StrongStart Facilitator

21-May-2008

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

The Strong Start Facilitator operates a participative program for parents and their 0-5 year old children.   The program promotes and complements the knowledge, skills and dispositions which children acquire in the years before school entry in key developmental domains:  cognitive, physical, language and communication, social and emotional.  The Facilitator outreaches to families, provides parent support and education regarding stages of early childhood development, encourages networking amongst families and with the school community, and links families to related community resources.  The Strong Start Facilitator reports to Management.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Plans, organizes and facilitates age appropriate play based learning centres and activities for children that reflect the stages of child development birth to five years old and are in keeping with the provincial early learning framework.

Promotes oral language skills, creative expression and problem-solving, as well as emergent literacy and numeracy strategies.

Provides a daily nutritional program that encourages healthy eating and introduces children and families to a diverse range of affordable food options.

Orients the children and their families to the school community and the school context, and works with district and school personnel to ensure a smooth transition into the school system and school activities such as Ready Set Learn, Welcome to Kindergarten, and family literacy initiatives.

Provides education and support for parents/caregivers such as child health, nutrition and discipline strategies that support their child’s social and emotional learning and development.

Works with families, school staff and community resources to facilitate the inclusion of children with special needs and their caregivers.

Connects with service providers in the community and facilitates referrals/linkages for families where necessary and /or incorporates community resource visitors into the Strong Start program.

Requisitions and maintains arts, nutrition and other program supplies.

Responds to information and resource requests from parents, caregivers and the general public and provides current information on early learning opportunities in the community.

Organizes and facilitates special events, workshops and parent information sessions.

Promotes awareness and advertises the Strong Start program as required.

Maintains and produces reports of program activities and registration/attendance as required.

Prepares the centre for opening and tidies up after closing each day.

Performs related duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Current knowledge of child development, family dynamics, inter-cultural communication strategies and early learning, literacy and child care issues.

Ability to work with a variety of parents, children, school staff, professional and community members.

Experience in creating, planning, implementing and budgeting for a parent participation early learning program.

Strong verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.

Good organizational and planning skills.

Ability to take initiative and promote early learning amongst families, within the school and the local community.

Knowledge of applicable district and local policies, regulations, and practices which govern activities.

Knowledge of applicable community programs and service providers.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Certificate in Early Childhood Education from a community college or similar institution recognized by the District.

Two years recent experience working in early childhood education, family support, recreation, social work or community development with 0-5 year children and with their parents/caregivers.

LICENCES, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATIONS

Valid Early Childhood Educator certificate approved by the Director of the Early Childhood Educator Registry in B.C.

Valid Child Safe First Aid Certificate

Food Safe Certificate