Early Learning Child-Care Supervisor
ABC Head Start Society is opening a preschool at Lorelei-Beaumaris Community Hall. Licensing is in final stages and the centre will be ready to open as soon as staff are in place. ABC Head Start is seeking individuals that are passionate about working with vulnerable children and families in a charitable, non-profit setting. The program will run 2 days/week for 3 hours per class and will include wrap-around services with the support of a Social Worker.
Part-Time to Full-Time Work:
Despite not being open yet, this program is 50% full and children are currently enrolled for classes 2 days per week. When the program reaches full enrollment there will be children attending 4 days per week. Therefore, the role of Child Development Supervisor will start on a part-time basis (38 hours/bi-weekly), and will grow to a full-time position (68 hours/bi-weekly) once we have enrolled enough children to operate at full capacity.
Additional Hours:
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to pick up substitute shifts at other ABC Head Start locations until their placement grows to full-time.
Job Summary
The Early Learning Child-Care (ELCC) Supervisor plays a vital role in planning and implementing the Early Learning program with a strong commitment to ABC’s mission of raising families out of poverty and helping children harness their superpowers. Reporting to the Early Learning and Care Manager, the ELCC Supervisor, supported by the rest of the inter-disciplinary team, provides Early Learning programming and services that ensure all children have equal access to a full and successful life, aligning with ABC’s vision.
Major Functions and Responsibilities:
Planning & Implementation
o Develop and implement child-care programs that meet the diverse needs and interests of children, support and promote their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, following Flight, Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework and ABC’s mission and vision.
o Lead and support an effective interdisciplinary team that provides the highest quality early learning experiences, including storytelling, music, art, dramatic play, and physical activities, fostering children's resilience and overall well-being.
o Collaborate with educators and specialists to plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities, based on the interests and needs of children in a family group setting and promote their resilience.
o Guide and assist children in the development of proper eating, dressing, and toilet habits, promoting their independence and self-care skills.
Observation
o Utilize the reflection and planning guide from Flight, Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework to support observation documenting.
o Observing and documenting what children are doing in the environment – with others, with materials, and within the organization of time to support program planning.
o Create learning stories to document holistic play-based goals and children’s disposition to learn to share with families.
o Assess the abilities, interests, and needs of children and communicate progress or concerns with parents, guardians, and other staff members.
o Observe children for signs of potential learning or behavioral problems, prepare reports for parents, guardians, or manager.
Reporting & Monitoring
o Use approved assessment tools, such as ASQ and ASQ-SE, to monitor each child’s developmental progress and inform individualized planning.
o Clear understanding of licensing regulations, health and safety regulations and ABC Head Start Society’s policies and procedures, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for children.
o Ensure program delivery consistently and continuously aligns with accreditation standards, licensing requirements, and Flight, Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework.
o Adhere to child/staff ratios; adjust as necessary to ensure ratios are always met.
o Maintain accurate attendance and child records, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and confidentiality requirements.
o Communication with other team members pertinent child/family information while respecting privacy requirements.
o In collaboration with Early Learning and Care Manager, generate monthly newsletter to keep staff and parents informed about program updates and events.
o Supervise and coordinate activities of other early childhood educators.
o Act as Designated Director in absence of the Early Learning and Care Manager.
Collaboration
o Foster collaborative relationships with co-workers, families, and community service providers to enhance learning, skills, and competencies across multiple environments, including home, school, and the community.
o Collaborate with other agencies and professionals to address the individual needs of children, facilitating necessary referrals and follow-ups.
Research and Best Practice Continued Competency
o Participate in community groups that support continuous learning and growth of Flight, Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework.
o Keep up to date on agency and provincial policies, ensuring compliance with relevant guidelines and promoting resilience through informed practices.?
o Keep up to date on current professional practice, continuously enhancing knowledge and skills to effectively support the resilience of children.?
Professional Supervision/Evaluation?
o Discuss team strengths and areas for growth within the classroom during team meetings, fostering a collaborative and resilient work environment.??
o Create, review and complete progress on professional goals in Performance Review, promoting personal and professional growth aligned with the organization's resilience-building objectives.?
o Participate in monthly or as-needed supervisions with ELCC Manager, fostering open communication and providing support for resilience-building initiatives.?
Health and Safety
o Adhere to health and safety guidelines, protocols, and procedures established by ABC Head Start Society and relevant regulatory authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of children, their families, other guests, and staff.?
o Ensure Portable records according to Licensing regulations are always up to date, in off-site backpacks and emergency binder in playroom. Changes to information are promptly made to all files and forms and ELCC Manager is made aware of any changes.
o Communicate health and safety concerns effectively through Manager or Joint Worker Health and Safety Committee members.?
o Report and document accidents, incidents, or near-miss occurrences immediately.
o Be knowledgeable about safe and effective methods for picking up and managing distressed children, including techniques to mitigate the risk of injury to staff and child through headbutting or other aggressive behaviors, and provide support, guidance, and relief to staff members as needed.?
o Promote a safe and inclusive environment during class time, respecting diversity and cultural differences while ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of all participants.?
o Promote and model positive behavior and conflict resolution strategies to create a culture of safety, respect, and emotional well-being among children and staff.?
Required Skills & Experience:
o Minimum of 3-5 years experience working in preschool or childcare with preschoolers.
o Experience working with children ages 3-5 years.
o Experience working with vulnerable families.
o Superior communication skills (written, oral).
o Ability to work on a dynamic interdisciplinary team as well as independently.
o Adaptable individual that can adjust their approach, mindset, and actions to effectively respond to new challenges, environment, and circumstances.
o Ability to provide constructive feedback where necessary.
o Strong knowledge of child development and family dynamics, enabling the creation of inclusive and responsive programming.
o Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and collaborative skills, to foster positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
o Excellent time management and prioritization abilities to ensure efficient program planning and implementation.
o Strong professional boundaries and commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
Minimum Qualifications:
o Early Learning and Child Care Diploma; Bachelor of Child Studies degree; Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum Studies; Bachelor of Educator: 4-year degree or 2-year after-degree; Alberta Teaching Certificate; Child and Youth Care degree or diploma; or Bachelor of Social Work degree.
o Level 3 ECE Alberta Child Care Staff Certification.
o Standard First Aid Certification.
o A Food Safety Course is an asset.
o Ability to enroll and complete the MacEwan online course Flight, Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework, if not already completed.
Other Information:
o As the workload and operational requirements shift, it may be required that you change locations, dates, and/or hours of work.
o A security clearance with vulnerable sector completed is required for all newly hired employees.
o Child intervention check is required for all newly hired employees.
o Safe Management training through the employee will be required within one year of employment.
o Availability to work Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm.
Job Location
Lorelei-Beaumaris Community Hall
Work Schedule
• 38 hours bi-weekly, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
• 30 hours bi-weekly added on Wednesday and Friday when enrollment allows
• ½ hour paid lunch daily
Opportunities Available
1
Why Work with ABC Head Start Society?
• For qualifying positions, competitive extended health and dental benefits package including RRSP contribution and Health Care Spending Account.
• Vacation pay at 6% on regular hours worked.
• Professional dues 50% paid by employer where applicable.
• Renewal of criminal record check and first aid certification covered by employer.
• For qualified positions, two paid personal days per year and additional paid emergency leave for illness and family emergency.
• Commitment to work-life balance.
• Opportunity for professional growth both individually and as part of a team.
• Ongoing professional development provided both internally, and from professional bodies.
• Work collaboratively with a diverse and inclusive team.
• Rewarding client relationships and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our culturally diverse children and families.
ABC Head Start Society thanks applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Candidates considered for the position will be contacted. We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.