SRCE-24-518, IECA, Term 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 2022-2023, the SRCE operates 20 schools with approximately 5,931 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 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 Collective Agreement 2023-24.indd (srce.ca)

Work Schedule: 6 hr/day 

Deadline for Applications:  04/29/2024,  at 11:59 pm.

Effective Dates:   05/01/2024   to  06/28/2024 

Early Childhood Educator -  Pre-Primary Program

The Early Childhood Educator will support the Lead Early Childhood Educator within the Pre-Primary Program team in the implementation of 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.

The Early Childhood Educator will work collaboratively with the Lead Early Childhood Educator and will be an active member of the team reporting to the Manager of Pre-Primary and Early Years Programs.

Key Responsibilities:

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

• Creating an inviting, active, and dynamic learning environment that supports and includes all children;
• Working with the Lead Early Childhood Educator 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;
• Welcoming and having open communication with families and caregivers regarding their child’s experiences and the program offered;

• Establishing and building relationships with families and working with the Lead ECE to facilitate their involvement in the program;
• 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 Lead 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 the Lead ECE 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.
• Supporting the Lead ECE in implementing Routine Based plans (RBPs) for children requiring additional supports.
• Supporting the Lead ECE in administering medication and implementation of Health Plan of Care as required, in accordance with SRCE and DEECD policies and protocols on administering medication to students
• Having knowledge of the food and nutrition guidelines and assisting in providing nutritious snacks
• Collaborating with the Lead ECE to ensure the Pre-Primary children are welcomed and a part of the school community.

• Participating in a comprehensive, ongoing evaluation of the Pre-Primary Program via the Continuous Quality Improvement process.
• Other duties as assigned.

 Essential Qualifications:

• A diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education from a recognized institution. Confirmation of educational qualifications must be provided. "Candidates with a Level 1 Early Childhood Education or currently enrolled in a Early Childhood Education program from a recognized institution may be accepted."
• 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.
• Preference will be given to applicants who have recent work experience in a regulated childcare environment or Pre-primary program.

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