Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society is a community-driven, Indigenous-led organization located in Houston, British Columbia. Rooted in the teachings of the Wet’suwet’en territory, the Society has served as a vital hub for cultural, educational, health, and family services for more than 50 years.

The Friendship Centre Cub House, operated by Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society, is part of this commitment, offering culturally safe, inclusive, and Indigenous-led early learning opportunities that support children, families, and community wellness.

The Friendship Centre Cub House is funded through the Aboriginal Head Start Association of British Columbia (AHSABC), supporting high-quality early childhood programs rooted in Indigenous culture, language, family involvement, health promotion, nutrition, and social support.

Position Summary

The Lead Early Childhood Educator (Lead ECE) is a senior educator responsible for supporting the overall delivery of high-quality early learning programming within the Friendship Centre Cub House. Working collaboratively with the Executive Director and Centre Manager, the Lead ECE provides day-to-day guidance and mentorship to educators and assistants while helping ensure programming aligns with Indigenous values, AHSABC principles, the BC Early Learning Framework, and Child Care Licensing Regulations.

Reports To

Executive Director and Centre Manager

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Curriculum Development

- Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of culturally responsive early learning programming.
- Ensure daily programming reflects Indigenous teachings, language, land-based learning, and seasonal cultural activities.
- Support educators in developing engaging,



developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
- Promote children’s emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, and social development.
- Ensure classroom environments are inclusive, welcoming, and reflective of Indigenous identity and culture.

Staff Mentorship and Team Support

- Provide guidance, coaching, and mentorship to ECEs, Infant/Toddler Educators, ECE Assistants, practicum students, and support staff.
- Assist with onboarding and orientation of new employees.
- Model best practices in child development, classroom management, cultural safety, and trauma-informed care.
- Support consistent implementation of centre policies, procedures, and licensing requirements.

Child Development and Family Engagement

- Build strong, respectful relationships with children and families.
- Communicate regularly with caregivers regarding children’s development and well‑being.
- Support the development of Individual Support Plans and collaborate with specialists and support workers when needed.
- Encourage meaningful family participation in programming and events.

Cultural Integration and Community Connection

- Work alongside Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members to embed Indigenous culture into daily programming.
- Support cultural celebrations, community gatherings, language revitalization activities, and land-based learning opportunities.




- Help foster a culturally safe and inclusive environment for all children and families.

Health and Safety

- Ensure compliance with Child Care Licensing Regulations and centre policies.
- Support health, safety, supervision, and emergency preparedness practices.
- Maintain accurate records, observations, incident reports, and child documentation.

Qualifications

- Valid BC Early Childhood Educator Certificate and License to Practice.
- Minimum three years of experience working in licensed childcare settings.
- Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, or supervisory experience.
- Current First Aid Certification.
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
- Medical Clearance.

Skills and Attributes

- Strong leadership and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
- Commitment to cultural safety, inclusion, and reconciliation.
- Compassionate, patient, and child-centred approach.

Hours and Compensation

Full-time position: 37.5 hours per week.

Wage: $29.00 per hour

Eligible employees may also qualify for additional compensation through the AHSABC Wage Enhancement Program, subject to funding approval and program eligibility requirements.

- Extended health and dental advantages following successful completion of probation.
- Paid vacation time
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- AHSABC learning and networking opportunities.
- Eligibility for the AHSABC Wage Enhancement Program, subject to funding approval and program eligibility requirements.
- Supportive, community-focused work environment.

We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous candidates and individuals with experience working in Indigenous communities.

📌 Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society – Lead ECE (Houston)
🏢 Aboriginal Head Start Association of BC
📍 Houston