Early Childhood Educator or Infant and Toddler Educator

Position Type: Full-time – 40hrs/week

Hourly Rate: ECE Certification: $29.00 hourly ($23.00 + $6 ECEWE); ITE Certification: $31.00 hourly ($25.00 + $6 ECEWE)

*the ECEWE top-up from the Provincial Government is separate from your base wage as it is offered directly from the provincial government. If the ECE_WE program is cancelled or Fernwood NH is unable to participate, your total wage will be your base wage.

Location: Fernwood Neighbourhood House, 1240 Gladstone Avenue, Victoria, BC

Hours: Permanent, full-time position, Monday-Friday. Scheduled shifts may fall between 7:15 am - 5:30 pm.

About Fernwood Neighbourhood House (FNH)

Fernwood Neighbourhood House (FNH) is a vibrant, multi-service organization working on the unceded ləkʔəŋən (Lekwungen) lands in Victoria, BC. We’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive, resilient, and connected community by providing a wide range of programs for all ages, from childcare and family support to food security initiatives, intergenerational programs, and community events that celebrate our diverse neighborhood. Our work prioritizes equity, centers the voices of marginalized and racialized people, and aims to create a welcoming environment for everyone who calls Fernwood home. 

Position Overview

The role of an Early Childhood or Infant Toddler Educator goes beyond mere duties; it embodies a collection of pivotal responsibilities dedicated to nurturing a child's development and overall well-being. This encompasses not only active participation in daily programming but also extends to offering invaluable support to families. The educator will deliver high quality care in accordance with our philosophy while developing and implementing developmentally appropriate emergent curriculum, while ensuring the health and safety of all children are met through Child Care Licensing Regulations and Fernwood Neighbourhood House Child Care policies.

As we set out to find the ideal candidate, a fundamental aspect we greatly value is a sincere connection with our family-centered approach. This individual would also encompass a profound passion for creating inclusive child care spaces and emergent curriculum. Furthermore, qualities of patience, genuine enthusiasm, and a collaborative team spirit are not just qualities we seek, but integral traits that lay the foundation for success in this position.

Key Responsibilities

Child Development & Programming

• Plan, implement, and assess developmentally appropriate, play-based activities.
• Maintain a balanced daily schedule with active/quiet, indoor/outdoor, and individual/group experiences.
• Support children's social-emotional development by identifying and labeling emotions.
• Use observations to expand play and adapt activities to individual needs.
• Implement the Early Learning Framework in programming.

Child Guidance & Emotional Support

• Foster positive behaviour guidance through redirection, positive reinforcement, and clear expectations.
• Set reasonable behaviour expectations aligned with the centre’s philosophy and policies.
• Address unsafe behaviours respectfully and support self-regulation.

Health, Safety & Supervision

• Ensure children's well-being through active supervision and a safe, clean environment.
• Follow health protocols, including diapering, toileting, and eating routines.
• Administer medications when needed and maintain accurate health records.
• Report all accidents, injuries, and illnesses following centre procedures and government regulations.
• Release children only to authorized individuals.

Environment & Daily Care Routines

• Create and maintain inclusive, engaging and emergent learning spaces.
• Encourage and support self-help skills and meaningful interactions with children.
• Assist with cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing materials and spaces.

Communication & Collaboration

• Build positive relationships professional with families, children, and coworkers.
• Share daily updates with families and contribute to team discussions.

Professionalism & Centre Operations

• Follow licensing requirements and centre policies.
• Maintain professionalism, and confidentiality in all interactions.
• Attend staff meetings, maintain punctuality, carry out assigned responsibilities and other duties as needed.

Working Conditions

• Ability to lift and move chairs, cots, mats, etc. (up to 30lbs).
• Ability to work positively in a busy and loud environment.
• Ability to work outside in a variety of weather conditions.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time, run occasionally, crouch and bend frequently.

Qualifications

• Current BC ECE or ITE Certificate.
• Current First Aid Certified.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong family centered lens.
• Minimum 1 year of experience working in licensed Childcare Programs.
• Ability to work collaboratively in team settings and work positively in a shared work environment.
• Ability to problem-solve, prioritize tasks, and take initiative.
• An understanding of and commitment to the importance of client confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to follow instructions, take initiative in completing assigned tasks, and remain accountable for actions, outcomes, and work quality.
• Professional, adaptable, and responsive, with a proactive to work and collaboration.

Additional Assets

• SNE Certification.
• Proficiency in languages other than English.
• Experience building professional, trusting relationships with parents, caregivers, and/or young children
• Experience in Trauma informed training
• Familiar with, or ability to quickly gain familiarity with, BC Child Care Licensing Regulations.

Other Requirements

Candidates who progress through our selection process will be required to provide the following before an employment agreement is finalized.

• Must provide a record of immunization status for childcare licensing.
• Must provide two professional references.
• All employees within Fernwood NRG require a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check upon being hired.

Unionized Position

Fernwood Neighbourhood House is a unionized workplace, and this position is part of the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU). We are currently negotiating our first collective agreement. The compensation package for this role reflects current wages and benefits, with adjustments anticipated once the collective agreement is finalized.

Please note that following the ratification of the collective agreement, union dues will be deducted from employees' pay in accordance with the terms outlined in the collective agreement and BCGEU policies.

Fernwood Neighbourhood House is committed to equitable hiring practices and values diversity. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experiences of structural inequity, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, LGBTQ2IA+ individuals, and those living with disabilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $29.00-$31.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person