Job Description

What You'll Do

The primary responsibilities of an Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) are to provide care for infants and children from preschool to school age under the guidance of Early Childhood Educators. ECEAs are paraprofessionals who work directly with children enrolled in daycare or recreational services. They play an important supporting role for both children and families, assisting with activities that promote intellectual, physical, and emotional growth while ensuring security and well-being. Responsibilities include providing care and support services for individual children, which may involve specialized childcare, as well as assisting with group activities. In all cases, ECEAs help foster healthy development, encourage positive choices, and teach developmentally appropriate skills and activities. They also contribute to cultural enrichment opportunities that support holistic health, spiritual well-being, and strong family relationships. As paraprofessionals, they are expected to demonstrate professional, ethical, and responsible behaviour, build positive relationships with children and parents, and serve as ambassadors for healthy living and motivation.

A key element of success for a paraprofessional educator is developing knowledge of theories and methods to meet the care needs of individual children and to guide activities for groups of children. Equally important is the ability to establish and maintain respectful and compassionate relationships with children and their parents or guardians. Other essential factors include gaining awareness of and knowing how to access reference persons and materials to support childcare, program or service development, and addressing problems, challenges, or issues. These references may include written policies, procedures, and guidelines, as well as schedules, day logs, checklists, equipment manuals, and reference handbooks. Occasionally, the ECE Assistant may hold an exemption and act as the ECE on the floor; in such cases, they will be compensated at step one of the ECE pay band when working under the exemption for more than 2 hours in a workday or more than 10 hours in a workweek. Other related duties as required.

Valued Qualifications

Experience & Knowledge:

Early Childhood Educator Assistant Certificate First Aid, CPR Level C - if expired must be willing to obtain employer paid training. Experience working with children.

Skills:

Good organizational, time management and prioritizing skills. Good communication and writing/documentation skills. Strong morals and ethics, along with a commitment to child/family privacy. Good interpersonal skills and ability to interact well with others. Good computer skills and able to use basic applications and email. The ability to complete duties in a safe manner, following established safety rules.

Other (required):

Minimum 19 years of age. Character references demonstrating suitability for working with children. No barriers to working with any member of the community. Certificated (/post certification) must be willing to act as the ECE exemption on the floor in the absence of the ECE(s) to allow Deh Zona Family Centre to maintain ratios while operating with lesser qualified staff. Physical fitness to perform the work. Physician note stating fitness to work in a daycare setting will be required before an offer is made Must be able to work in non-barrier-free-workplace (building includes a second story, no elevator) Compliance with BC Immunization program and TB Screening. Satisfactory completion of a Police Record Check - vulnerable sector (renew every 5 years). Ability to provide own transportation to and from work. Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License and Drivers Abstract.

Optional (assets):

Previous First Nation experience and an understanding of First Nations education and childcare issues Experience working as an educational paraprofessional Sign Language Class 4 driver's license Ability to speak Dene and/or Cree. Other certificates such as: WHMIS, Food Safe.

Work Setting

Regular work will be scheduled from Monday to Friday, between 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. There is a requirement to work one evening each month to attend a staff meeting, which typically takes place after 5:00 p.m. Must wear safe footwear at all times. Lifting or moving objects and children up to 40 lbs. are performed occasionally. Will occasionally work in awkward or cramped positions. Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computer and peripherals. Occasional use of household appliances is required.

Benefits and Lifestyle

Join the FNFN team and enjoy a competitive hourly wage and a standard 35-hour work week. We offer a comprehensive benefits package (health/dental, insurances, weekly indemnities), a pension plan, and three weeks vacation to help you recharge. The rate offered will reflect your certifications, experience, knowledge, skills, and other valuable attributes.

Discover the unique lifestyle that Fort Nelson offers - a beautiful and affordable place to call home! Enjoy year-round indoor and outdoor recreational activities, from hiking and fishing to winter sports, along with a variety of cultural activities. Surrounded by the magnificent Northern Rockies, you'll have more time to enjoy life's simple pleasures.

Ready to Apply? Here's How:

Closes:

September 25, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. *Preference may be given to qualified First Nation's applicants. Kindly forward your cover letter and resume.

We thank all individuals for applying, but only those applicants whose applications clearly demonstrate meeting all of the requested minimum requirements will receive a reply. Constitution Act, 1982 [Section 35]; Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms [Section 15(1)]; Canadian Human Rights Act [Section 16(1)]; Employment Equity Act [Section 5(a), 10(b)]; Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples [Article 22]; ILO Convention 169 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries.*

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From $23.15 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

Company pension Dental care Disability insurance Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance Paid time off Vision care
Work Location: In person