Contract Supply Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE)

Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre (SOAHAC) is a diverse, multiservice Indigenous health and wellness agency, who has recently embarked on a new initiative and 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 0-6 years of age old. The adjoining Family Centre is 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

Nshwaasnangong’s team of RECEs collaborate together to provide a culturally rich, inclusive early learning environment and report directly to the Child Care Manager. The Supply RECE fills in for team members who are unable to report to work.

The Supply RECE is a kind and forward-thinking individual who champions the revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures within the early years. They will assist with the implementation of 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

• Early Childhood Education diploma or relevant education and/or experience
• A demonstrated commitment to inclusivity and promoting the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children
• A demonstrated commitment to 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
• Must be 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
• Access to reliable transportation
• Up-to-date immunization and records
• Willingness to participate in Indigenous Cultural Safety Training, teachings and ceremonies
• Current First Aid and CPR certification

Responsibilities

• Brings Nshwaasnangong’s Program Statement to life by reimagining early childhood education and emergent curriculum within an urban Indigenous context
• Collaborates with the early learning team to implement a culturally relevant curriculum within the classroom (Infant, Toddler, Preschool)
• Collaborates with the entire team; RECEs and Educational Assistants to share ideas, assist in curriculum implementation and support a positive atmosphere of teamwork
• Develops and maintains 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

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

Please note that this is a casual, on-call position. This position may be required to work 0-37.75 hours per week, based on need. Salary is subject to experience.

*The Wage Enhancement Grant (currently $2.00 per hour) is a provincial wage subsidy is provided to educators and front-line staff working in licensed child care centres in Ontario.

**The Canada-Wide Early Learning Child Care wage increase (currently $1.00/hour, to a maximum $25.00/hour total hourly wage) is a national wage increase provided to Registered Early Childhood Educators working a child care centres in Canada. Such grants are subject to Ministry guidelines and regulations.

SOAHAC values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer; however, hiring preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants. 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.

‍