Early Childhood Educator – Full Time

As an Early Childhood Educator, you are energetic, warm and caring.
You are creative and always coming up with new ways to engage children.
You are passionate about community and want to help grow strong Indigenous children.

Wabano is seeking positive, community-minded team members who are energized by challenge and motivated to serve our community.

The Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health is an award-winning Health Access Centre that provides holistic health services to First Nation, Inuit and Métis people living in Ottawa – one of the fastest growing and diverse urban Indigenous communities in Canada. Wabano is a fast-paced, client-oriented organization that models the Indigenous values of balance, respect and community interdependence. Wabano is proud to be accredited through the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, a third-party review based on accepted organizational practices that promote ongoing quality improvement and responsive, effective community services.

Purpose of Position

The Early Childhood Educator will engage children and families in child development activities through connection to culture, play, nutrition, and physical activity.

Responsibilities

• Create, implement and coordinate culturally appropriate play groups for children and their families;
• Engage traditional knowledge keepers to deliver traditional dance, song, drumming and storytelling appropriate for early years’ development;
• Establish and carry out activity schedules that incorporate child directed activity, routines, transition times;
• Coordinate outings, ceremonies and celebrations for the program;
• Organize space, equipment and materials before activities;
• Assist children in expressing themselves by listening and responding with questions or comments that extend conversations;
• Ensure guidance of children’s behaviour that encourages positive self-concept and identity growth;
• Ensure the children’s environment is healthy and safe;
• Positively communicate with parents and families, children and youth;
• Promote program at community events and other promotional opportunities;
• Provide information, education and referrals to other Wabano services as appropriate;
• Prepare food for program group as required.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary completion in Early Childhood Education;
• Two years of experience working with children ages 0-4;
• Knowledge of and appreciation for Indigenous culture;
• Experience in planning activities and organizing schedules for children’s programs;
• Ability to be energetic, resilient and maintain a sense of humour when personal resources are challenged;
• A high degree of personal initiative with good planning and organization skills;
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of the Early Years team, facilitating a team environment through personal behaviour, work contributions and the sharing of expertise and knowledge;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint;
• Ability to stand, bend, crouch, lift, participate in indoor and outdoor activities.

Specifications 

• Successful applicants will be required to submit a clear criminal reference check to work with vulnerable population;