The Tla’amin Nation is a modern, forward thinking, self-governing nation located on the beautiful upper Sunshine Coast (qathet Region). Our vibrant childcare programs are at the heart of the Tla’amin community, and our educators work collaboratively on teams with child-to-adult ratios greater than the minimum required by licensing regulations to provide an optimal environment for all. Our educators are supported by paid ongoing professional development opportunities, a weekly early dismissal day to support teamwork, and a strong benefits package.
Position Summary
Job Type: Permanent, full time
Reporting to: Manager of Early Childhood Education
Department: Education
Start Date: August 25th, 2025
Remuneration: Based on qualifications and experience
*This position qualifies for the provincial government wage enhancement for all hours worked directly with children; automatically added to bi-weekly pay.
In collaboration with our entire early childhood team, the Preschool Educator will provide safety, support, programming, and direct care to preschool-aged ?i ?uy (children) to stimulate and develop their physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual development, and overall school readiness, within a culturally and language rich, nurturing, Indigenous environment.
The successful applicant will demonstrate a deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems and language revitalization, and bring a trauma-informed, strength-based lens to supporting young ?i ?uy and their families. They will be in good physical health because working with ?i ?uy requires good mobility, strength, and flexibility.
Key Responsibilities
In collaboration with the preschool team, weekly plans, prepares, and carries out developmentally appropriate programs and activities
Plans daily activities – inquiries, art, songs, games, stories etc. – based on the ?i ?uy’s interests and curiosities, deliberately inclusive of all areas of development.
Works as a team player in implementing daily activities by doing fair share of the work based on agreed upon division of duties.
Conducts activities with ?i ?uy on an individual and group basis to enhance both thinking skills and social-emotional skills.
Shares in assigned duties related to the daily routines (outdoor exploration and play, snack/lunch, rest time, toileting, and all other assigned duties.
Co-leads the ?i ?uy in meaningful land-based learning experiences, based on the seasonal cultural rhythms of the Nation, in collaboration with resident Elders, community knowledge keepers, and families.
Supports ?ay?aj?u??m language acquisition through songs, stories, labeling, and use of the words/phrases they know, in partnership with resident elders and other team members.
Documents observations of ?i ?uy to discuss with team members, share with parents/caregivers and plan future activities.
Complies with program policies and procedures.
Monitors ?i ?uy safety and well-being
Ensures every ?uy’s (child’s) developmental needs are addressed and works collaboratively with the Indigenous Supported Child Development (ISCD) team, as needed, in doing so, including active participation in monthly check-ins with the ISCD team.
Observes each ?uy’s development and expresses any concerns immediately to the ISCD Coordinator and the Manager.
Takes responsibility to be aware of and to implement any ISCD individual plan for a ?uy in preschool.
Is responsible for each ?uy in preschool, understanding that ISCD Support Workers offer additional support only.
Support ?i ?uy’s transitions and routines with care, patience, and consistency.
Ensures guidance, discipline and behaviour expectations are consistent, trauma-informed, and developmentally appropriate.
Maintains constant supervision of the ?i ?uy in indoor/outdoor activities and during rest periods.
Attends to ?i ?uy’s physical needs while applying good hygiene practices and keeps program facilities and equipment safe and clean.
Fosters strong, respectful, reciprocal communication with families/caregivers and other team members, documents, and maintains records as directed
Welcomes and greets all parents and ?i ?uy daily.
Communicates each ?uy’s progress with parent/caregiver and any needs or concerns promptly when discerned.
Communicates program activities to families and finds ways to invite and integrate families into the classroom and the ?i ?uy’s learning.
Orients families into program when designated to do so.
Maintains program records such as attendance, communication log, ?uy observations, incident reports, and any other required forms.
Complete the sign-in and sign-out accurately every workday.
Responsible to submit accurate timesheets for worked time.
Submits leave requests within the required timelines stated in policy for the type of leave.
Communicates unexpected absence to manager with as much advance notice as possible before scheduled start time.
Supports all early childhood programs and initiatives and performs other related duties as required
Arrives at work early enough to be ready, on the floor, for the start time of their shift.
Attends monthly staff meetings, classroom team meetings, regular check-ins with Manager, and other meetings as required.
May be designated to attend professional development training.
May provide direction to summer students, and/or volunteers.
May mentor practicum students.
Supports the team to meet the requirements of Childcare Program Licensing
Abides by provincial child care regulations.
Works within the ECEBC Code of Ethics.
Abides by Tla’amin Nation early childhood policies and procedures.
Maintains confidentiality of all information related to the ?i ?uy, families, and staff.
Reports any concerns or issues to the manager related to program delivery, child well-being, and licensing regulations.
Qualifications
Individuals with Indigenous ancestry preferred.
Education, Training, and Experience
Valid ECEII (or ECEIII) License to Practice in British Columbia.
Experience working with Indigenous ?i ?uy and families or within Indigenous communities is a strong asset.
Demonstrated commitment to land-based, play-based, and inquiry-based pedagogy.
A minimum of 3 years’ work experience working with young ?i ?uy.
Knowledge of Tla’amin culture and ?ay?aj?u??m preferred.
Physical ability to support ?i ?uy in an outdoor, active, and natural setting.
Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
Class 5 B.C. Driver’s License and acceptable Driver’s Abstract would be an asset.
First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain.
Food Safe certification, or willingness to obtain.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
Working knowledge of ?i ?uy developmental stages from 0 to 6 years of age.
Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to engage ?i ?uy’s interests and curiosities.
Ability to lead activities with groups of ?i ?uy.
Ability to work as a positive, flexible, and supportive team member.
Good organizational and time management skills.
Working Conditions
Work hours are generally Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:30 with a one hour paid lunch break.
Work will mostly take place in ?i ?uy ?aye (Children’s House) as well as in the Child Development and Resource Centre.
The position involves outdoor learning in various weather conditions, guided by seasonal activities and cultural cycles.
Adherence to all Tla’amin Nation safety polices, safe work practices and protocols.
Work in accordance with all relevant Tla’amin Nation policies and procedures.
How to Apply
Please apply by sending your resume and cover letter to: https://tlaaminfirst.bamboohr.com/careers/247
or drop-off/mail to Tla’amin Nation: HR Department, 4779 Klahanie Road, qathet, BC, V8A 0C4.
This posting will close on August 15th, 2025
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
