Montessori Educator

Job Responsibility:

Terra Early Learning is a community-minded early years centre with a progressive educational approach. Our mission is to co-create an environment where students experience what it means to conserve Earth's natural resources, so we can leave our planet sustainable for all living things now, and in the future.

Terra Early Learning weaves in the foundational aspects of the Montessori program to achieve our mission of sustainable education. At its core, Montessori is education for life, supporting the development of each child reaching their fullest potential. The goal of Montessori Education is to encourage children to become lifelong learners who respect themselves, others, and the environment. Through a Montessori approach, children and educators work together to build a sense of classroom community, and the students' sense of social responsibility is nurtured as they engage in daily tasks that encourage community-mindedness; watering plants, folding laundry, or cleaning up after themselves.

Montessori's educational approach is beautifully incorporated into Terra Early Learning's curriculum, as it emphasizes sustainability, care for the natural environment, social responsibility, and citizenship. Our program is integrated to tailor to students' individual needs with an intentional focus on children's social-emotional development, health, and well-being.

The Opportunity

Terra is seeking loving, passionate, and progressive Montessori Educators commitment to life-long learning to join our Early Learning Department. As a Montessori Educator, you will be responsible for providing exceptional education in a nurturing environment. As the Montessori Educator, you will create a classroom environment that promotes independence, allowing children to make choices with activities, work at their own pace, and work independently or in a group. The focus is on children's emerging needs designed for their interests, abilities and potential. Activities in the classroom and daily experiences promote social-emotional development, physical coordination, control of movement, and cognitive skills, as they develop their focus and concentration through developmentally appropriate activities.

The esteemed members of our school community bring with them diverse experiences, unique perspectives, and varied educational backgrounds. Every individual on our team is valued, heard, and respected. We work collectively to achieve our mission, while embodying our values in everything that we do.

The Role

As a Montessori Educator, you will:

• Provide learning experiences and opportunities to our young children, with a commitment to uphold our mission and vision towards sustainable living.
• Develop a strong understanding of Terra's school culture, and what sets us apart from other early learning centres.
• Plan, implement, and organize a program in-line with Terra Early Learning's curriculum. Embrace the core principles and methods of the Montessori approach including the prepared environment, mixed-age classrooms, individualized learning and the use of Montessori materials.
• Observe and assess each child's progress, strengths, and interests. Provide individualized lessons and activities based on the child's developmental needs, abilities, and learning style. Encourage self-paced learning and self-correction using Montessori materials.
• Establish loving, positive, safe and secure relationships with the children.
• Nurture to children's individual physical, social-emotional, and mental wellness needs.
• Connect and engage in collaborative partnerships with fellow educators, colleagues, leaders, families, and the greater community.
• Prepare the classroom to ensure a clean and safe environment, including the organization of classroom materials. Ensure that materials are accessible and appropriately arranged to support student learning and exploration.
• Provide age-appropriate activities to support the development of children's social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical growth.
• Document children's learning progress and communicate with families/caregivers and colleagues regarding children's development and progress.
• Attend staff meetings and professional development opportunities where necessary.

The Qualifications

As a Montessori Educator, you have:

• A Montessori Primary and/or Infant Toddler Diploma or Certification
• A valid Early Childhood Educator Certification
• A valid Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR/AED Level B Certification
• A clear Criminal Record Check
• Canadian citizenship and/or legally permitted to work in Canada
• Strong communication skills; spoken and written in English
• A commitment to learn, apply, champion, and embody Terra's Values and Mission
• A deep understanding and commitment for the industry in which we operate
• Excellent interpersonal skills. Have a passion for building and maintaining relationships with students, families, and colleagues
• A growth mindset, recognizing opportunities for learning and growth daily
• Experience, knowledge in sustainability education is an asset
• Ability to thrive in a creation, growth-stage environment
• Commitment
• 40 hours per week
• Shifts will be on a rotational schedule
• Estimated start of position in early 2024
• Permanent

The Perks

Some of the industry-leading benefits you will receive working at Terra Early Learning:

• Competitive salary commensurate with education and experience
• Extended health and dental benefits
• Paid vacation days
• Employee child care discount
• Five paid sick days annually
• Meals included
• Public and bank holidays and holiday increase with service and seniority
• Professional development budget
• Growth mindset environment

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $25.00-$35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Discounted or free food
• Extended health care
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Vision care

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

• Are you legally able to work in Canada?

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• ECE Licence (required)
• Montessori Primary and/or Infant Toddler Certification (required)

Ability to Commute:

• Richmond, BC V6V 2N9 (required)

Work Location: In person