Early Learning Program Mentor

Position Summary:  

The Early Learning Program Mentor assists STC member Nations in developing and maintaining programs and services that support early childhood and family development needs as part of the Early Learning Program within STC's Education Department.  Program support for staff development and program development – cultural, land based and play based consistent with "Play and Exploration" approaches, is provided as required. Program staff development and play based program development are also provided for the Urban Aboriginal Headstart Program and the Urban Early Learning Centre.

The Early Learning Program Mentor is STC's substitute representative to the First Nations Early Childhood Circle (FNECC), FSIN's Advisory Committee on early childhood program matters, and the substitute representative to the Aboriginal Head Start Urban and Northern Communities (AHSUNC) Director's Council.  The Mentor is supervised by the Early Learning Program Manager, 

Responsibilities:

• Individualize planning as expressed by each of the Child Care Centre and Head Start Program Coordinator/Manager to meet their programming goals which may include mentoring staffing on interpersonal communication, planning daily programming, interior and exterior environment planning, child guidance, individual child program planning;
• Develop professional relationships with each of the seven member nations Child Care Centre and Head Start Program staff and offer support; 
• Provide support and mentorship to with STC Early Learning Centre and Early Learning Centre program staff; 
• Co-facilitate Early Learning Programs Working Group meetings;
  1. Support working group Task Teams to identify emerging needs and opportunities for program improvements and innovations in service delivery and develop/implement new methods;
• Provide in-service training for Early Childhood Educators;
• Research quality professional development for early learning educators and submit requests for contracting facilitators.
• Coordinate venue and catering bookings for meetings and professional development events;
• Provides assistance with required internal organizational communications and reporting on the Early Learning Program;
• Collaborates with other STC 2nd level staff to support each of the 7 member First Nations to meet or exceed the Saskatchewan First Nations Early Learning Facility Regulations and the Accreditation Canada Standards;
• Act as an alternate STC representative on the First Nation Early Childhood Circle (FNECC Working Group) and the Aboriginal Head Start Urban and Northern Communities (AHSUNC) Directors Council, in the development of policies, programs and trainings for First Nations Early Childhood Programs in the Saskatchewan Region;
• Perform other related duties as defined and assigned by the Early Learning Program Manager and/or designate, when required.  
• Under the guidance and supervision of the Early Learning Program Manager, provide ongoing reports to the Director of Education

Working Environment

• Weekly travel and email, phone or virtual contact (Zoom, Teams) to/with 7 First Nations to meet with Early Learning and Child Care programs staff and to build and maintain relationships with related Health programs and with Schools.   Travel is regulated by STC policies and procedures.
• Given the traditional practices of the Dakota, Cree, and Saulteaux cultures, exposure to wood smoke and the burning of sacred medicines, including tobacco, sweet grass, sage or cedar, may occur within the work setting.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, evenings and weekends. 
• Manage multiple priorities of 13 programs within 7 First Nations and the Saskatoon based Urban Aboriginal Head Start Program and the Urban Early Learning Center. 

Education and Experience

• Must possess Education Childhood Education Level III obtained from an accredited post secondary school;
• Minimum of five years experience providing direct service to children and families in early childhood program settings;
• At least three years experience working with adults in a training, coaching or mentoring capacity;
• The Early Learning Program Mentor will also be eligible for membership with the Saskatchewan Early Childhood Association (SECA);
• Experience in organizing, developing and facilitating training workshops. 
• CPR/First Aid/AED required or ability to obtain within first three months of hired date;
• Experience working within a governance structure in a community development capacity with First Nations; familiarity with First Nations culture, history is considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities

• The ability to motivate others in a collaborative team environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of child development, play based learning approaches, and promising practices in providing high quality care and learning environments.
• Knowledge and understanding of adult learning, group facilitation methods, coaching and mentoring.
• Knowledge and understanding of current/historical trauma in First Nation communities, and skills in implementing trauma informed practices;
• Skills in program planning and assessment, using tools such as "LOVIT-PEP", ECERS;
• Ability to document child development; 
• Skills in child development screening, using tools such as ASQ and ASQ-SE;
• Familiar with First Nations cultural protocols, practices and language.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Analytical, decision making and the ability to recognize challenges, identify causes and provide solutions.
• Dependability: able to work independently, submit accurate documentation, and seek guidance when needed,
• Receptive: accept feedback, take ownership of responsibilities, and identifies areas of growth.
• Interpersonal Skills: communicates clearly, seek solutions, and demonstrates flexibility.
• Integrity: keep sensitive information confidential and adheres to STC's policies.
• Initiative: seeks opportunities for further program development.

Other Conditions

• Must provide a current, original, Canadian Criminal Record Check (CCRC) with vulnerable sector search as a condition of employment.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, have a reliable vehicle and meet Saskatoon Tribal Council's insurance requirements.