Early Learning Substitute Education Assistant

Are you passionate about nurturing young minds and creating a positive learning environments for children who learn differently?  Are you driven to help children overcome the impact of poverty and help neurodivergent learners harness their superpowers? 

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic individual to join our agency.

ABC Head Start Society is a registered charity that has been committed to promoting and supporting strong children, families, and communities in Edmonton for over 35 years. We know that by giving children the best possible early learning and development opportunities in life, we ensure the future well-being and prosperity of our families and communities.

ABC Head Start inspires bright futures for preschool children and their families. Our wrap around services includes classroom instructions, family support, and community development. Our early-learning approach is child-led and follows the evidence-based belief that children learn through play. 

Children at ABC are supported by Teachers, Education Assistants, and a whole team of clinicians specializing in speech-language pathology, behavior, and occupational therapy. We employ proven strategies like Alberta’s Flight Curriculum Framework, the SCERTS model, and Safe Management to create a positive learning environment for every child. 

Parents and caregivers at ABC are supported by registered social workers who help them achieve their goals, work through crises, and meet their basic needs. Family Connection Groups bring caregivers together for group learning and peer support while each parent has the opportunity for individualized guidance and help navigating community services.

As an ABC Head Start Education Assistant, you will play an integral role in supporting ABC Head Start’s mission and vision of raising families out of poverty and helping children harness their superpowers, conquer hardships, and live their best life while ensuring all children have equal access to a full and successful life.

Supported by the Site Supervisor, the Education Assistant works in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team of professionals utilizing the principles of Flight Framework, SCERTs, and Safe Management practices to help children ages 2.8 to 5 years. As one of two to three Education Assistants in the classroom, you will create and support implementation of an inclusive classroom environment that focuses on play-based learning.

• Collaborate with teacher, families/caregivers, and other interdisciplinary team members to determine learning needs of children

• Work with classroom team in preparing and organizing materials, resources, and equipment

• Foster a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment that encourages exploration and curiosity

• Promote social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through creative play and educational activities

• Ensure the classroom is organized, clean and well-maintained

• Follow all safety protocols and procedures to ensure the well-being of the children

• Observe and document children progress on identified goals

• Report/document student strengths, achievements, needs, and other noteworthy observations

• Adaptable to the changing needs of the classroom

• Adhere to ABC Head Start policies, procedures, and standards of practice

• Early Learning and Childcare Diploma, Special Needs Educational Assistant Diploma, Speech Language Pathologist Assistant Diploma, Rehabilitation Practitioner Diploma or equivalent

• Experience working with children aged 2 to 5 years of age

• Experience working with children with complex needs (ASD, FAS, Global Delays) 

• Strong understanding of early childhood development principles and best practices

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with children, parents, and colleagues.

• Creativity and enthusiasm for designing and implementing engaging learning activities

• Knowledge of inclusive early learning environments and supporting children with social/emotional growth

• Patience, empathy, and the ability to create a nurturing environment for young learners

• Flight curriculum and SCERTs model familiarity (asset)

• Experience and knowledge of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions (preferred)

• Basic computer skills for Office 365, MS Office

• 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.

• Standard first aid certification required within 30 days of employment.

• Safe Management training through the employee will be required within one year of employment.

• Availability to work Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm.

• Mobility and Standing: Education Assistants often need to move around the classroom frequently.  They may need to stand for extended periods while assisting children.  There will be a requirement to bend, kneel, or crouch to work with children at their level.

• Lifting and Carrying: An Education Assistant will need to be about to lift and carry materials, equipment, or even children.  This can include helping children utilizing bussing, moving furniture within the room, or transporting classroom supplies.

• Assisting with Personal Care: Education Assistants will be required to assist with personal care tasks such as helping children with toileting, feeding, or dressing.  This can involve lifting or supporting children with mobility challenges

Job Location: Varied

This position will provide support where needed at the various ABC Head Start sites within Edmonton.

Access to reliable vehicle will be required.

Salary: $19.80 - $25.98/hour

Work Schedule:  40 hours weekly Monday thru Friday, 1/2 paid lunch break daily

Type of Position: Temporary Part Time end date of June 28th, 2024

ABC Head Start follows typical 10-month school calendar

For qualifying positions, competitive extended health benefits package including RRSP contribution, 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, and Rewarding client relationships and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our culturally diverse children and families.