SRCE-25-519, CECGA, Term Lead Early Childhood Educator

The Strait Regional (0052) invites applications from qualified candidates for the posted vacancy.  In accordance with the CUPE (3100) Collective Agreement , senior qualified candidates will be given preference. Candidates who apply for more than one position, may rank their applications in order of preference. Please also indicate if you wish to be considered for subsequent arising vacancies.

As part of the public education system in Nova Scotia, the Strait Regional Centre for Education (SRCE) was established on April 1, 2018, to deliver the public school program focusing on supporting student learning, achievement, well-being and overall success.  The Strait Regional Centre for Education, with the support of approximately 1,050 employees, works diligently to achieve its mission “to empower our children and youth, within safe, equitable and inclusive environments to embrace a changing world as responsible, contributing and successful lifelong learners.”  In 2023-2024, the SRCE operates 20 schools with approximately 5,954 students; and approximately 369 children are attending pre-primary programs at 14 school locations.  Located in the northeastern part of Nova Scotia, the Strait Regional Centre for Education’s jurisdiction encompasses the counties of Antigonish, Guysborough, Inverness and Richmond, an area of approximately 11,000 square kilometres with a population of 53,742 (Census 2021).

The Lead Early Childhood Educator  falls within the CUPE Local 955 job classification. Salary and Benefits information for this position can be accessed by clicking this link  CUPE Local 955 Collective Agreement.

Work Schedule: 7 hr/day 

Deadline for Applications:  04/04/2025,  at 11:59 pm.

Effective Dates:   04/07/2025   to  09/04/2025 (may be extended dependant on the return of the incumbent)

Lead Early Childhood Educator - Pre-primary Program

The Lead ECE reports to the school Principal and is responsible for collaborating with Pre-primary staff to implement the Pre-primary Program using the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework (NSELCF), to ensure a supportive and secure environment for young children attending the Pre-Primary Program.

Working with the Principal, Pre-Primary Program Lead and Early Years Programs, the Lead Early Childhood Educator will bring leadership to the Pre-primary Program team. 

Key Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the Lead Early Childhood Educator include, but are not limited to:

• Creating an inviting, active and dynamic learning environment that supports and includes all children;
• Collaborating with Pre-primary staff to clarify roles and responsibilities and establish routines and procedures that will set the stage for a positive learning environment;
• Observing children on a daily basis to learn more about them as individuals and ensure the interests, activities and thinking processes of all children are represented;
• Delivering a uniquely creative curriculum that is responsive to the interests, developmental and cultural needs of the participating children;
• Being the primary point of contact for families, establishing and building relationships, and facilitating their involvement in the program;
• Welcoming and having open communication with families regarding their child’s experiences and the program offered;
• Reflecting children’s lives in ongoing displays and celebrations throughout the year;
• Supporting children’s development in the four key areas, Well Being, Discovery and Invention, Language and Communication, and Personal and Social Responsibility, identified in the NSELCF;
• Supporting social-emotional learning for young children and being able to implement positive behaviour guidance while in consideration of Strait Regional Centre for Education and Education and Early Childhood Department policies and procedures, the NSELCF and the Pyramid Model program;
• Working with the ECE to create documentation, individual portfolios, and pedagogical displays within the environment which represent the interests and development of the children in the program;
• Working with Pre-primary staff to provide timely identification of and responses to children and families in need of additional supports and services and partner with community-based providers to ensure that children’s individual developmental needs are addressed within the context of the Pre-primary Program;
• In consultation with families, community partners and staff, developing, implementing, and reviewing Routine Based Plans (RBPs) for children requiring additional supports;
• Administering medication and working with families and community partners to support children with chronic medical conditions, such as serious allergies, diabetes, etc. and develop a Health Plan of Care as required, in accordance with SRCE and DEECD policies and protocols on administering medication to students;
• Knowledge of the food and nutrition guidelines and responsible for providing nutritious snacks;
• Working with the Principal, Pre-Primary Program Lead and Early Years Programs to ensure the Pre-primary children are welcomed and a part of the school community;
• With support from the Pre-Primary Program Lead and Early Years Programs, work with school staff to develop transition plans for children requiring additional supports in preparation for entry into primary;
• Participating in a comprehensive, ongoing evaluation of the Pre-primary Program via the Continuous Quality Improvement process;
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications:

• A degree in early childhood education from a recognized educational institution with 3 years of recent experience (within the last 5 years) working in a regulated early learning environment or Pre-primary. OR;
• A diploma in early childhood education from a recognized educational institution with 5 years recent experience (within the last 5 years) working in a regulated early learning environment or Pre-primary. (Confirmation of educational qualifications will be required.)
• Experience with leadership in an early learning environment;
• Possess an in-depth understanding of child growth and development and demonstrated knowledge and experience using a play-based pedagogy and child-centered, developmentally appropriate practices;
• Ability to translate theory and best practices into action in early childhood settings;
• Experience with developmentally appropriate observation, documentation and authentic assessment strategies;
• Experience working with children and families with diverse cultural backgrounds, experiences, and developmental needs;
• Ability to create inclusive and responsive early learning environments that support the diverse and special needs of all children;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Computer skills suitable for report writing and internet application and research;
• Current first aid certification.

Your application must include at least three (3) work-related references; one must be your most recent supervisor.    The Strait Regional Centre for Education appreciates your expression of interest for employment.  Please note that only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. All candidates short listed for interviews will have references check prior to being interviewed.  Candidates can check on the status of their applications in Successfactors under My Applications.

 All employees of the Strait Regional Centre for Education must provide a current (within the last 3 months), and clear Criminal Record Check-Vulnerable Sector and Child Abuse Registry prior to employment with the Strait Regional Centre for Education