Clever Raven Aboriginal Head Start is seeking a dedicated and experienced Early Childhood Educator Lead to join our team. The ECE Lead plays a key leadership role in planning, organizing, and implementing high-quality early learning programs for children from infancy to six years of age.

This position provides daily guidance and support to staff while ensuring the Centre operates in alignment with Aboriginal Head Start standards, provincial licensing requirements, and Clever Raven policies. The ECE Lead is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, culturally grounded, and trauma-informed environment that supports the well-being of children and families.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

- Ensure daily attendance is completed and submitted to the Manager
- Oversee cooking duties, menus, and related communication
- Assist with staff scheduling and shift coordination
- Support and communicate with parents regarding questions, concerns, and needs
- Schedule and participate in monthly fire drills
- Supervise, train, and complete required paperwork with practicum students
- Ensure licensing requirements are consistently met, including ratios, temperature checks, cleanliness, and documentation
- Support staff through problem-solving and mentorship
- Create and implement a monthly cultural calendar of activities and learning experiences
- Train and support new hires
- Develop and implement child care programs that promote children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development
- Lead engaging activities such as storytelling, music, art, dramatic play, physical activity, and community outings
- Maintain an environment that supports the health, safety, and well-being of children
- Observe, assess, and document children’s development and communicate progress or concerns with families and staff
- Support children with daily routines such as eating, dressing, and toileting




- Foster collaborative relationships with coworkers and community partners
- Coordinate the activities of ECEs and ECE Assistants
- Assist with food preparation and serving of snacks and meals
- Clean and sanitize toys and Centre spaces as required
- Act as an integral member of the Aboriginal Head Start and Wachiay teams
- Report unsafe conditions, incidents, or injuries promptly
- Model and follow all health and safety policies and procedures
- Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

- Strong organizational, planning, and curriculum delivery skills
- Ability to care for and support children with diverse needs
- Experience or strong interest in working with children of Canadian Aboriginal ancestry, with a commitment to cultural safety and a trauma-informed approach
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strong teamwork skills and positive leadership style
- Ability to build trusting relationships with children, families, and community partners
- Genuine passion for working with and connecting emotionally with children
- Ability to successfully complete a Criminal Record Review
- Ability to stand and remain active for up to 8 hours
- Ability to lift up to 20 lbs

Education, Experience, and Training

- Education: Early Childhood Education Certificate (required)
- Experience: Minimum two years of related experience working with and supervising children preferred
- Certifications:
- Valid First Aid and CPR
- FoodSafe
- Class 5 BC Driver’s License

Why Join Clever Raven Aboriginal Head Start

- Supportive, community-focused workplace
- Solid emphasis on culture, wellness, and relationship-based care
- Opportunity to lead and mentor within a meaningful early learning program

To Apply:
Please submit your resume and cover letter to: [email protected]

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.31-$33.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Benefits:

- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Paid time off

Work Location: In person

📌 Early Childhood Educator (Courtenay)
🏢 Wachiay Friendship Centre
📍 Courtenay