Infant/Toddler & Preschool Leads
Reporting to the Program Supervisor Team, the Infant-Toddler and Preschool Leads are responsible for the day-to-day engagement and supervision of either the infant-toddler or preschool teaching teams. The leads will ensure the organization’s mission and values are being reflected in the provision of early learning and childcare curricula in the preschool division at The Academy. The leads should have a well-developed knowledge and understanding of child development, value family and community engagement within the program, support inclusive education, and have excellent understanding of the FLIGHT curriculum, as well as Reggio Emilia and Waldorf Pedagogies.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensure the safety and well being of all staff and patrons of the Academy, including ensuring the program is following all Childcare Licensing, Environmental Public Health, and other relevant regulations.
- Possess a well-developed understanding of child development, including the importance of inclusive education for children from birth to age six, with a special focus on children ages 3-5.
- Demonstrate the value of family and community within the program and provide opportunities for children, families, and the community to meaningfully engage with The Academy
- Possess and apply knowledge of the FLIGHT curriculum, as well as the pedagogies of Reggio Emilia and Waldorf education.
- Support staff with their understanding and provision of pedagogy through day-to-day interactions with children, program planning, documentation and learning stories.
- Communicate professionally and respectfully with children, staff, management, families, and community stakeholders.
- Perform child and staff observations, through a curriculum delivery lens.
- Demonstrate patience, flexibility, and innovation.
- Support staff in the design, planning, and implementation of engaging age-appropriate programming.
- Coaching and mentoring staff to continue to develop skills and implement new learning.
- Working directly with the children regularly to ensure ratios are met and observations are being conducted.
- Using and supporting staff to use age-appropriate child guidance techniques.
- Provision of an empathetic, understanding, and inclusive environment for children with extra support needs
- Provision of an environment that supports and reflects the diversity of the children, families, and community.
- Implement the Imagine curriculum in practice
Skills and Qualifications
- Minimum 1-year certificate in Early Childhood Education or equivalent
- Leadership and management training considered an asset.
- Training or previous experience in supporting children with extra support needs an asset.
- Minimum 1 year experience in a supervisory capacity in a childcare setting
- Strong understanding of the Childcare Act, Childcare Regulation, and Environmental Public Health Regulation.
- Thorough knowledge of child development from birth through age 6.
- Minimum ECE Level 2 Certificate (formerly Child Development Worker).
- Current first aid with CPR level B or C or willing to obtain upon hiring.
- Criminal record check with vulnerable sector search dated within last 6 months or willing to procure at hiring.
- Proficient computer skills including Microsoft office suite. Willing to learn specialized software. (Knowledge of Kindertales software is an asset).
- Ability to lift minimum 40lbs, ability to stand for long periods of time, ability to bend to engage with children at their level.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English – knowledge or proficiency in additional languages including ASL considered an asset.
- Demonstrate dependability, reliability, and responsibility.
- Demonstrate patience and flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing needs of children, families, and the program.
- Working directly with the children regularly to ensure ratios are met and observations are being conducted.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to think and act calmly under pressure.
- Team player