Early Childhood Educator

Job Title: Early Childhood Educator (ECE)

Location: Nak’azdli Whut’en ChildCare Centre, Fort St. James, BC

Number of Positions: 1

Employment Type: Full-Time

Wage: $21.05 - $24.58 based on experience 

About Us

Nak'azdli Whut'en is a proud Dakelh First Nation located near Fort St. James, British Columbia. Our community is deeply rooted in Dakelh culture, language, and values, emphasizing a connection to the land and a commitment to the well-being of our people. We are dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive services that reflect our culture and respect the unique perspectives and needs of our members. At Nak'azdli Whut'en, we strive to provide community-focused health and social services that uphold Indigenous values and address the distinct challenges facing our community. 

Job Summary

Reporting to the Childcare Centre Manger, Nak’azdli Whut’en is seeking a dedicated and culturally grounded Early Childhood Educator (ECE) to join our Aboriginal Head Start team. The ECE will work collaboratively in a team environment to provide culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate programming for children from infancy to preschool age, including participation in the After School Program, 3–5 Program, and Multi-Age Program. 

The ECE will help foster each child's physical, social, emotional, creative, and cognitive development through activities that integrate the six key components of Aboriginal Head Start: culture and language, education, health promotion, nutrition, social support, and parent/family involvement. 

Responsibilities and Duties

      Program Planning & Delivery:

  • Plan, implement, and assess culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate activities for infants to preschool-aged children.
  • Deliver programming in alignment with Aboriginal Head Start’s six core components: culture and language, education, health promotion, nutrition, social support, and family involvement.
  • Follow daily routines and transition times to maintain consistency and structure for children.
  • Provide a balanced schedule of active/quiet, indoor/outdoor, and individual/group activities. 
  • Prepare weekly program materials (e.g., arts and crafts) in coordination with the Floor Supervisor.  On Fridays, you will have 2 hours to get ready for next week’s activities.

Child Development & Care:

  • Support the emotional, physical, cognitive, and social development of children in a safe and nurturing environment.
  • Encourage and assist children with self-help skills (e.g., dressing, toileting, feeding).
  • Promote positive behavior and set developmentally appropriate expectations in line with centre policies.
  • Provide daily care routines and attend to individual needs of each child.
  • Supervise children at all times to ensure safety and well-being. 

Cultural & Community Integration:

  • Incorporate traditional knowledge, Nak’azdli Whut’en language, and cultural practices into everyday learning.
  • Participate in cultural activities such as:
    1. Smokehouse food preparation and preservation (freezing/jarring)
    2. Planting/gardening, berry and medicine picking
    3. Harvesting fruits and vegetables for winter supply
    4. Attend Nak’azdli Whut’en language classes as scheduled.

Communication & Family Engagement:

  • Maintain open, respectful communication with families and guardians.
  • Involve parents as active partners in their child’s development and care.
  • Journal daily events and update families using the Lillia app.
  • Distribute and assist with registration and waitlist forms as needed.
  • Recognize and support the rights and responsibilities of families.

Safety, Health & Compliance:

  • Ensure compliance with BC childcare licensing regulations and Head Start policies.
  • Perform daily safety checks of indoor and outdoor spaces (e.g., playground, parking lot).
  • Document and report accidents, incidents, injuries, and illnesses using proper forms.
  • Follow daily and weekly cleaning schedules (e.g., sanitizing toys, laundering blankets).
  • Keep attendance records and child sign-in/out logs up to date.
  • Report low supplies to Supervisor or Manager promptly.

Professional Development & Teamwork:

  • Work collaboratively and respectfully within a team environment.
  • Attend staff meetings, workshops, and training as directed. 
  • Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and respectful workplace culture.
  • Support coworkers and assume responsibility when needed in absence of other staff.
  • Maintain confidentiality of all information to families, children and staff members.
  • Attend Language Classes as per schedule to learn Nak’azdli Whut’en language.

Additional Responsibilities:

  • Hand out registration/waitlist forms and answer any questions necessary, if you can’t answer questions ask your Floor Supervisor and/or Manager.
  • Planting flowers, vegetables, berry picking, medicine picking and harvesting.  Harvest fresh fruit and vegetables (jarring for Winter Supply).
  • Working in the smoke hours on traditional foods (preparing for freezer and jarring for Winter Supply) with Elders, Children, Staff and Community Members when needed.

Knowledge, Abilities & Skill Requirements:

  • Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent.
  • Valid Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Certificate; consideration will be given to candidates currently enrolled in an ECE program.
  • First Aid & CPR (Childcare Emergency Level B)
  • Valid Food Safe Level 1 and WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) certifications.
  • Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License (preferred, not mandatory)
  • Proof of up-to-date immunizations.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong interpersonal abilities.
  • Demonstrated experience or willingness to work in a culturally responsive, Indigenous-centered learning environment.
  • A high standard of professionalism, with a commitment to confidentiality, ethical conduct, and collaborative teamwork.
  • Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check required.

Working Conditions

  • Physical ability to walk, stand, lift items and participate in activities.
  • Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computer and peripherals.
  • Ability to attend meetings and conduct presentations. 

Hours of Work

Hours of work will be from Monday to Friday, up to 35 hours per week, may be required to work flexible hours, some overtime may be required (any overtime must be pre-approved). Schedule will be given to you by the Childcare Centre Manager. 

Indigenous Commitment Statement

"Nak'azdli Whut'en is committed to fostering a culturally safe and inclusive work environment that reflects the values, traditions, and aspirations of Indigenous peoples. We actively encourage and prioritize applicants from First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities to apply. We recognize the importance of cultural knowledge and experience, and we honor and respect Indigenous ways of knowing and being." 

Application Instructions

Nak’azdli Whut’en offers the opportunity to lead with purpose and create meaningful change for our community. As Early Childhood Educator (ECE) you will have the chance to shape the future, empower a talented team, and build a legacy that reflects our values and aspirations. If this aligns with your career goals, we encourage you to apply directly through our job posting at Current Openings | Recruitment. You can also send us an email with your resume, cover letter and three references at jobs@nakazdliwhuten.ca