Senior Early Childhood Educator - Mission Childcare Center

Growing Roots / tsi'semlomet / Nutr Raašin Aahkikinwaa Early Learning & Child Care:
"We respectfully acknowledge that this centre is located on the unceded, ancestral territories of the Stó:lō Nation, including the Leq’á:mel, Matheqwí, and Sq’éwlets First Nations. As a Métis-led centre, we honour and thank the caretakers of this land."

About us:

Growing Roots is a no-fee, Métis-led early learning program offering 8 infant/toddler and 16 preschool spaces located on the school grounds of West Heights Elementary School in Mission, BC on the lands of the Stó:lō People. Fully funded by Métis Nation BC and supported by the Mission School District and Fraser Valley Métis Association, we provide culturally rich, play-based care grounded in Métis values for Métis, First Nations, Inuit, and community children.

We believe children are sacred gifts from the Creator. Our nurturing environment fosters resilience, cultural pride, and strong relationships with caring adults.

Job Summary:

As a Senior Early Childhood Educator, you’ll lead a team in delivering inclusive, culturally grounded programming for children aged 0–5. You’ll support children’s development through play, connection, and community collaboration.

Reports To: Childcare Facility Manager (Mission)

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Welcome families and guide them through our program philosophy and goals
• Plan and lead culturally responsive, developmentally appropriate activities
• Create individualized and group learning experiences based on children’s interests
• Attends to the children’s physical and emotional needs including diapering, toileting, eating, sleeping, comforting and co-regulation.
• Collaborate with specialists to support children with diverse needs
• Maintain records, support transitions to school, and ensure licensing compliance
• Foster strong relationships with families and community partners
• Ensure a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment
• Collaborate with a Métis Nation of BC pedagogist
• Collaborate with Elders and Knowledge Keepers
• Communicate with families and support ECE Assistants as needed
• With Manager, recommends referrals or additional services for children, and works in consultation with professionals such as behavioural therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists.

Qualifications, Education and Experience:

• Early Childhood Education Diploma (required)
• Infant and Toddler Educator certificate (required)
• Special Needs Early Childhood Educator certificate (required)
• Valid BC Early Childhood Educator registration (required)
• Current Childcare First Aid/CPR and FoodSafe certification (required)
• Minimum two years of experience in recent related experience (required)

Job Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of BC Early Learning Framework, Métis Early Learning Framework, Indigenous Early Learning Framework
• Knowledge of BC Child Care Licensing Regulations and ability to plan and practice in accordance with them
• Understanding of Métis/Indigenous cultures and urban Indigenous child and family needs
• Strong communication, leadership, and collaboration skills
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and manage physical demands of the role
• Knowledge of Michif or other Indigenous languages an asset

Additional Information:

This position requires the ability to function independently while managing the multiple needs of young children, working collaboratively with other adults, including effectively managing all situations, including emergencies. Program delivery activities may require a moderate level of physical fitness to effectively carry out the duties of the position.

Other Requirements:

Criminal Record Check (vulnerable sector).

Core Competencies

Indigenous Relations Behavioural Competency:

• Cultural Agility is the ability to work respectfully, knowledgeably, and effectively with Indigenous people. It is noticing and readily adapting to cultural uniqueness in order to create a sense of safety for all. It is openness to unfamiliar experiences, transforming feelings of nervousness or anxiety into curiosity and appreciation. It is examining one's own culture and worldview, and the culture of Métis Family Services, and to notice their commonalities, and distinctions with Indigenous cultures, and worldviews. It is recognition of the ways that personal and professional values may conflict or align with those of Indigenous people. It is the capacity to relate to or allow for differing cultural perspectives and being willing to experience a personal shift in perspective. Effectively to other people from diverse backgrounds with diverse views.

Additional Behavioural Competencies

• Teamwork and cooperation is the ability to work co-operatively with diverse teams, work groups, and across the organization to achieve group and organizational goals. It includes the desire and ability to understand and respond effectively to other people from diverse backgrounds with diverse views.
• Flexibility is the ability and willingness to adapt to and work effectively within a variety of diverse situations, and with diverse individuals or groups. Flexibility entails understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives on an issue, adapting one’s approach as situations change and accepting changes within one’s own job or organization.
• Reflecting on difficulties is the ability to critically assess how one’s values, beliefs, ethics and culture influence decisions and relationships. An ability to demonstrate exemplary behaviour and curiosity regarding the perspectives of others results in appropriate boundaries and insightful practice.
• Service orientation implies a desire to identify and serve customers/clients, who may include the public, co-workers, other branches, other ministries/agencies, other government organizations, and non-government organizations. It means focusing one's efforts on discovering and meeting the needs of the customer/client.

Wages: $30.50 per hour (**not eligible for wage enhancement under this funding model**)

Benefits:

• Signing bonus plus retention incentives
• 100% paid individual benefits
• 35-40 hours per week
• Paid sick time / vacation
• Staffing hours between 7:30 am and 5:30 pm, M-F
• Circle of Security Classroom training provided
• Cultural training and learning opportunities
• Supportive, values-driven team
• Municipal Pension Plan (MPP)
• Paid professional development available

Start date: As soon as possible.

Please apply for this position from our Career Opportunities website by looking for this specific job position and then clicking on the "Apply Now" button.

Métis Family Services thanks all applicants for their interest in this career opportunity; however, only those considered for the position will be contacted. No telephone inquiries please.