OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Position: Outdoor Early Childhood Educator
Organization: Terra Nova Nature School - Thompson Community Association
Location: Terra Nova Park, Richmond, Greater Vancouver BC

Grateful to live and work on the unceded ancestral territory of the Coast Salish peoples, the ʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.

Terra Nova Nature School offers licensed preschool for children ages 3-5, as well as many other outdoor programs for children age birth to teen. Our school is situated on a 63 acre natural parkland within the City of Richmond. As well as diverse outdoor terrain, we also call the Edwardian Cottage our indoor home- a thoughtfully and beautifully restored heritage building.

We are currently seeking Outdoor Educators who are committed to an emergent and place-based philosophy of education. We value educators who see children as capable and strong, seeking ways to support their development in all areas. Our not-for-profit school is devoted to developing and caring for a community that values children and their families, partner agencies, artists, park visitors, and the more-than-human, all working together to create a unique learning environment.

We hold space for acknowledging and embodying the First Peoples Ways of Knowing. We recognize Canada’s colonial history and its ongoing repercussions as we walk a path of Truth and Reconciliation.
The successful candidate will be flexible, positive and energetic. We are looking for educators who are both passionate and compassionate; creative and imaginative; clear and effective communicators; curious and committed to learning from one another. Observations, documentation, discussion and research are tools our team uses to implement a responsive and emergent curriculum that makes learning visible to our community. For more information about our program please visit terranovanatureschool.com and the following job postings.

We hope you will join our team!

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Preschool Instructor 2

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Preschool Coordinator, Community Facilities Coordinator or Director of Child Care Services assists with the development and implementation of a comprehensive community based preschool program for ages 3-5yrs and/or 2yrs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Programming

• Plan, implement, organize and lead nature based outdoor preschool activities and curriculum; special events, fundraising and field trips;
• Assist with the development and implementation of a comprehensive nature based preschool program for ages 3-5.

Supervisory

• Assist in the hiring of preschool staff; provide work direction to Preschool/Instructor I
• Assist volunteers and practicum students in the classroom setting

Customer Service/Communication

• Attend to children’s physical needs, which may include toileting and eating
• Provide information to visitors wanting to hear about the program and/or see the classroom
• Attend regular meetings with preschool instructors and Preschool Coordinator
• Communicate problems or concerns with children, families, staff and external agencies
• Recommend referrals or additional services for children with professionals such as behavioural therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists

Safety/Risk Management

• Monitor children in indoor and outdoor activities and during rest periods; conduct activities with children on an individual and group basis
• Ensure classroom safety as outlined by Health Medical Safety regulations; follow proper Centre protocol
• Administer medications as required in accordance with established policy
• Keep program facilities and equipment safe and clean, reporting any repairs and concerns to senior staff

Administrative

• Plan and organize classroom layout
• Provide input into budget; order supplies and equipment
• Work with agencies to acquire resources for children
• Attend regular meetings with preschool instructors, Supervisor and where appropriate
• Responsible to document and report child abuse to supervisors and the Ministry
• Responsible to fill out accident report forms
• Other related duties as assigned and may vary according to facility.

Required Qualifications:

• Grade 12 plus an Early Childhood Education Certificate and two years’ experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• BCRPA High Five - Principles of Healthy Child Development Certification (or willing to obtain)

Licensing requirements prior to start date:

• Standard, Childsafe or Emergency First Aid including CPR C,
• Physician’s note,
• 19+yrs of age,
• Police Information Check,
• Immunization records

Desirable Qualifications:

• Post basic ECE training
• Training and experience in Reggio Emilia practice
• Training and experience in outdoor education
• 2nd language
• Sign language
• Music background
• Food safe

Hours of Work:

Maternity Leave: November 1, 2024 – June 25, 2025 (25-30 hrs/week)

Salary:

Preschool Instructor 2, $26.80, plus $6.00hr ECE Wage Enhancement
Professional Development and 4% vacation pay
Benefits package including medical, dental, and paid sick leave after three month probation period

Apply:

Please send resume and cover letter, by October 11, 2024 at 4:00pm.
Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.

Note: Posting will remain open following this deadline to be considered for future employment opportunities.
Attention to: Emily Vera & Kate Dawson, Preschool Coordinators
Email: natureschool@richmond.ca

Mail: Thompson Community Centre
5151 Granville Avenue
Richmond, B.C. V7C 1E6

Thompson Community Association thanks all applicants in advance.