Early Childhood Educator (ECE)

The Early Childhood Educator (ECE) is responsible for providing high-quality, inclusive, safe, and nurturing childcare services for children within a licensed childcare environment. The ECE creates and implements developmentally appropriate, play-based programming that supports children’s physical, emotional, social, cognitive, creative, and communication development.

The ECE works collaboratively with families, coworkers, community professionals, and support services to promote child well-being, family-centered practice, inclusion, and continuous quality improvement consistent with CARF standards, the BC Early Learning Framework, and Child Care Licensing Regulations.

The ECE supports a respectful, relationship-based approach that values diversity, inclusion, dignity, and individualized support for children and families.

Core Responsibilities

Child Development & Program Implementation

• Develop, implement, and evaluate inclusive, play-based programming that supports children’s growth and development.
• Create engaging learning environments that encourage curiosity, exploration, creativity, and inquiry.
• Support children’s:
  • Social-emotional development
  • Cognitive development
  • Language and communication skills
  • Fine and gross motor skills
  • Independence and self-help skills
• Adapt activities, routines, and environments to meet individual developmental, cultural, behavioral, and support needs.
• Use positive guidance, trauma-informed approaches, and relationship-based practices to support children’s emotional well-being and self-regulation.
• Plan and implement indoor and outdoor activities that promote active learning and healthy development.
• Foster an inclusive environment where all children feel respected, safe, valued, and supported.

Observation, Documentation & Communication

• Observe, assess, and document children’s development, interests, behaviors, and progress.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation including:
  • Attendance records
  • Daily communication logs
  • Incident and illness reports
  • Medication documentation
  • Child observations and developmental records
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with families regarding children’s routines, development, achievements, and concerns.
• Participate in family meetings, team meetings, case conferences, and service planning as required.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.
• Participate in continuous quality improvement activities and program evaluations consistent with CARF standards.

Inclusion & Family-Centered Practice

• Promote inclusion, accessibility, diversity, and respectful relationships within the childcare environment.
• Support children with developmental delays, disabilities, behavioral challenges, or additional support needs.
• Collaborate with Supported Child Development staff, therapists, consultants, and community professionals.
• Foster positive relationships with families and support family engagement in programming and child development.
• Respect family values, cultures, traditions, and parenting approaches.

Health, Safety & Licensing Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
  • Child Care Licensing Regulation
  • BC Health Act requirements
  • WorkSafeBC regulations
  • BC Fire Code
  • Northern Rockies Child Development Association policies and procedures
• Maintain active supervision and ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times.
• Follow safe sleep procedures, sanitation procedures, diapering/toileting protocols, infection prevention practices, allergy management, and emergency procedures.
• Maintain clean, organized, safe, and developmentally appropriate indoor and outdoor environments.
• Report concerns regarding child protection or safety in accordance with the Child, Family and Community Service Act.
• Complete incident, illness, injury, and safety documentation accurately and promptly.

Teamwork & Professional Practice

• Work collaboratively and respectfully as part of a multidisciplinary childcare team.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to ECE Assistants, Community Support Workers, practicum students, and volunteers.
• Attend and participate actively in:
  • Staff meetings
  • Supervision meetings
  • Training sessions
  • Professional development opportunities
  • CARF quality improvement activities
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, ethical conduct, and respectful communication at all times.
• Apply the:
  • BC Early Learning Framework,
  • BC Childcare Licensing,
  • ECEBC Code of Ethics,
  • Canadian Child Care Federation Code of Ethics,
  • NRCDA policies and procedures in daily practice.

Required Qualifications

• Valid BC Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Certificate
• Current BC Licence to Practice
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification
• Satisfactory RCMP and Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector clearance
• Crisis Intervention Training or willingness to obtain
• Knowledge of:
  • Child development
  • Inclusive childcare practices
  • Play-based learning
  • Trauma-informed practice
  • Positive behavior support
  • BC Early Learning Framework
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Basic computer and documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years of related childcare experience as a practicing Early Childhood Educator
• Experience supporting children with diverse support needs
• Knowledge of emergent curriculum practices
• Food Safe certification

Core Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Compassion and empathy
• Patience and emotional regulation
• Professional communication
• Team collaboration
• Ethical practice
• Inclusion and cultural sensitivity
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Observation and assessment skills
• Relationship-based caregiving
• Professional accountability
• Strong supervision and safety awareness

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a licensed childcare environment.
• Frequent standing, lifting, bending, carrying, and floor-based interaction with children is required.
• Work includes indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions.
• Employees may support children with diverse developmental, emotional, behavioral, or medical needs.

By email:

general@nrchilddevelopment.com