SRCE-25-529, Term Pre-Primary Program Lead

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 2024-2025, the SRCE operates 20 schools with approximately 5,981 students; and approximately 375 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:  06/10/2025,  at 11:59 pm.

Effective Dates:   08/03/2025   to  06/30/2026 

Under the supervision of the Director of Programs & Student Services, the primary responsibility of the Pre-Primary Lead is to provide operational support to assist school administrators in planning, administering and delivering the Pre-Primary Program (PPP) at their school.  This includes providing pedagogical expertise and deliberately supporting school administration in building their capacity to effectively plan, manage and lead the PPP at their site.

The PPP Lead provides hands-on assistance to school principals in carrying out their responsibility as the educational leader of the school to delivery an equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible (EDIA), high quality play based early learning experience for children in the foundational years of the public school system utilizing the Nova Scotia Early Learning Curriculum Framework. 

As directed, the PPP Lead will also directly support school principals in their responsibilities by participating in recruiting, orienting, monitoring and evaluation staff working in the PPP.

Key Responsibilities

• Support capacity building and expertise of school administrators by assisting in the development of their pedagogical practice and operational knowledge of the Pre-Primary Program. This includes accompanying them on scheduled supervisory visits to Pre-Primary Program classrooms and learning environments.  As identified by the Administrator, develop resources to guide administrators on key observation points and coaching strategies for Pre-Primary staff during visits.  Use their pedagogical expertise and program resources provided by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) to directly help school administrators ensure the PPP is delivered consistent with DEECD and regional/CSAP policies.
• Provide subject matter and operational expertise, and responsive assistance to school administrators regarding their questions that arise related to the PPP. This includes providing hands-on help to administrators as they address both PPP child and staff matters.   Identify issues requiring the attention of school administrators and provide options for resolution including referral to region/CSAP or departmental consultants for assistance.   
• Assist principals in developing their knowledge of the performance appraisals process for PPP staff, enhancing their capacity for future evaluations. Directly support school principals in the performance review process for PPP staff.  Provide direct help to school administration and/or regional staff in recruiting Pre-Primary staff.
• Directly aid administrators in comprehending and ensuring the implementation of DEECD policies and programs related to intervention supports, including the Provincial Preschool Autism Services (PPAS, formerly EIBI), Nova Scotia Developmental Intervention Services (NSECDIS), and the Pyramid Model. This also includes directly aiding in transition meetings for children transitioning into Pre-Primary and from Pre-Primary to Primary. 
• Assist the school principal in managing the school-based financial resources for the PPP to ensure appropriate learning resources are available and appropriate controls and approvals are in place.
• Be directly responsible for developing, implementing and tracking orientation for new PPP staff working in their RCE/Board reporting to the school principal on progress and outcomes.
• Develop and implement professional learning for PPP staff, consistent with departmental programs as required.  Seek the support of departmental resources as directed and required.
• Directly aid school administration in securing temporary employees when absences occur.
• Provide support to school administrators to respond to requests for program delivery outcomes requested by the region/board and/or department.
• Aid principals and school administration in responding to enquiries and concerns from parents and guardians.  Seeks the support of region/board and departmental resources as directed.

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