Title: Early Years Oshkebawis-Pedagogical Lead
Reports to: Early Years Manager
Term: Permanent, Full Time, Existing Vacancy
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary Range: $54,000 – 60,000 annually
Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg’s mission is to provide services and supports in safe spaces for Indigenous people across the life cycle that are rooted in culture and language. Our vision is to provide high quality and wholistic supports in a space that fosters Indigenous identity formation and a sense of belonging across the life cycle.
Under the direction of the Early Years Manager, Oshkebawis is a member of the childcare leadership team. They will support the implementation of Indigenous ways of knowing and being through collaboration and programming that aligns with Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg’s Cultural Curriculum and strategic goals.
Responsibilities
· The Oshkebawis will be the pedagogical lead, supporting the observation, documentation and planning for the program.
· Provides mentorship opportunities and supports pedagogical approaches to early learning teams regularly.
· Collaborates and supports the implementation of cultural and language programming in the Niwasa Early Years program as well as agency wide.
· Ensures that the cultural and language teachings and knowledge transfer are happening throughout the day; routinely encourages and works with educators to continue using the knowledge gained.
· Partners with the Cultural Lead, and educators regarding programs/classrooms environments and assists with all program planning and implementation.
· Coordinates with the leadership team to identify professional development opportunities for educators to reflect Niwasa’s Program Statement and to support outdoor learning and cultural knowledge advancement.
· Conducts observations to ensure that best practice Indigenous ways of learning are being implemented in classrooms and programs.
· Assists the classroom and program supervisors to ensure the program plan is being done collaboratively and includes required cultural components.
· Supports the classroom and all early year's programs in planning monthly activities that align with our cultural knowledge and assists educators with pedagogical documentation.
· Seeks support and teachings in collaboration with traditional knowledge keepers and community Elders to increase traditional knowledge.
· Contributes to and supports land-based learning.
· Develops cultural resources.
· Helps with overall classroom flow and function as directed/needed.
· Will work in various classrooms to cover for staffing shortages to meet ratios.
· Works with program staff and the supervisory team to champion the integration of Indigenous knowledge and materials for all participants.
· Provides cultural programs; considering interest, age and ability of participants.
· Acts as mentor to colleagues, Supervisors and Early Childhood Educators.
· Informs supervisor of any necessary upkeep, repairs, maintenance, and replacement of equipment and supplies to ensure safety and security standards are maintained.
Follows all policies and procedures of Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg and all other related legislation.
Monthly completion and submission of all reports as required.
Participates in monthly staff meetings.
Submits timesheets bi-weekly to direct supervisor using the approved platform.
May be required to work various shifts, evening and weekend hours year-round; flexibility required
Other duties as required or assigned by the Executive Director, Early Years Manager or delegate.
· Active in the classroom as needed, conducting observation, providing cultural support and feedback.
Specific Job Competencies
Experience in a community setting working with Indigenous children, youth and families would be an asset.
Demonstrated ability to manage key relationships.
Able to identify key issues; creatively and strategically overcome internal and external challenges or obstacles.
Genuinely committed to helping children learn.
A clear and solid understanding of the issues faced by the urban Indigenous community.
Must possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of historical trauma and intergenerational trauma of Indigenous peoples.
Must maintain a high level of self-awareness and wellness and participate in regular self-care.
High level of integrity, confidentially, and accountability.
Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
Able to maintain and role model a high level of emotional intelligence to support a respectful and healthy workplace
A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills.
Able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
Able to use a wide range of administrative software including MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
Working Conditions
Will work primarily in a classroom/indoor setting but must be able to participate in outdoor settings often (field trips, outdoor play, etc.).
May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc.
Interacts with children, family members, staff, and visitors.
Overtime as required.
Qualifications
· In accordance with Section 14: Special Programs of the Ontario Human Rights Code, applicants must self-identify as Indigenous.
Knowledge of the importance of First Nations Language and Culture Traditions.
· Must possess a post-secondary diploma in Early Childhood Education.
· Must be registered, in good standing, with the College of ECE’s.
· Must provide a new Vulnerable Sector Screen.
Must have valid First Aid/CPR certification.
· Must have all required medical vaccinations.
· A valid Food Handlers Certificate is an asset.