FT Education Assistant (EA) - Child Care

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre(SOAHAC) is a diverse, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency, who has extended its services in the field of early learning and child care. Guided and supported by the Journey Together Indigenous planning committee. SOAHAC is the operator and licensee of Nshwaasnangong.

Nshwaasnangong is a place for Indigenous young children and families to honour, rekindle, and express their identities as Indigenous Peoples; where kindness and compassion helps everyone to have a sense of belonging; where we nurture our well-being, while living in sync with community and all creation; where we engage deeply with questions and possibilities.

The Child Care at Nshwaasnangong offers licensed child care for up to 88 children ages 0-6years of age old. The adjoining Family Centre will be a place to connect with opportunities offered for young children, families and youth-including ceremonies, land-based learning, knowledge exchange and community supports. Nshwaasnangong is located at 449 Hill Street in London, Ontario.

Position Summary

The Educational Assistant (EA) collaborates with team of RECEs and EAs and reports directly to the Centre Manager. They will lead all aspects within their assigned classroom to provide a culturally relevant, childcare curriculum.

The EA is a kind and forward-thinking individual who champions the revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures within the early years. They will ensure a program that is reflective of How Does Learning Happen: Ontario’s pedagogy for the Early Years and falls within the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 and aligns with Nshwaasnangong’s Program Statement.

Requirements

- Post-secondary diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education an asset

- Able to meet the legislative requirements for working in a licensed child care setting

- Obtain/maintain a clean and current vulnerable sector police check as a condition of employment

- Valid government issued driver’s license or access to reliable transportation

- Up-to-date immunization and records

- Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies

Experience and Knowledge

- Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in an Early Childhood Setting

- A demonstrated commitment to language revitalization and reclaiming cultural identities; experience as an Indigenous language learner an asset

- Knowledge of the Indigenous histories, cultures, creation stories, and language of the Indigenous population in the London area

- Knowledge and experience with licensing under the Child Care Early Years Act

- Knowledge of Indigenous pedagogical approaches that support How Does Learning Happen, Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years

- Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Responsibilities

- Brings Nshwaasnangong’s Program Statement to life by reimagining early childhood education and emergent curriculum within an urban Indigenous context

- Collaborates with centre staff to create and maintain a culturally relevant curriculum within their classroom (Infant, Toddler, Preschool)

- Collaborates with the centre staff to create a flexible daily schedule for their classroom (Infant, Toddler, Preschool)

- Collaborates with the entire team, other RECE’s and EAs to review curriculum, share ideas, assess curriculum and support a positive atmosphere of teamwork

- Initiates respectful and culturally safe relationships with families, community partners, helpers, Elders and Language keepers

- Maintains a healthy and safe environment

- Keeps up-to-date on relevant information as it concerns early childhood education and maintains their registry with the College of Early Childhood Educators

This job may require additional responsibilities and duties as assigned by Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre.

SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants(please self-identify). SOAHAC is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation to apply or if selected to participate in an assessment process, please advise Human Resources.

If you are interested in applying for this position, please forward your cover letter and resume to careers@soahac.on.ca.