Lead Early Childhood Educator Program Title …

1 Revised March 1, 2018 Lead Early Childhood Educator Program Title Lead Early Childhood Educator - Program Scope of Responsibilities The Lead Early Childhood Educator (ECE) will take the leadership in working cooperatively with all staff, parents, and community-based professionals and service providers to introduce children into the culture of the school in a way that supports everyone s learning experience. With a thorough knowledge of Early Childhood development and the best practices that support Early learning and care, the Lead ECE will prepare a learning environment that is both stimulating and responsive to the children s interests and developmental capabilities.

2 Continuous observation will provide the Lead ECE with a reference point for developing and planning the Program to ensure children are provided with an environment in which to imagine, explore, and create new meaning by understanding and responding to their learning needs. The Lead ECE will work as a member of the school team and reports directly to the Supervisor, Pre-Primary Program . Competencies Required The Lead Early Childhood Educator shall have the following competencies: (a) Demonstrate ethical and respectful professional behaviour; (b) Demonstrate the principles of family-centred practice; (c) Demonstrated competency with distributed leadership, shared responsibility and efficient communication ( parents, community-based professionals, school principal, teachers and Pre-Primary Consultants and EECD team); (d) The ability to complete administrative duties such as utilizing electronic systems for daily attendance and securing substitute staff, communication to families, budget tracking, etc; (e) The ability to apply computer skills using programs such as Word, Excel and Outlook email.

3 (f) The ability to provide leadership in developmentally appropriate practices and child-centred emergent curriculum while leading, mentoring and coaching the Support ECE; (g) The ability to translate best practice into action in an Early learning environment; (h) The ability to articulate and apply understanding of and experience with developmental observation and assessment using Routine Based Intervention Plans (RBIP s); (i) The ability to participate with the Pre-Primary Supervisor in comprehensive, ongoing evaluation and reporting on all facets of the Early learning programs ; (j) The ability to apply knowledge, experience and commitment in the areas of race relations, cross cultural understanding, human rights, diversity and culturally relevant pedagogy; (k) The ability to maintain and promote confidentiality as the norm; (l) The desire and ability to engage in continuing education and professional development.

4 JOB DESCRIPTION #180 JOB DESCRIPTION Revised March 1, 2018 2 Qualifications (a) An undergraduate degree with a specialization in Early Childhood development or an undergraduate degree and a two year diploma in Early Childhood Education. Must hold a Level 3 ECE classification; (b) Recent experience (within past 5 years) working with pre-school children; (c) Experience in a leadership role in an Early learning environment considered an asset; (d) Current certification in First Aid; (e) Valid Nova Scotia Driver s license is an asset. Specific Job Components The Lead Early Childhood Educator shall perform tasks as are assigned by the Supervisor, Pre-Primary Program . These tasks may vary, from time to time, with the evolution of the Program and may include but not be limited to the following: (a) Create a learning environment that is inviting to all who participate in the Program ; (b) Observe children on a daily basis to learn more about them as individuals and ensure the interests, activities and thinking processes of the children are represented; (c) Deliver a uniquely creative curriculum that is responsive to the interests, developmental and cultural needs of the participating children; (d) Reflect the children s lives in ongoing displays and celebrations throughout the year; (e) Facilitate parent involvement and education in all facets of the Program .

5 (f) Partner with community-based providers to ensure that children s individual developmental needs are addressed within the context of Early learning programming; (g) Assist children in personal care growth areas such as toileting, feeding and hygiene; (h) Assess and report on children s developmental growth through RBIP s, progress reports and portfolios; (i) Participate in a comprehensive, ongoing evaluation of the Early learning programs ; (j) Collaborate with the Support ECE(s) regarding programming, classroom management and procedures; (k) Responsible for the annual evaluation of the Support ECE in collaboration with the Pre-Primary Supervisor; (l) Create a truly inclusive environment for the children and adults participating in the Program ; setting up team meetings, participating in transition plans, encouraging family participation, taking meeting notes and implementing strategies/goals from team meetings; (m) Participate in training as required.

6 At minimum, 12 hours of professional development must be completed annually to maintain ECE classification; (n) Responsible to purchase approved daily snacks and supplies for the Program by travelling to local retailers; (o) Other duties as required.