Join the Hulitan Family!
Hulitan Family and Community Services Society is a unique Indigenous non-profit located in the Westshore Community of Southern Vancouver Island. Our mission is to preserve, unify and advocate for Indigenous families by supporting healing and fostering resilience through culturally rooted programs, services, and collaboration with community partners. Hulitan empowers Indigenous families and future generations, walking alongside them and using the cultural principles of Respect, Connectedness, Humility, and Integrity.
We are excited to be opening an Early Years Centre September 2024 that will include an Aboriginal HeadStart Childcare Program with 48 childcare spaces for Indigenous children, a before and after school care, our Journeys of the Heart Program, and Family Support Program.
Position Description
We are seeking 4 Early Childhood Educators with their Infant Toddler Certification to join our family within our Aboriginal HeadStart Program. Practicing with a trauma informed lens the Infant Toddler Educators (ITEs) will work collaboratively with Early Childhood Educators and Assistants, the Program Coordinator, and support staff to implement culturally rooted programming and support the overall well being of Indigenous children in our infant toddler classrooms. Our ITEs will support the six components of Aboriginal Headstart: Culture and Language, Education and School Readiness, Health Promotion, Nutrition, Parent and Family Involvement, and Social Support.
Responsibilities
With support and guidance from Early Childhood Educators, Infant Toddler Workers, ECEAs will:
- Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all children in the program, following relevant policies, procedures, and regulations, and promoting active play, rest, learning, and nutrition.
- Provide attentive and responsive care to infants and toddlers, ensuring their safety, comfort, and well-being, and foster secure attachments and positive relationships with children and families.
- Implement culturally rooted activities that support the holistic development of the children, incorporating traditional teachings, language, and practices.
- Foster a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that promotes the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child, respecting their individual strengths, needs, and interests.
- In collaboration with classroom educators, conduct ongoing observations and assessments of children’s development, and classroom and peer engagement to inform individualized planning and support. Communicate any concerns or areas of development that arise, and support interventions and referrals as needed.
- Support children with healthy nutrition and hygiene habits (toileting/diapering, hand washing, changing soiled clothing, trying foods, eating, and listening to body cues) through role modeling, education, supportive guidance, and assistance.
- Ensure the direct supervision of all children during program and remain aware of any safety concerns, staff ratio, and transitions/pick-ups/drop-offs of children (ensuring that child/staff ratios meet program and licensing standards).
- Honour Parents and Caregivers as the first teachers of their children through relationship building, seeking feedback, and inviting participation in our programs.
- Collaborate with families, Elders, and community members to involve them in the children’s learning experiences and to support cultural continuity both within the program and at home.
- Work collaboratively with other staff members, Elders, educators, and support staff, to create a cohesive and supportive team environment that prioritizes the needs and interests of the children and families we serve.
- Engage in ongoing professional development opportunities to build on knowledge and skills in early childhood education, Indigenous culture, trauma-informed care, and other relevant areas.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
The successful candidate will possess experience that will satisfy all or most of the following:
- Strong understanding of the unique needs of infants and toddlers, early childhood growth and development, teaching and learning strategies, the practice of guiding children’s behavior, and an ability to provide/willingness to learn to provide early childhood education and activities that are culturally rooted.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the traditional territories that you will be practicing on, respect for Indigenous cultures, and a willingness to learn.
- Commitment to continual work and reflection on decolonizing practice in work with children and families and speak to the actions you are taking.
- Understanding of the provincial acts as they relate to children, youth, and families.
- Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships and communication with children, peers, families, and community members.
- Knowledge of trauma informed practice and values that align with creating an inclusive environment.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
The successful candidate will possess education and experience that will satisfy all the following:
- Valid certification with the BC Early Childhood Registry: Early Learning and Care Diploma, Early Childhood Education Diploma or Certificate, and Certification as an Infant Toddler Educator.
- Experience working with Indigenous children and families, preferably in a licensed early childhood setting is an asset.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and community members.
- A current and valid first aid certificate with infant and child CPR (or be willing to obtain one as part of the training before commencing work).
- Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening clearance (or willingness to obtain).
- Provide record of immunization status.
What We Give in Return:
We recognize the importance of family and wellness while doing this challenging work. Staff at Hulitan have 15 vacation days yearly, 12 sick days yearly, and an additional 6 sick days for those with children under the age of 12. In addition, you have access to support from our resident Elder and our Cultural Connections Coordinator and frequent opportunity for ongoing training. A comprehensive benefits package and RRSP contribution of 4% of your annual salary are provided for all permanent staff working 21 hours per week or more. Hulitan Early Years staff receive reflective supervision once per month and frequent team and peer check-ins. We offer a supportive collaborative environment that fosters personal growth, and lasting connections.
Pursuant to Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry
Please submit your resume and cover letter attention to:
Sarah McDonald, Manager of Early Years
Email: smcdonald@hulitan.ca
Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Closing date is June 14th, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.
Starting wage is $30.00 per hour. In addition to this wage, you will receive the Early Childhood Educator Wage Enhancement of $6.00/hr.
