The Tla’amin Nation is a modern, forward thinking, self-governing nation located on the beautiful upper Sunshine Coast (qathet Region).
Position Summary
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Hours of Work: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday
Reporting to: Director of Education
Department: Education
The Nation is currently looking for a dedicated, energetic, organized and compassionate Manager of Early Childhood Education to join our hard-working team which works collaboratively and diligently to provide strong and continually improving childcare and related support services for Nation children aged 0 to 5 years, and their families.
Our Early Childhood Education Program entails programming in two adjacent buildings – the Child Development Resource Centre and ?i ?uy ?aye (Children’s House) – provides Provincially Licensed childcare programs (Infant/Toddler, 30 months to School age, Pre-School), as well as a strong Supported Child Development Program and Early Childhood Development Outreach.
Reporting to the Director of Education, this position is responsible for leading the Nation’s early childhood education programming to provide quality, inclusive childcare and support services for young Indigenous children and their families. The Manager has a strong and demonstrated understanding of culturally grounded best practices in early childhood learning and development, and can lead, motivate, train, and coach staff in the delivery of excellence in these areas.
Key Responsibilities
Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Tla’amin laws, regulations, policies, practices and procedures as directed by the Director of Education. Maintains confidentiality as required pertaining to Citizens, children and their families, employees and general matters of the Nation.
Program Management
Lead and oversee Tla'amin Nation's ECE and pre-school programs, resources, and infrastructure
Ensure the programs are responsive to community and parent needs, and facilitates parents/caregivers’ involvement
Ensure positive communication and collaboration with parents/caregivers by all staff at all times
Lead and coordinate culturally relevant program planning with staff, informed by the latest early childhood development research and local knowledge keepers
Ensure programs meet all requirements of Child Care Licensing Regulations
Prioritize the safety and wellbeing of all children and staff, including maintaining efficient emergency response plans and practices
Ensure programs run effectively and within their budgetary requirements
Ensure all reporting and funding requirements are met
Explore any gaps in supports, services, and needed resources for families with young children and develop creative ways to meet those needs
Liaise and work cooperatively with internal and external stakeholders to ensure strong wrap-around programs and services for Nation families
Work collaboratively with Public Works and maintenance staff to ensure proper maintenance of both buildings, yards, parking areas, and outbuildings
Support traditional cultural teachings and practice for children to promote healthy physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual development
Maintain comprehensive, up-to-date files for each child and staff member, ensuring confidentiality is respected and all necessary forms and consents are complete
Engage the development and/or review of policies, procedures and standards as required.
Contribute effectively to grant writing to secure funding for programs and activities
Oversee the purchasing of healthy foods for the daily lunch and snack programs and other continuously needed resources (diapers, wipes, etc.)
Provide support and advice to the Director of Education on matters related to ECE, and pre-school development
Prepare reports as requested by the Ministry or Director
Department Management
Lead, supervise, hire, train and coach a staff or +/- 20 educators and support staff (administrative assistant, cook, custodian)
Communicate effectively and ensure clarity of roles and responsibilities
Ensure staff have tools, training, and resources to accomplish their work
Ensure that policies and procedures are understood and followed by staff, including safe work practices
Foster a respectful, healthy, and safe work environment
Hold regular check-ins and performance conversations with team members, offering constructive feedback, celebrating achievements, and supporting growth and improvement when needed
Maintain familiarity with the Tla’amin/BCGEU Collective Agreement and ensure daily operations align with the agreement including scheduling, staffing and leave management
Work closely with Human Resources on matters related to grievances or interpretation of the collective agreement
Facilitate access to professional development opportunities for staff
Develop and maintain a positive work environment to facilitate collaboration with and staff, including having regular one-on-one check-ins with staff to ensure knowledge of existing issues, needs, and areas
Facilitate a respectful, proactive conflict resolution process when dealing with challenges and issues that arise
Welcome and support the integration and growth of practicum students
Positively represent and promote the interests of Tla’amin Nation in all performance of duties
Actively participate in work related to the implementation of the Nation’s Comprehensive Nation Plan and related Department of Education work
Other related duties as assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related a discipline
Valid ECE Certification
A minimum of 5 years of experience working in a childcare setting, with 2 years minimum at a management capacity, or a combination of acceptable experience. Experience managing in a union setting is an asset
*Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
A valid BC driver's license, acceptable driver’s abstract. and reliable transportation
An acceptable Criminal Record Check, with Vulnerable Sector Check
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Demonstrated leadership ability and experience with program planning and development for children up to 5 years of age
Knowledge of ?a?am?n cultural practices is an asset
Knowledge of ?ay?aj?u??m is an asset
Demonstrated understanding of the impact of residential schools, the 60's scoop, and the overall impact of colonization on Indigenous communities and families
Knowledge of child development and of atypical childhood development
Experience leading meetings
Experience working in a First Nations community and/or Indigenous organization an asset
Strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal and motivational skills
Demonstrated skills in basic accounting practices and managing budgets Proficient with computers and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
Ability to work independently
Ability to lead employees with diverse backgrounds and needs and support their development.
Ability to identify areas of needed improvement and collaboratively address them with relevant staff and partners
Ability to sustain work and programs with minimal supervision
Ability to exercise high levels of discretion and decision making
Ability to prioritize and manage competing work goals
Ability to professionally represent Tla’amin Nation and its interests at all times
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in an office environment and childcare setting. Occasional travel to attend meetings or training is required. The nature of this position may require employee to work outside regular business hours to accommodate programming timelines.
How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your resume and cover letter to: https://tlaaminfirst.bamboohr.com/careers/227
OR Drop-off/mail Attention:
Human Resources Department
Tla’amin Nation
4779 Klahanie Rd
qathet, BC,
V8A 0C4
This posting is open until filled.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.