NMES - Lead Early Childhood Educator

Province of Nova Scotia Regional Centres for Education; New Minas; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education is seeking a Lead Early Childhood Educator for the Pre-primary Program. The LECE will provide leadership, collaborate with ECE staff and families, and implement the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework to ensure a high-quality learning environment.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with 3+ years of preschool experience, or a 2-year diploma with 5 years of experience.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Experience with 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Pre-primary Program Team and ensure development, assessment and delivery of high-quality early learning experiences.
• Collaborate with ECE staff, families and community-based professionals to support children’s learning.
• Implement Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework and related policies.
• Ensure holistic development and well-being of children through inclusive practices.
• Act as active school team member, coordinating with the Pre-Primary Facilitator and principal.

Skills

Play-based pedagogy

Observation & assessment

Interpersonal & communication skills

Inclusion & diversity

Report writing

First Aid

Food Handlers

Computer skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education

Early Childhood Education Diploma (2-year)

Tools

N/A

Job description

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Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education

New Minas Elementary School

Lead Early Childhood Educator - 7 hours per day

2026-2027 School Year

Closing date for applications: October 19, 2026 at midnight

Starting Wages

Lead Early Childhood Educator - $30.26 per hour

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

This position is subject to the Annual Layoff/Recall Process as per Articles 29 & 30 of the Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU) Local 73 Collective Agreement.

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 collaborationwith 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 withthe 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.

At the Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible environment for all candidates. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know. We will work with you to meet your needs. To request accommodations, please contact Kelsey Ogilvie, Human Resources Manager at [e-mail] or [phone]. All information provided will be kept confidential and used solely to provide an accessible candidate experience.

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.