Early Learning and Pedagogical Mentor

Position: Early Learning and Pedagogical Mentor

Department: Kookum's Place Daycare

Classification: Full or Part Time/Contract

Application Deadline: Until Filled

Who We Are

NETES is a not-for-profit Indigenous organization supporting the success of Indigenous people in Winnipeg. We offer adult education, skills training and employment services, along with wrap-around services such as daycare, student housing, and health and wellness programming. Rooted in community, respect, and Indigenous values, our work helps build a strong, thriving Indigenous community.

To Lead, Inspire and Grow: Indigenous-Centred Early Learning and Child Care

The Opportunity

Kookum’s Place is an Indigenous-led, community-centred early learning program dedicated to supporting children and families through relationship-based care that honours Indigenous culture, values, and ways of knowing. Our approach is rooted in respect, connection, and belonging, with a strong emphasis on play-based and land-based learning.

We are seeking an experienced ECE III or higher-level Early Childhood Education professional. The Pedagogical Mentor provides strong day-to-day leadership, mentorship, and professional guidance to Early Childhood Educators (ECE IIs) and Child Care Assistants (CCAs). Working directly alongside staff in the child care environment, the Mentor supports educators in providing high-quality, responsive, play-based learning experiences that promote children's development, well-being, and sense of belonging.

This position has a strong focus on strengthening educator practice through coaching, modelling, observation, feedback, and hands-on support. The Pedagogical Mentor helps staff understand how everyday interactions, routines, environments, and activities can be used intentionally to support children's learning and development.

The Mentor works collaboratively with centre leadership and other team members to promote consistent, effective child care practices and a positive learning environment for children, families, and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership, coaching, and ongoing mentorship to ECE IIs and CCAs.
• Work directly alongside educators in classrooms to model effective early learning and child care practices.
• Guide staff in planning and delivering meaningful, age-appropriate, play-based learning experiences.
• Support educators in understanding children's individual developmental needs, interests, strengths, and learning styles.
• Help staff create engaging learning environments that encourage exploration, creativity, independence, positive relationships, and development.
• Observe educator practices and provide constructive feedback, practical guidance, and follow-up support.
• Mentor new and developing staff to build confidence, consistency, and professional skills.
• Support educators in positive behaviour guidance, relationship building, communication, classroom routines, and transitions.
• Assist staff in connecting observations of children to program planning and learning opportunities.
• Identify individual and team training needs and help coordinate or deliver relevant professional development.
• Reinforce centre policies, licensing requirements, professional standards, health and safety practices, and expectations for quality child care.
• Encourage reflective practice and continuous improvement among educators.
• Support respectful relationships with children, families, colleagues, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members.
• Work with centre leadership to address areas where additional coaching, training, or staff support may be required.

Qualifications

• ECE III classification in Manitoba, or a higher or related qualification acceptable for the position.
• Significant experience working in licensed early learning and child care environments.
• Knowledge of Manitoba early learning and child care legislation, licensing requirements, and quality standards.
• Knowledge of child development, early childhood education principles, and effective approaches to supporting children’s learning and development.
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous approaches to learning, cultural teachings, and land-based learning, or a demonstrated commitment to continuing to develop this knowledge.

Experience and Skills

• Demonstrated experience mentoring, coaching, training, supervising, or providing professional guidance to Early Childhood Educators and Child Care Assistants.
• Strong ability to model effective early learning practices and provide practical, hands-on guidance to educators.
• Ability to observe educator practice, identify areas for development, and provide constructive feedback in a respectful and supportive manner.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong observation, problem-solving, and program-development skills.
• Experience developing or delivering staff training and professional development is an asset.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with educators, centre leadership, families, community partners, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while functioning independently as a senior professional resource.
• Ability to support continuous improvement in program quality, educator practice, and children’s learning experiences.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead an Indigenous-centred program grounding in culture, community, and relationships.
• A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Meaningful work that positively impacts children, families, and community.
• Competitive salary, based on qualifications and experience and a benefit package.
• Flexible engagement options to suit experienced ECE III professionals, including full-time employment or a professional services contract. We welcome experienced ECEs, consultants, instructors, and retired or semi-retired professionals who are interested in contributing their expertise through mentorship, training, program development, and specialized early learning support.

Join us in creating a place where children thrive, families belong, and Indigenous ways of knowing are honoured every day.

Additional Requirements

NETES requires a satisfactory Criminal Record Check, with a Vulnerable Sector Check, and a Child and Adult Abuse Registry Check prior to the start of employment. All checks must be dated within three (3) months of the employee’s start date.

Apply in person, online at netes.ca/jobs or by email at [email protected]. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

NETES is committed to equity and inclusion in employment. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous candidates in alignment with our organizational mandate and the communities we serve.