The Early Childhood Educator – 1-on-1 Support, under the direction of the Supervisor, Early Child Care Program, provides individualized care and learning support to a child with diverse needs within a licensed childcare setting. While working as part of the classroom team, the 1-on-1 Support Educator focuses on implementing developmentally appropriate strategies that promote the child’s emotional, physical, cognitive, and social well-being, while ensuring their safety, dignity, and inclusion in the program.
The 1-on-1 Support Educator will contribute to a high-quality, caring, and inclusive childcare program that reflects the community’s unique needs and meets all regulatory standards set by federal, provincial, and municipal governments.
Hours: 20 hours/week initially, increasing to 35 hours/week beginning September 2026.
Terms: Temporary position through March 31, 2027, with the possibility of extension. The starting salary wage for this position is $25.01-27.33 with a $6 ECE wage enhancement. The position also includes 2 hours of administrative work per month.
Who We Are
Demonstrating the love of Christ, UGM feeds hope and changes lives through a faith-based continuum of care. We are a proud member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities and have earned the Best Christian Workplace award again in 2021. We provide competitive salaries, generous vacation and sick leave, an RRSP matching program, as well as the potential for educational assistance and flexible work arrangements. In addition, our extensive benefits plan is fully employer-paid and includes extended dental and medical, as well as $4,500 per year in pooled paramedical expenses. A focus on employee resilience, support for professional development, engagement in meaningful work, and a fun and caring environment are all part of being a member of the UGM team. If you are someone who desires to learn and grow, has a passion to serve and make a difference, and connects with others with both humility and humour, then you will be a great fit at UGM.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Build a trusting, nurturing relationship with the assigned child to promote emotional security, confidence, and engagement.
- Provide consistent support during transitions, group activities, meals, and toileting routines to help the child participate meaningfully in the program.
- Use responsive communication and emotional regulation strategies to guide and de-escalate challenging behaviours.
- Work closely with classroom educators to integrate the child into daily routines and learning experiences while respecting their individual needs.
- Maintain open and respectful communication with families, offering updates and insights that support continuity of care.
- Participate in team meetings and planning sessions focused on inclusive practice and child-specific support strategies.
- Ensure the child's physical and emotional safety through active supervision and prompt attention to personal care needs, including toileting, hygiene, and feeding.
- Observe and report any signs of illness, injury, or changes in behaviour, development, or well-being.
- Follow all licensing, health and safety, and organizational policies and procedures, including those related to medication administration, hygiene practices, and incident documentation.
- Support the child's participation in classroom routines, learning experiences, and daily activities.
- Facilitate meaningful, developmentally appropriate play and learning opportunities.
- Encourage peer relationships and support the development of social-emotional skills.
- Observe and document the child's growth, progress, and participation to help inform responsive planning and support strategies.
- Foster collaborative relationships with educators, families, and external support professionals to promote consistency in the child's care and learning experiences.
- Participate in consultations and collaborate with Supported Child Development (SCD) consultants, therapists, behaviour consultants, and other professionals supporting the child.
- Implement individualized goals, strategies, and recommendations provided by families, support professionals, consultants, or funding agencies, and provide feedback on the child's progress.
- Promote equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for all children.
- Demonstrate reflective practice, compassion, and a commitment to inclusive early learning.
- Integrate inclusive and trauma-informed practices that align with Indigenous ways of knowing and being, where relevant and appropriate.
General
- Adhere to all UGM published policies, practices and procedures, including Occupational Health and Safety.
- Attend and actively participate in regular staff meetings (contribute to discussions, share learning experiences etc.) and events as required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Mature individual, committed to UGM’s Mission Statement, Core Values and Statement of Faith. A vibrant and growing relationship with Christ, the Creator.
- Completion of Early Childhood Educator Diploma (equivalent of Early Childhood Education (ECE) Basic Level Certificate & ECE Post Basic (Infant/Toddler Specialization) & ECE Post Basic (Special needs Specialization). BA Early Childhood Care (ECC) and Education or BA Early Childhood Studies (ECS) is preferred.
- Consideration may be given to candidates who have a willingness to obtain Post Basic Certificates (Special Needs Specialization and/or Infant/Toddler Specialization.
- Consideration may be given to alternative combination of lived experience and education.
- A current BC ECE Certificate is required.
- A current and valid Standard First Aid CPR C and Emergency Child Care CPR.
- Minimum 2 years of related work experience, ideally in a multi-ethnic and socially diverse community. Experience with Indigenous community members an asset.
- Knowledge of community care licensing requirements.
- Knowledge of the British Columbia Early Learning Framework and the Early Years Service Framework.
- Commitment and adherence to the ECEBC Code of Ethics.
- Demonstrated ability in supporting families in crisis situations and to recommend appropriate referrals, with knowledge and experience of community resources.
- Intermediate computer skills (Word, Excel and Outlook)
- Able to maintain high level of confidentiality, ethically, regarding sensitive matters regarding the organization and clientele.
- Valid Class 5 drivers’ license. Class 4 drivers’ license is an asset.
- Complete UGM Non Violent Crisis Intervention Course.
Membership/Certification/License
- Valid Certificate with the Early Childhood Educator Registry in the Province of BC.
- Membership with Early Childhood Educators of BC, or willingness to become a member.
Working Conditions
Combination of indoor and outdoor environments.
Employee must be able to participate with children in the indoor and outdoor environment and set up program equipment. Frequent combinations of sitting, climbing, standing, walking, balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling and crawling. The employee is able to lift and/or move up to 35 lbs.
Working environment is generally favorable. Lighting and temperature are adequate. Work is performed amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, and noises. Occasional environmental exposure to cold, heat, and water. This position is required to work in an environment often dealing with clients in crisis situations brought about by diverse problems. The ability to function independently and frequently under pressure, while managing concurrent tasks including emergency situations is an ongoing expectation of this position. Exposure to: high noise levels, bodily fluids and infectious illness/diseases.
This position works Monday to Friday, start/end times are flexible, and ranges between 7:30am – 6:30pm. Occasional weekend or evening work may be required. Moderate overtime may be required.
Hazards are considered minor and controllable. This job requires frequent interaction with the public some of whom may be upset, abusive, and/or violent. Employee is required to hear information about clients’ lives which may be troubling or upsetting, and may cause emotional issues including vicarious trauma.
Due to the nature of the job, and our commitment to a safe environment, the candidate is subject to a criminal record check and must submit a current Driver’s Abstract.