Early Learning Child Development Worker
ABC Head Start Society
Edmonton, AB
Job Summary
The Early Learning Child Development Worker (CDW) 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 Supervisor, the CDW, 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
- Support the development and implementation child-care programs that meet the diverse needs and interests of children, support and promote their physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, following the Alberta Curriculum Framework and ABC's mission and vision.
- 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.
- 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.
- Guide and assist children in the development of proper eating, dressing, and toilet habits, promoting their independence and self-care skills.
Observation
- Observe children for signs of potential learning or behavioural problems and prepare reports for parents, guardians, or supervisor.
- Share with families their children’s progress and participation.
Reporting & Monitoring
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with co-workers and community service providers working with children.
- 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.
- Ensure program delivery consistently and continuously aligns with accreditation standards, licensing requirements, and the Alberta Curriculum Framework.
- Maintain accurate attendance and child records, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and confidentiality requirements.
- Communication with other team members pertinent child/family information while respecting privacy requirements.
- Generate monthly newsletter to keep staff and parents informed about program updates and events.
- May plan and organize activities for school-age children in child-care programs before and after regular school hours.
- May supervise and coordinate activities of other early childhood educators and early childhood educator assistants.
Collaboration
- 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.
- Collaborate with other agencies and professionals to address the individual needs of children, facilitating necessary referrals and follow-ups.
- Participate in joint meetings with the interdisciplinary team to provide insights and information on family dynamics that are crucial for enhancing resilience-building efforts and ensuring all children receive equitable support.
- Role model positive skill-building support for classroom team members.
Research and Best Practice Continued Competency
- Keep up to date on agency and provincial policies, ensuring compliance with relevant guidelines and promoting resilience through informed practices.
- Keep up to date on current professional practice, continuously enhancing knowledge and skills to effectively support the resilience of children.
Professional Supervision/Evaluation
- Discuss team strengths and areas for growth within the classroom during team meetings, fostering a collaborative and resilient work environment.
- Create, review and complete progress on professional goals in Performance Review, promoting personal and professional growth aligned with the organization's resilience-building objectives
- Participate in monthly or as-needed supervisions, fostering open communication and providing support for resilience-building initiatives.
Health and Safety
- 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.
- 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 Supervisor is made aware of any changes.
- Communicate health and safety concerns effectively.
- Report and document accidents, incidents, or near-miss occurrences immediately.
- Assist children and colleagues during emergency situations.
- Use proper body mechanics and lifting techniques.
- 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 behaviours, and provide support, guidance, and relief to staff members as needed.
- 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.
- Promote and model positive behaviour and conflict resolution strategies to create a culture of safety, respect, and emotional well-being among children and staff.
Required Skills & Experience:
- Experience working with vulnerable families.
- Superior communication skills (written, oral).
- Ability to work on a dynamic interdisciplinary team as well as independently.
- Adaptable individual that can adjust their approach, mindset, and actions to effectively respond to new challenges, environment, and circumstances.
- Ability to provide constructive feedback where necessary.
- Strong knowledge of child development and family dynamics, enabling the creation of inclusive and responsive programming.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and collaborative skills, to foster positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
- Excellent time management and prioritization abilities to ensure efficient program planning and implementation.
- Strong professional boundaries and commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Early Learning and Child Care Certificate; Disability Studies diploma; 2-year Educational Assistant diploma; Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology -family science major; bachelor of Kinesiology or Kinesiology diploma; Community Rehabilitation degree or Rehabilitation Assistant diploma; Therapeutic Recreation diploma or degree; Social Work diploma.
- Level 2 or 3 ECE Alberta Child Care Staff Certification.
- Current Standard First Aid Certification.
- Certificate in the Food Safety Course is an asset.
- Ability to enroll and complete the MacEwan online course Flight, Alberta's Early Learning and Care Framework, if not already completed.
Other Information:
- As the workload and operational requirements shift, it may be required that you change locations, dates, and/or hours of work.
- A security clearance with vulnerable sector completed is required for all newly hired employees.
- Child intervention check is required for all newly hired employees.
- Safe Management training through the employer will be required within one year of employment.
- Availability to work Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm.
Job Location Lorelei-Beaumaris Community Hall
Work Schedule:
- 38 hours bi-weekly
Opportunities Available: 1
Type of Position: Temp Part Time
Why Work with ABC Head Start Society?
- 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.
OR