General Description

The Early Years Educator – Level 3 works collaboratively as part of the Stoney Health Services Early Learning team to deliver play-based early learning experiences to children aged 3-5 years in a positive, stimulating, culturally appropriate, creative, and challenging environment. The ultimate goals are to enhance children’s development, self-awareness, self-esteem, school readiness, and connection to Stoney Nakoda culture, language, and community.

Accountability

Reports to the Manager of Headstart and Family Resource Network (under the direction of the Headstart Program Coordinator).

Work Locations

Mînî Thnî Nakoda Headstart

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Delivery & Child Development

Provide daily, culturally relevant indoor and outdoor programming that supports child development across all domains, including:

• Approaches to learning
• Social and emotional development
• Language, literacy, and communication
• Cognitive development
• Perceptual, motor, and physical development
• Support learning through intentional, play-based activities that are age-appropriate, individually responsive, and inclusive of children with diverse abilities.
• Promote positive self-identity, self-regulation, curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving through nurturing and consistent interactions.
• Support children’s language development, including respect for and integration of Stoney Nakoda language, culture, traditions, and values.
• Assist with identifying and supporting developmental needs in collaboration with the Coordinator and interdisciplinary partners.

Classroom & Daily Operations

• Planning, preparing, and implementing daily activities, circle times, and learning routines.
• Provide one-on-one or small-group support to children as required.
• Support children with daily self-care routines, including eating, dressing, toileting, and hygiene.
• Ensure a balance of structured learning and natural, land-based learning environments.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized learning environment in accordance with health, safety, and hygiene standards.

Health, Safety & Nutrition

• Ensure the safety and supervision of children at all times in accordance with Head Start standards, provincial regulations, and SHS policies.
• Support safe food preparation, meal service, and sanitation procedures, including accommodating special dietary needs and allergies.
• Promote healthy habits related to nutrition, hygiene, movement, and overall well-being.
• Participate in emergency procedures, first aid responses, and incident reporting as required.

Family & Community Engagement

• Build respectful, trusting relationships with parents, caregivers, and extended family.
• Encourage and support family involvement in the program.
• Recognize families as children’s first teachers and promote culturally responsive practices that honour community knowledge and strengths.
• Participate in community events, celebrations, and culturally grounded activities.

Documentation & Team Participation

• Assist the Coordinator with record-keeping, attendance, and documentation while maintaining confidentiality.
• Participate as an active member of the Stoney Health Services team in meetings, quality improvement, risk management, OHS, and professional development activities.
• Comply with all relevant SHS, Stoney Tribal Administration, and Head Start policies and procedures.
• Carry out other related duties as required.

Professional Requirements

1. Strong understanding of child development and early learning best practices.
2. Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework and First Nations Head Start principles.
3. Commitment to culturally safe, trauma-informed, and strengths-based practice.
4. Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary, team-based environment.
5. Strong communication, organization, and time-management skills.
6. Demonstrated respect for confidentiality and professional ethics.
7. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while supporting overall program goals.

Educational Requirements

1. Level III Early Childhood Education Certificate (Alberta Child Care Staff Certification), required.
2. Previous experience working with young children and families, preferred.
3. Experience working in Indigenous communities or with Indigenous children and families, an asset.
4. Current First Aid and CPR Certification (Infant and Child).
5. Valid Class 4 Alberta Driver’s License and clean driving record, preferred.
6. Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector and Child Welfare Check (Condition of Employment).
7. Computer skills relevant to the position.

Personal Qualities

1. Reliability, maturity, patience, and flexibility.
2. Positive, respectful, and nurturing approach to working with children and families.
3. Openness to learning, self-reflection, and professional growth.
4. Ability to maintain composure and effectiveness in a busy, dynamic environment.

Please submit your cover letter and resume on or before September 22, 2026 to

While preference is given to candidate(s) with the listed credentials and experience, Stoney Tribal Administration is open to recruiting candidates of varying educational backgrounds and experience. If you feel you have the right attitude and drive, there will be opportunity for training and professional development to the successful candidate.

Stoney Nakoda Nations adheres to Section 1-9 of the Aboriginal Employee Preference Policy for candidate shortlisting and displacement. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.