Jobs:

Current Openings: March 2007
Sidney Coop Preschool has an opening for an early childhood educator (E.C.E.) for a parent participation preschool.

Please submit resumes and cover letters to:
Sidney Preschool
2410 Malaview Avenue
Sidney, B.C.
V8L 2G3

Please call 655-3333 for further information or visit our website at: www.sidneypreschool.org
Resumes and questions can be faxed to 654-0441 or emailed to clrintoul@shaw.ca.


ECE Employment Criteria
We welcome applications from E.C.E.'s who are licensed in B.C. and meet the following criteria:
- E.C.E. post-secondary credential plus minimum five years of related experience working with children.
- Ability to work closely with parents to guide them both as assistants in the classroom and in their co-operative positions.
- Ability to work diplomatically with people at multiple levels (i.e., with children, parents, executive board, church/landlord, other E.C.E.'s, V.I.C.P.A.).

We are looking for a dedicated person who can nurture our children, inspire our families, and become part of our community. Experience in a co-operative or non-profit environment is an asset.
The job description works on the assumption that the parents in each preschool provide the necessary supplies and equipment to meet the standards of the V.I.C.P.A. If this is not the case, it is the E.C.E.'s responsibility to:
1. Advise the preschool executive.
2. If concerns remain unresolved, advise the V.I.C.P.A.

Function
The E.C.E. is responsible for providing a preschool program that uses developmentally appropriate practices in a safe physical environment. The E.C.E. works to develop partnerships with parents. The E.C.E. in an advisory capacity supports the administration of the preschool and also serves as liaison in support of the V.I.C.P.A.

Organization Relationships
1. Reports directly to the duly elected parent executive. Responsible to the entire membership.
2. Directs and supervises participating parent assistants.
3. Supervises and directs volunteers and practicum students when their participation is mutually agreeable to the preschool and the E.C.E.
4. Holds membership in the V.I.C.P.A. Acts as an advisor to relevant workshops and committees of the V.I.C.P.A. Is an active participant in the V.I.C.P.A. E.C.E. Committee.

Typical Duties
1. Implement Children's Program.
a) Implements a children's program that provides experiences that promote social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. Program will be based on a "learning through play" philosophy.
Satisfactory performance is achieved when a variety of play centres promoting the above areas are available (e.g. dramatic play, creative art, music, language, construction, outdoor climbers) and the children have the opportunity to be involved in these centres to the level of their ability.
b) Evaluates children's program. Satisfactory performance is achieved when E.C.E. can provide examples of how the program facilitates age appropriate development of the children i.e. social, emotional, physical, cognitive.
2. a) Provides orientation for parent participants.
Satisfactory performance is achieved when:
i. E.C.E. provides orientation covering:
- Children's program activities based on the philosophy of learning through play
- Growth and development of young children
- Acceptable guidance and discipline practices.
b) Provides education and on-goring support for parent participants.
Satisfactory performance has been achieved when at least four of the following procedures have been implemented:
i. E.C.E. speaks at general meetings to educate and inform parents on matters relating to the program.
ii. E.C.E. - written communication at least twice a year for parent education, e.g. Bulletin Board, Newsletter.
iii. Makes recommendations to the Parent Education Chairperson in the selection of speakers for the general meetings.
iv. Makes recommendations to Parent Education Chairperson in the selection of books for the Parent Education Library.
v. Is available for Parent/Teacher conferences (at least 30 minutes per year per family). May be formal or informal.
3. Provides education and ongoing support for parents who act as substitutes for E.C.E.'s in the classroom. Satisfactory performance is achieved when:
a) Guidelines and discipline procedures are posted.
b) Philosophy, health, safety and program routines have been covered.
c) E.C.E. is available for informal communication with the E.C.E. substitute at least twice a year.
4. Advises the executive on matters of program development and facility maintenance. Satisfactory performance is achieved when:
a) E.C.E. attends and reports to 80% of school executive and general meetings. Meeting minutes may be reviewed for confirmation.
5. Maintains health and safety regulations in order to meet licensing requirements. Satisfactory performance is achieved when:
a) C.R.D. Health and Safety Guidelines are being met.
b) V.I.C.P.A. Health and Safety Standards are being met.
6. Maintains professional development in order to meet licensing requirements. Satisfactory performance is achieved when:
a) E.C.E. attends professional development programs relating to early childhood education for the equivalent of two hours per month during the school year.
b) Holds current first aid qualifications.

Minimum Qualifications
1. Meets the qualification required by Child Care Licensing Facilities Board.
2. Has a minimum of five years experience in day care or preschool work, and/or experience in parent participation preschools.
3. Has a proven ability to develop positive relationships with children.
4. Has a proven ability to provide leadership and to educate and work co-operatively with adults.
5. Effective communication skills and conflict resolution abilities.
6. Has a commitment to ongoing professional development and education.