NMES - Lead Early Childhood Educator

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

Job summary

A regional educational authority in Nova Scotia is seeking a Lead Early Childhood Educator. The role involves creating supportive learning environments for preschool children, implementing educational frameworks, and collaborating with a team. Candidates need a relevant degree and experience, alongside strong interpersonal skills and First Aid certification. This position offers competitive wages and a commitment to inclusive education.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Bachelor's degree or two-year Early Childhood Education Diploma.
• Minimum of three years recent experience with preschool-aged children.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain engaging learning environments.
• Implement the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework.
• Collaborate with the school team to ensure high-quality learning experiences.

Skills

Understanding of child growth and development

Child-centered learning practices

Observation and assessment strategies

Experience with diverse backgrounds

Communication skills

Computer skills for report writing

Standard First Aid certification

Food Handlers Course

Education

Bachelor's degree in early childhood education

Early Childhood Education Diploma

Job description

Annapolis Valley Regional Centre for Education

New Minas Elementary School

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

Start date: October 27, 2025

Closing date for applications: October 17, 2025 at midnight

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

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.

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.