Position Type: Temporary Full-time Maternity Leave– 40hrs/week for 18 months
Hourly Rate: ECE Certification: $29.00 hourly ($23.00 + $6 ECEWE)
*the ECEWE ($6) is separate from your base wage as it is offered directly from the provincial government. If the program is cancelled or Fernwood NH is unable to participate, your total wage will be your base wage.
Location: Fiddleheads Learning Studios, 1180 Queens Avenue, Victoria, BC
Hours: Temporary, full-time position, Monday-Friday. Scheduled shifts may fall between 7:15 am - 5:30 pm.
Reports to: Early years Manager and ultimately the Director of Child care
About Fernwood Neighbourhood House (FNH)
Fernwood Neighbourhood House (FNH) is a vibrant, multi-service organization working on the unceded lək̟ʔəŋən (Lekwungen) lands in Victoria, BC. We’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive, resilient, and connected community by providing a wide range of programs for all ages, from childcare and family support to food security initiatives, intergenerational programs, and community events that celebrate our diverse neighborhood. Our work prioritizes equity, centers the voices of marginalized and racialized people, and aims to create a welcoming environment for everyone who calls Fernwood home.
Position Overview
The role of an Early Childhood Educator and Early Childhood Educator Assistant goes beyond mere duties; it embodies a collection of pivotal responsibilities dedicated to nurturing a child's development and overall well-being. This encompasses not only active participation in daily programming but also extends to offering invaluable support to families. The educator will deliver high quality care in accordance with our philosophy while developing and implementing developmentally appropriate emergent curriculum, while ensuring the health and safety of all children are met through Child Care Licensing Regulations and Fernwood Neighbourhood House Child Care policies.
As we set out to find the ideal candidate, a fundamental aspect we greatly value is a sincere connection with our family-centered approach. This individual would also encompass a profound passion for creating inclusive child care spaces and emergent curriculum. Furthermore, qualities of patience, genuine enthusiasm, and a collaborative team spirit are not just qualities we seek, but integral traits that lay the foundation for success in this position.
Key Responsibilities
Child Development & Programming
Plan, implement, and assess developmentally appropriate, play-based activities.
Maintain a balanced daily schedule with active/quiet, indoor/outdoor, and individual/group experiences.
Support children's social-emotional development by identifying and labeling emotions.
Use observations to expand play and adapt activities to individual needs.
Implement the Early Learning Framework in programming.
Child Guidance & Emotional Support
Foster positive behaviour guidance through redirection, positive reinforcement, and clear expectations.
Set reasonable behaviour expectations aligned with the centre’s philosophy and policies.
Address unsafe behaviours respectfully and support self-regulation.
Health, Safety & Supervision
Ensure children's well-being through active supervision and a safe, clean environment.
Follow health protocols, including diapering, toileting, and eating routines.
Administer medications when needed and maintain accurate health records.
Report all accidents, injuries, and illnesses following centre procedures and government regulations.
Release children only to authorized individuals.
Environment & Daily Care Routines
Create and maintain inclusive, engaging and emergent learning spaces.
Encourage and support self-help skills and meaningful interactions with children.
Assist with cleaning, sanitizing, and organizing materials and spaces.
Communication & Collaboration
Build positive relationships professional with families, children, and coworkers.
Share daily updates with families and contribute to team discussions.
Professionalism & Centre Operations
Follow licensing requirements and centre policies.
Maintain professionalism, and confidentiality in all interactions.
Attend staff meetings, maintain punctuality, carry out assigned responsibilities and other duties as needed.
Working Conditions
Ability to lift and move chairs, cots, mats, etc. (up to 30lbs).
Ability to work positively in a busy and loud environment.
Ability to work outside in a variety of weather conditions.
Ability to stand for long periods of time, run occasionally, crouch and bend frequently.
Qualifications
Current BC ECE or ECEA Certificate.
Current First Aid Certified.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong family centred lens.
Minimum 1 year of experience working in licensed Childcare Programs.
Ability to work collaboratively in team settings and work positively in a shared work environment.
Ability to problem-solve, prioritize tasks, and take initiative.
An understanding of and commitment to the importance of client confidentiality.
Demonstrated ability to follow instructions, take initiative in completing assigned tasks, and remain accountable for actions, outcomes, and work quality.
Professional, adaptable, and responsive, with a proactive to work and collaboration.
Additional Assets
ITE, SNE Certification.
Proficiency in languages other than English.
Experience building professional, trusting relationships with parents, caregivers, and/or young children
Experience in Trauma informed training
Familiar with, or ability to quickly gain familiarity with, BC Child Care Licensing Regulations.
Other Requirements
Candidates who progress through our selection process will be required to provide the following before an employment agreement is finalized.
Must provide a record of immunization status for childcare licensing.
Must provide two professional references.
All employees within Fernwood NRG require a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check upon being hired.
Compensation & Benefits:
After 3 months of employment, you are eligible for paid time off including, annual paid time off in addition to vacation according to organizational policies. This currently includes a winter holiday closure period, paid sick days additional to the Employment Standards Act standard, religious/cultural observance days, and moving days;
Extended health benefits after initial waiting period;
Discounts on the Good Food Box;
Priority placement for childcare spaces at the organization (as a $10/Day site fees are no more than $10 dollars a day), subject to eligibility and availability;
Paid professional development days and First Aid course.
Unionized Position
Fernwood Neighbourhood House is a unionized workplace, and this position is part of the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU). We are currently negotiating our first collective agreement. The compensation package for this role reflects current wages and benefits, with adjustments anticipated once the collective agreement is finalized.
Why Work with Us?
At FNH, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful community programs, make connections with diverse groups, and be part of a supportive team that values equity, inclusion, and collaboration. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply, even if you don’t meet every qualification. If you’re passionate about community support and believe you’re a good fit, we’d love to hear from you!
Application Process
Please apply with your resume outlining your experience and interest in the Early Childhood Educator position. This position has no set end date and will remain open until filled. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so if you're interested, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Additionally, the selected candidate is expected be available to start immediately.
If you have any questions regarding the position, please email Erin Gray, at ccdirector@fernwoodnrg.ca
Fernwood Neighbourhood House is committed to equitable hiring practices and values diversity. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experiences of structural inequity, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, LGBTQ2IA+ individuals, and those living with disabilities.