FT RECE - Family Centre

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 are the operators 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

The Registered Early Childhood Educator (Family Centre) will support the Nshwaasnangong Family Centre.  The individual will develop and implement child care programs that support and promote the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children while respecting and enhancing their culture and language.

Reporting to the Centre Manager, the Early Childhood Educator will represent Nshwaasnangong Child Care and Family Centre in the community with families and partners.  

Requirements

· Two year Early Childhood Education Diploma/equivalent

· Registration with the College of Early Childhood Education

· Valid Ontario Driver’s “G” license; clean driver’s abstract, as well as, proof of personal auto insurance (must be insured a minimum of 3 years and in good standing)

· Maintain current and satisfactory vulnerable sector police check

· Up-to-date immunizations and records

· First Aid & CPR Certificates;

· Must be available for evening and/or weekend meetings or programming.

· Willingness to participate in ongoing Indigenous training, teachings and ceremonies

Experience and Knowledge

· 1 year working in a child care setting/Early On Family Centre or similar experience;

· Practical knowledge of How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years;

· Knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures, creation stories, and languages of the Indigenous population in the London area;

· Genuinely committed to helping children and families learn;

· A clear and solid understanding of the issues faced by the urban Indigenous community;

· Experience working in community;

· Demonstrated customer service and facilitation skills;

· Demonstrated verbal, written and communication skills;

· Proficient with the use of computers including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and internet usage, as well as any relevant educational software(s).

· Experience working in a First Nation community or Indigenous organization is considered an asset

· Fluency in an Indigenous language considered an asset

Responsibilities

· Plan and initiate an environment that promotes Language and Culture of the local indigenous population that protects the health, security and well-being of children

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

· Knowledge of Indigenous pedagogical approaches that support “How Does Learning Happen? ”Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years

· Assess the abilities, interests and needs of children

· Establish guidelines for behavior

· Engage children in activities by telling stories, teaching songs and promoting creativity through media of art, dramatic play, music and physical activity

· Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with co-workers and community service providers working with children

· Observe children for signs of potential learning or behavioral problems and prepare reports for parents, guardians or Supervisor

· Guide and assist children in the development of proper eating, dressing and toilet habits

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 before the closing date to careers@soahac.on.ca.