Early Childhood Educator III

Early Childhood Educator ECE III 

Centre/Organization: Makoonsag Intergenerational Children’s Centre, Inc.

Job Location : Winnipeg, Manitoba

Expiry Date: 20 November, 2026

Application Email: [email protected]

Full Description

Position: Early Childhood Educator III Supervisory Position

Classification: Permanent  Full Time

Hourly Wage: $30 - $40/hour (Negotiable depending on experience and qualifications)

Who We Are

Makoonsag is a not-for-profit fully licensed, 52-space Indigenous childcare centre located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was the vision of Elder Stella Blackbird who saw the need for children of the students studying at Urban Circle Training Centre, Inc. and at other educational institutions on Selkirk Avenue to have a safe and culturally reflective space to learn and grow next to their parents, grandparents and caregivers in an intergenerational setting. Urban Circle, Makoonsag’s parent organization, is an Indigenous Adult Learning Centre with an annual enrolment of 150 Indigenous learners pursuing accredited secondary and post-secondary education in the fields of Health Care, Education, Apprenticeship, Family Services and Early Childhood Education.  At the heart of students’ success is Urban Circle’s model of Indigenous-led education that is grounded in ancestral teachings, ceremonies and land-based learning. Elder Audrey Bone, who walked with Stella for many years, has been carrying on these teachings. She is the Elder at Urban Circle and Makoonsag and sees, as Stella did, the two organizations as one Sacred Lodge where intergenerational healing is celebrated in the Circle of Life and where all generations can see themselves reflected in the leadership. Urban Circle is governed by an all-Indigenous Board of Directors and Makoonsag’s Board is guided by our Elder and a Grandmother’s Circle. 

The Opportunity
Makoonsag is seeking a leader in early childhood education whose way of life embraces Indigenous culture, ceremony, teachings, languages and land-based learning. This person will take the lead in the design, development and implementation of Indigenous curriculum and intergenerational learning based on ancestral knowledge, ways and traditions. This person will be part of the Management Team at Makoonsag and will be directly involved in the daily operations of our Centre with a special focus on the integration of Indigenous ways of knowing in a high quality, play-based emergent curriculum. Makoonsag offers a warm, welcoming and child-centered environment where staff are attuned to children’s inherent creativity and wisdom and where the wellbeing of each child is honoured and respected.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to a safe, caring, and engaging environment for children, families and staff
• Design and implement curriculum and intergenerational activities grounded in Indigenous culture, traditions, ceremonies and languages
• Encourage staff and families to participate in the planning and implementation of intergenerational activities such as Indigenous languages, play-based workshops, cooking, baking, feasting, singing, drumming, storytelling, traditional games, etc.
• Cultural integration – initiate and support the implementation of Indigenous approaches and land-based learning in all aspects of Makoonsag’s activities with guidance from Makoonsag’s Elder and Grandmother’s Circle
• Take the lead in staff recruitment, hiring, support, peer-led evaluations, professional development
• Work closely with staff to support their ideas and encourage their personal and professional development
• Assist staff to grow in their knowledge of traditional teachings and to nurture  safe, loving environment for the children and their families
• Build positive relationships with children, families and team members.
• Support children’s emotional, physical, spiritual and intellectual needs 
• Ensure children’s safety and well-being while following Provincial regulations, safety, health and organizational policies
• Share responsibility for administrative tasks and become familiar with Makoonsag’s administration, safety procedures and protocols and Manitoba Early Learning and Child Care policies and regulations
• Maintain required certifications and professional standards related to early childhood education.
• Other related duties as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate Is

Qualifications

• Manitoba ECE III Certification (or ECE II well on the way to the attainment of ECE III)
• Diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education from a recognized university or college
• Demonstrated lived experience with Indigenous teachings, ceremonies, way of life, cultural practices, land-based learning and Indigenous approaches to Early Learning, Child Care and intergenerational learning
• Proficiency in using MS Office (Work, Excel and Outlook)
• Knowledge of Quick Books Online an asset
• Ability to speak an Indigenous language an asset
• Valid Manitoba driver’s license with access to a vehicle an asset

Experience 

• Minimum three years of experience working in a childcare or early learning environment preferred. 
• Experience supporting children with diverse emotional, developmental, or behavioural needs is considered an asset.
• Leadership experience in Indigenous communities an asset
• Previous experience working in a community-based non-profit organization an asset

Conditions of Employment

• Current Infant/Child First Aid and CPR Certification
• Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Abuse Registry required. Makoonsag requires a satisfactory Criminal Record Check, with a Vulnerable Sector Check, and a Child Abuse Registry Check prior to the start of employment. All checks must be dated within three (3) months of the employee’s start date.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with children, families and team members.
• Familiar with the Seven Sacred Teachings and committed to leading with humility, honesty, love, respect, courage, wisdom and honour
• Strong administrative, organizational, problem-solving, planning and time management skills. 
• Understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities and daily routines.
• Ability to support children experiencing emotional, behavioural or developmental challenges with patience, love, empathy and professionalism and to support the staff and caregivers in these challenges
• Ability to maintain emotional resilience, positive relationships and professionalism throughout the day
• Knowledge of culturally responsive and inclusive childcare practices
• Commitment to ongoing learning, personal growth and professional development.

Contact Information

Apply in person to Haven Stumpf, Makoonsag Board Co-Chairperson at View phone number on jobs.amik.ca or by email at [email protected] . Please submit a recent resume, a written submission outlining your interest in this position and 3 written references. Deadline for applications: Wednesday, November 18, 2026.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Makoonsag is committed to equity and inclusion in employment. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous candidates in alignment with our organizational mandate and the communities we serve.