SRCE 23-684, Term Assistant Manager of Pre-Primary and Early Years Programs

The Strait Regional (0052) invites applications from qualified candidates for the posted vacancy.  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).

Work Schedule: 7 hours/ day 

Deadline for Applications:  04/30/2024,  at 11:59 pm.

Effective Dates:   05/01/2024   to  11/29/2024 

Assistant Manager, Pre-Primary and Early Years Programs

Role:   

Within a collaborative professional working environment, the Assistant Manager of the Pre-primary Program is responsible for supporting the effective delivery of the Pre-primary Programs and Early Years Centre within the Strait Regional Centre for Education. This includes ensuring accountability and effectiveness in delivering an inclusive, high quality, play-based early learning experience for preschool aged children. The Assistant Manager, Pre-Primary program will provide pedagogical coaching and support in the daily operations of the Pre-primary program and works collaboratively with regional staff, Early Years Branch staff, and community partners to ensure that programs and services are meeting the needs of all children while respecting the integrity and intent of the Pre-primary program.

A primary focus of work is with school-based early childhood educators and other school-based staff to support the effective implementation of the program in a positive, collaborative and growth-oriented manner. The Assistant Manager reports to the Manager, Pre-primary program.

Responsibilities:

Under the direction of the Pre-Primary Manager, the responsibilities of Pre-Primary Program Assistant Manager include but are not limited to:

• Work collaboratively with the Manager of Pre-primary in leading the effective delivery of the Pre-primary program
• Assist with the planning and implementation of policies, processes, communications, change management and relationship management that enables the Pre-primary Program and Early Years Centres to be implemented within the public school system.

• Provide support, subject matter expertise, pedagogical leadership and resources to all staff working in Pre-primary to implement the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework and the Pyramid Model

• Utilize an in-depth knowledge of growth and development, demonstrated knowledge and experience using a play-based pedagogy and child-centered, developmentally appropriate practices, to ensure the program and services meet the diverse developmental needs of all children, including children with delayed, complex needs, gifted abilities and/or culturally relevant needs
• In cooperation with the Manager of Pre-primary and Lead Early Childhood Educators, work with families and community partners to develop, implement, and review Routine-Based Plans or Plan of Care for children with medical needs or who require additional supports and services.
• In cooperation with the Manager of Pre-primary, participate in team meetings for children who require additional support and services.

• Within a collaborative environment, provide on-site support in the daily operation of the Pre-Primary Program to ensure it is delivered in accordance with established program requirements, policies, and procedures related to early learning programs within the Regional Centre for Education. 
• Liaise with principals, other regional staff and Education and Early Childhood Department personnel, as applicable, in the implementation of the Pre-primary program
• Communicate with families who may be experiencing issues and concerns within the Pre-primary Program and work to resolve matters of concern within a reasonable timeframe.
• Utilize knowledge of services and partners available in the geographic area of responsibility to build and strengthen key relationships.
• Provide subject matter expertise and leadership to program evaluation which will include age appropriate tools and evidence based methodologies. 

• Support the Pre-primary Manager in the development and delivery of appropriate training materials for Lead ECEs and ECEs.
• Assist with purchasing for the Pre-primary program.
• Assist with managing human resources including hiring of ECEs, casual ECEs, and Bus/Lunch supervisors, assignment of work, and development and evaluation of professional growth plans.
• Assist in managing employee absences in Aesop and provide day-to-day replacement when necessary.

• Other duties as assigned by the Manager of Pre-Primary Programs.

Essential Qualifications:

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education or a diploma in Early Childhood Education plus an undergraduate degree. Academic credentials must be from recognized institutions. Proof of education will be required.

• 2 years working in a leadership or management role in early childhood education.
• Minimum of 5 years’ recent experience working in early childhood education.
• Experience in Pre-primary would be considered an asset.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
• Ability to develop strategies and communications plans to address program delivery issues.
• Ability to work under considerable pressure.
• Willing to establish flexible and accommodating work hours to meet the needs of the program.
• Self-starter.
• Problem solver.
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout the Strait Regional Centre for Education.
• Candidate must have a valid Nova Scotia Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups.

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