Makonsag offers a full day, culturally based, licensed early learning and care center for 49 children including infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. This culture‑based program focuses on Indigenous traditions, values, and principles—protecting the land and respecting life. An onsite cook serves traditional foods, and the center is located in a newly renovated building on Courtwood Ave., off Woodward and Maitland.

Would you like to work in a community that fosters the holistic growth of Indigenous children? Do you have experience in the Indigenous community, identify as an Indigenous person, or have an interest in learning more about Indigenous culture? Makonsag, a licensed childcare centre, is looking for a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) to join our team.

As a Registered Early Childhood Educator, you will provide nurturing care and early childhood education to meet the needs of children in a group setting (infants, toddlers, preschoolers in three program rooms) in partnership with parents, colleagues, and community professionals.

Benefits of Working at Makonsag

- Work directly in your community with Indigenous children
- Continuous opportunities for professional growth
- Celebrate cultural teachings and incorporate them into the program curriculum
- Exciting professional development opportunities in Ottawa, Ontario and throughout Canada
- Cultural connections with other Indigenous ECEs and the early learning community
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Opportunities to participate in other projects, community outreach, and educational environments

In this role you will

- Demonstrate knowledge of early learning theories and strategies that support development and positive interactions with children and families
- Develop program planning that reflects ‘How Does Learning Happen?’ pedagogy
- Provide supervision of the children and implement program plans on a daily basis
- Plan, develop,



and implement an inclusive, stimulating early learning program in an Indigenous cultural environment
- Provide a welcoming and nurturing environment in the classroom by engaging in supportive and respectful interactions with children
- Attend to the physical needs of children; instruct and assist in developing self‑help skills such as washing, dressing, toileting, and eating; attend to diapering needs
- Maintain a healthy and safe environment as per Makonsag policies and procedures, and Ministry requirements
- Attend meetings and/or career development sessions as required
- Promote an atmosphere of caring, sharing, honesty, and respect
- Other duties as required

Qualifications Required

- Degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education
- Registered and in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators
- Safe Food Handlers Certificate
- Standard First Aid, including infant and child CPR
- Police record check (vulnerable sector) completed in the last six months
- Knowledge of COVID‑19 policies in an early years setting
- TB test and other immunizations up-to-date unless seeking exemption
- Proof of COVID‑19 vaccine (Dose 1 & 2)
- Two or more years of demonstrated experience working in a child‑care environment
- Knowledge of Indigenous culture and traditions
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to the needs of Indigenous children and families
- Experience and working knowledge of ‘How Does Learning Happen?’ pedagogy and the Child Care and Early Years Act
- Proven ability to work in a collaborative team environment and communicate openly with team members, management, and families
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; Indigenous language is an asset

Indigenous candidates are encouraged to self‑identify. Indigenous language is an asset. Should the applicant require any accommodations during the application process, please notify Human Resources as per the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

📌 Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) (Ottawa)
🏢 Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start
📍 Ottawa