HeadStart Assistant

Position Summary 

Seabird Island is committed to nurturing early childhood development and lifelong learning. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Headstart Assistant to join our team, working collaboratively to enhance the well-being and early education of children and families in our community.

Under the direction of the Headstart Team Lead, the Headstart Assistant provides culturally informed care and support to young children enrolled in the Headstart program. This role involves assisting with the planning and delivery of age-appropriate educational activities, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment, and promoting developmental milestones in alignment with cultural teachings and values. The Headstart Assistant will be responsible for ensuring the children have a safe, fun, and educational environment to encourage their learning through the developmental stages.

This is a term contract with an end date of November 1st, 2025, with the possibility of extension. The hours of this position are Monday - Thursday 9am-2pm.

What you'll do

Early Childhood Development & Learning

• Participate in culturally appropriate and enriching activities that support the development of young children.
  


• Assist in planning and delivering developmentally appropriate experiences that promote physical, emotional, cognitive, and social growth.
  


• Support the creation of a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment, including the implementation of flexible routines and responsive caregiving practices

Health, Safety, and Well-being

• Report all accidents, injuries, illnesses, or incidents to the Supervisor, and ensure timely documentation in the communication log.
  


• Report all suspected cases of child abuse or neglect in accordance with center policy and under the guidance of the Supervisor.
  


• Assist in maintaining cleanliness and safety within the center, including participating in daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning.

Program Operations & Support

• Participate in field trips and other off-site activities, supporting child supervision and engagement.
  


• Contribute to the daily operation of the Headstart center through active participation in program delivery and team collaboration.
  


• Provide general administrative and clerical support, including routine office tasks such as filing, photocopying, and record keeping.
  


• Attend and contribute to staff meetings, training sessions, and planning discussions as required.

Family & Community Engagement

• Encourage parental involvement and maintain positive communication with families to support each child’s development.
  


• Engage with the community to promote awareness and support for the Headstart program and its goals.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.
  

What you Bring 

Qualifications

• Highschool Diploma or GED required.


• Responsible Adult Certificate or ECEA Certificate is required.  
  


• First Aid Certificate required.
  


• Food Safe Certificate required.


• Physical ability to perform the duties of the position, including lifting and engaging in active play.
  


• Knowledge of child development principles and age-appropriate practices.
  


• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Cultural Competency:

• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.
  


• Familiarity with the Headstart program and its focus on holistic child and family development.
  


• Experience working in a culturally inclusive early childhood setting.
  


• Understanding of trauma-informed and strength-based approaches to childcare and family support.

Skills and Attributes

• Warm, nurturing, and patient demeanor with a genuine passion for working with children.
  


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with children, families, and staff.
  


• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and adapt to changing needs in a dynamic environment.
  


• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate sound judgment in all interactions.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.
  


• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.


• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively travel between our facilities and the communities we serve to support the children and work.

Reports to: HeadStart Team Lead 

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience, particularly in relation to Early Childhood Development. Please include references that can speak to your experience and skills.

Have a question about this position before you apply? Email [email protected].

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

Pre-employment screening 

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.