Early Childhood Educator

Hi. We’re Trellis.

Trellis works with young people, adults, families, and communities to unlock their potential and support their growth. We are focused on generational change by providing a spectrum of services for people of all backgrounds, including those with complex needs. Our programs improve access to resources, develop family and community supports and build people’s capacity to deal with life’s challenges.

With our support, people from all walks of life are empowered to move beyond systemic barriers, cultivate great outcomes and reach their full potential. We’re Trellis – and we’re always growing!

Our Values

Our values not only define who we are but also support Trellis to achieve our vision of everyone reaching their full potential.

• Courage: We willingly embrace growth, and don’t see it as optional
• Empathy: We relentlessly care about the growth of others and won’t let anyone go unsupported
• Learning: We choose to grow through uncertainty, even when the status quo feels easier
• Impact: We go beyond what seems doable and prove that growth is possible.

Our Commitments

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion and connectedness, where everyone is welcomed. We believe in creating a workplace that celebrates diversity of our teams, our program participants and reflects the communities we serve.

We are committed to active reconciliation in alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 calls to action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Reconciliation is a highly valued and integrated part of our culture and work. Trellis’ reconciliation journey is intentional with meaningful engagement from team members both collectively and as individuals.

What Trellis Offers

We provide people with meaningful work and are committed to offering equitable total compensation to all staff. This includes the following benefits which start from Day 1 of employment:

• Flexible Health & Wellness Benefits
• RRSP Group Savings Plan based on tenure with Trellis Society
• Free and confidential support through the Employee & Family Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation, Sick Days, Wellness Days and your Work Anniversary off
• Ability to swap statutory holidays for other days of importance to you
• Consistent Training & Development Opportunities
• Diversity and Inclusion embedded into everyday practice.

For more info on Trellis Society, visit www.growwithtrellis.ca or find us at @TrellisYYC on social media.

The Role: Early Childhood Educator (Pre-school)

The Early Childhood Educator will assist in providing the pre-school program for Ready, Set, Go! and Kindergarten before and after school care (KinderCare). The program is play-based and flexible with an emergent curriculum focus, designed to meet the wide range of developmental needs of children and their families.

This is a full time contract role, Monday to Friday (37.5 Hours per week), until end of June, 2027; with a possibility to get re-hired in September, 2027.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

Client Relations

• Relentlessly engage clients while meeting them where they are at.
• Develop programming that reflects a client centered, empathetic, and trauma informed approach.
• Work from a strengths-based perspective, implementing the Natural Support Framework
• Create appropriate boundaries and expectations for clients, being consistent in upholding them.
• Be adaptive to the environment as it changes in real time.
• Handle crisis situations as they arise.
• Establish and maintain professional communication with client’s families and community agencies involved in child and family development.

Program Planning, Development and Implementation

• Provide coverage amongst the classrooms at 3 locations to meet ratio as needed.
• Assist in planning and providing a play based, emergent learning program offering a variety of developmentally appropriate activities for preschool children aged 3-5 years and KinderCare children aged 4-6 years.
• Assisting in the implementation of early literacy activities.
• Model constructive behavior management techniques and positive parenting strategies.
• Model good communication skills and healthy problem-solving strategies.
• Involve family and caregivers in various aspects of the program.
• Collaboratively plan developmentally appropriate activities.
• Understand and ensure that programs meet and maintains Alberta Child Care Licensing Regulations.
• Be aware of and assist in implementation of licensing standards, CAHS illness reporting health and safety protocols and procedures.
• Provide a safe and supportive environment for children and youth and encourage them to express their feelings, needs and desires.
• Maintain appropriate documentation and file records of all participants

Growth, Development and Culture

• Commit to growing and learning with Trellis while holding up the Agency Values, Guiding Principles and Practices.
• Complete all trainings performance reviews, and manager check ins as required by Trellis Policy.
• Commit to foster a culture of Inclusion and Diversity, and Truth and Reconciliation.
• Complete all mandatory trainings per the Trellis Training Matrix.
• Be open to feedback, providing and receiving the feedback, in a safe and supportive way.
• Commitment to continuous education in the programming opportunities available to the individual position and program.
• Willingness to support the Trellis Continuum of services as required.

Knowledge and Skills Expectations

• Level 3 ECE Certification preferred; Level 2 ECE Certification will also be considered.
• A minimum of two years experience working with preschool children and their families
• Strong communication skills, including verbal, written, computer literacy and active listening.
• Knowledge in developmental needs of children and youth including Developmental Relationships, Social Emotional Learning and Natural Supports Framework
• Emotional Intelligence (self-awareness, reflection, and relationship management)
• Culturally competent and an understanding of diversity, issues and/or barriers children and families experience
• Current Standard First Aid CPR Level C.
• Ability to provide a clear Criminal Record Check, with Vulnerable Sector Search, and Intervention record Check.(It will be an asset if available prior to hiring)

Reporting Relationship

This position directly reports to a Trellis Program Manager.

(This position description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities and qualifications for this position. The job description is not intended as inclusive of all duties an individual in this position might be asked to perform or of all qualifications that may be required either now or in the future.)

Join Our Growing Team

The resounding impact we have on individuals and communities is thanks to our network of passionate, open minded and dedicated staff who are committed to the work they do everyday. We’re always growing and we’re looking for passionate people who want to grow with us! People who are eager to make an impact while continuing to grow their expertise.

We appreciate your interest and thank all who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted!