Job Title: Indigenous Children and Family Outreach Program Worker/Early Years Program Facilitator
No. of Openings: One full-time position
Location: Based out of 57 Aloma Crescent, Brampton
Annual Salary: $54,000.00 to $60,000.00 annually (and benefits)
Hours of Work: 40 hours/week – Monday through Friday
Position Summary:
You will be responsible for the delivery of an Indigenous Outreach Program for Children and Families, in collaboration with Peel Region, as well as programming at an Indigenous-led EarlyON Child & Family Centre. This position is a combination of community outreach by providing programming at site partner locations as well as the Indigenous-led EarlyON. You will promote an inclusive education approach and an awareness and understanding of the Indigenous people’s contribution to Canadian society.
Major responsibilities:
- Deliver an Indigenous awareness and outreach program with Child Care and EarlyON programs in Peel Region using a variety of creative methods to reach different age groups (0-6 years)
- Plan for and facilitate early learning activities, play & learn drop-ins that support learning in all areas of development based on best practice (for example, How Does Learning Happen), as per the assigned schedule, encourage parents to interact and play with their children using various teaching strategies (modeling, active listening, observing, appreciative inquiry, demonstrating and guiding), monitor and supervise participants and ensure that rules are followed, engage with parents/caregivers to provide referrals to appropriate community services and follow up on referrals, if required
- Create a welcoming environment that encourages participant input, monitor program participants to ensure programming reflects the ages and needs of families
- Plan and implement family social events and seasonal activities (e.g. Orange Shirt Day, Indigenous People’s Month)
- Liaise with other service providers as required
- Mentor students, volunteers and new staff
- Ensure the physical space is kept neat and tidy, program equipment and resources are clean, accessible and in good repair, support data collection, identify material inventory needs, order and organize supplies as needed
- Utilize resources that reflect the culture, history and values of First Nations, Inuit and Métis families/communities
- Liaise with Peel Region in the development, implementation and evaluation of the program.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with school boards, licensed child care providers, EarlyON providers and other organizations to support the delivery and implementation of the program
- Deliver culturally-appropriate programming to children of Indigenous descent and build awareness and more broadly educate all children and families participating in the program
- Keep up-to-date on evidence based research with new developments in the field of child development, family support, parenting and program equipment/materials safety
- Understand and respond to the diverse needs of family (i.e. culture, religion, ethnic, socio-economic, sexual orientation, etc.) in a sensitive manner
- Plan and coordinate the development of program materials
- Actively participate in ongoing evaluation of the program
- Administrative duties, including but not limited to quarterly participation data reporting, registration of new caregivers, monitor program attendance
- Promote TIN and Outreach Program at community events
- Promote and represent EarlyON programs throughout the community
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Program Manager and Executive Director
Qualifications:
- A diploma in Early Childhood Education and registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators in good standing, or diploma in Social Services or a related discipline (for example, social service worker, social work, child and youth care worker, family and community social services), or the equivalent of work experience in an early years or educational setting.
- New graduates will be considered. Educational knowledge and/ or experience working directly with: young children aged 0-12 years, parents/caregivers, at-risk populations and socially diverse cultural groups.
- Exceptional computer skills including working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Knowledge of adult education principles and experience in development and delivery of training programs.
- Working knowledge of inclusive practices, early intervention and child development.
- Knowledge of the customs, values, history and traditions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis cultures, with demonstrated sensitivity to Indigenous issues and family systems.
- High level of independence and self-motivation.
- Ability to handle situations of a complex and sensitive nature.
- Strong organizational, time management, interpersonal, team building, leadership and written and communication skills.
- Basic knowledge of one or more Indigenous languages common in Peel Region and the Greater Toronto Area (e.g. Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Cree, Mi’kmaq.) to share and teach key words and concepts with children.
- This position requires flexibility, compassion, a demonstrated ability in program planning and a working knowledge of community resources available to families in Peel Region.
- Knowledge and commitment to best practices in the field of Early Learning is essential
- A strong understanding of How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years
Employment Conditions:
Specific employment conditions are specified in an employment contract with the Executive Director, including:
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Valid Ontario Driver’s License, insurance and ability to provide own transportation is required
- Valid First Aid & CPR
- Proof of up-to-date vaccination or recognized exemption in alignment with the Indigenous Network Policy
Hiring of Indigenous People will be given preference, as allowed under Section 24 of the Ontario Human Rights Code – Special Programs. Interested applicants are invited to send a Cover Letter and Resume to [email protected] quoting “Indigenous Early Years Program Facilitator for Children and Families” in the Subject Line. Please include a declaration of your Indigenous ancestry as part of your Cover Letter. All applicants will be considered; however preference will be given to those with Indigenous ancestry. In the event there are no suitable Indigenous applicants, mainstream applications will be considered.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $54,000.00-$60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Application question(s):
- Do you have valid driver's license and daily access to a vehicle?
- Do you possess knowledge of the customs, values, history and traditions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis culture?
Licence/Certification:
- registration with the College of Early Childhood Educators (preferred)
Work Location: In person
