervise, hire, train and coach a staff or +/- 20 educators and support staff (administrative assistant, cook, custodian)
  • Communicate effectively and ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities
  • Ensure staff have tools, training, and resources to accomplish their work
  • Ensure that policies and procedures are understood and followed by staff, including safe work practices
  • Foster a respectful, healthy, and safe work environment
  • Hold regular check-ins and performance conversations with team members, offering constructive feedback, celebrating achievements, and supporting growth and improvement when needed
• Maintain familiarity with the Tla’amin/BCGEU Collective Agreement and ensure daily operations align with the agreement including scheduling, staffing and leave management
• Work closely with Human Resources on matters related to grievances or interpretation of the collective agreement
• Facilitate access to professional development opportunities for staff
• Develop and maintain a positive work environment to facilitate collaboration with and staff, including having regular one-on-one check-ins with staff to ensure knowledge of existing issues, needs, and areas
• Facilitate a respectful, proactive conflict resolution process when dealing with challenges and issues that arise
• Welcome and support the integration and growth of practicum students
• Positively represent and promote the interests of Tla’amin Nation in all performance of duties
• Actively participate in work related to the implementation of the Nation’s Comprehensive Nation Plan and related Department of Education work
• Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related a discipline
• Valid ECE Certification
• A minimum of 5 years of experience working in a childcare setting, with 2 years minimum at a management capacity, or a combination of acceptable experience. Experience managing in a union setting is an asset

*Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

• A valid BC driver's license, acceptable driver’s abstract. and reliable transportation
• An acceptable Criminal Record Check, with Vulnerable Sector Check

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience with program planning and development for children up to 5 years of age
• Knowledge of ɬaʔamɩn cultural practices is an asset
• Knowledge of ʔayʔaǰuθəm is an asset
• Demonstrated understanding of the impact of residential schools, the 60's scoop, and the overall impact of colonization on Indigenous communities and families
• Knowledge of child development and of atypical childhood development
• Experience leading meetings
• Experience working in a First Nations community and/or Indigenous organization an asset
• Strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal and motivational skills
• Demonstrated skills in basic accounting practices and managing budgets Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to lead employees with diverse backgrounds and needs and support their development.
• Ability to identify areas of needed improvement and collaboratively address them with relevant staff and partners
• Ability to sustain work and programs with minimal supervision
• Ability to exercise high levels of discretion and decision making
• Ability to prioritize and manage competing work goals
• Ability to professionally represent Tla’amin Nation and its interests at all times

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in an office environment and childcare setting. Occasional travel to attend meetings or training is required. The nature of this position may require employee to work outside regular business hours to accommodate programming timelines.

How to Apply

Please apply by uploading your resume and cover letter to: https://tlaaminfirst.bamboohr.com/careers/227

OR Drop-off/mailAttention:

Human Resources Department

Tla’amin Nation

4779 KlahanieRd

qathet, BC,

V8A 0C4

This posting is open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.