NATURE KINDERGARTEN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR

ON-CALL

School District No. 62 (Sooke) is presently seeking on-call Nature Kindergarten Early Childhood Educators.

Adjacent to Victoria on southern Vancouver Island, School District No. 62 (Sooke) is the fastest growing school district on Vancouver Island and one of the fastest growing districts in British Columbia. The District operates in five municipalities: Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, Sooke and the Highlands and acknowledges the traditional territories of the Coast Salish: T’Sou-ke Nation and Scia’new Nation and Nuu-chah-nulth: Pacheedaht Nation. We also recognize some of our schools reside on the traditional territory of Esquimalt Nation and Songhees Nation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Completion of Grade 12 graduation and Diploma and valid Early Childhood Educator License to Practice.
2. Ability to work under the direction of the Administrator, and collaboratively with a number of school district and community partners
3. Knowledge of child development and the Early Learning Framework
4. Successful experience in a variety of Early Childhood Education settings, working with diverse populations
5. Training and experience in outdoor education with younger children
6. Strong verbal and written communication skills
7. Good organization and planning skills
8. Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture, as well as historic and present issues facing Aboriginal communities
9. Current First Aid training and certification, and experience mitigating risks for young children in an outdoor environment

RESPONSIBLE TO: School Principal or Administrator

SUPERVISES: N/A

PROGRAM GOAL: The Nature Kindergarten Program is modeled on forest school programs in Northern Europe, Australia and New Zealand with a significant focus on environmental stewardship, the environment as a co-teacher, the involvement of other educational partners, daily interactions with the outdoor natural environment regardless of weather, and engagement with Local and Traditional Ways of Knowing. Every morning, the program will take place away from the Elementary School grounds and the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) will need to problem solve and address unforeseen circumstances together with the teacher while outdoors. The ECE will be outdoors during all types of weather (e.g. sun, wind, rain, sleet, snow, etc.), and will be required to walk at least 2 km with students every day. The ECE will work collaboratively in a supporting role to the Kindergarten teacher, a program development and design team, parents, community partners, and academic researchers. Flexibility is required.

School District No. 62 (Sooke) is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment . We believe in a learning and work environment that is w elcoming and safe that values, reflects and appreciates differences.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted.