Head Educator

The Head Educator is responsible for planning and overseeing the daily program for a group of
children in a safe, secure environment. The Head Educator will nurture children to encompass all
aspects of development: social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth and development, in
accordance with the pedagogy outlined in “How Does Learning Happens” and with accordance of
the Ministry of Education guidelines. The Head Educator will act as a role model and teaching
resource to childcare staff and will assume a leadership role in the absence of the Child Care
Supervisor.

A. FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP ROLE
• Provide leadership to staff in the absence of the Child Care Supervisor, assuming delegated tasks.
• Coordinate the daily activities of the program area in compliance with all licensing and
organization standards.
• Identify program, staffing and scheduling issues to the Child Care Supervisor.
• Act as a role model and resource to children, parents, staff, students and volunteers.

B. RESPONSIBILITIES TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
• Ensure that each child is treated with dignity, respect, love and care.
• Create a warm, inviting, secure environment that promotes growth and learning.
• Ensure programs are geared to needs of the individual child with concern for his/her interests,
abilities, individual style, and pace of learning. Pedagogical documentation, reflective practice, and
collaborative inquiry, based on “How Does Learning Happen?” which will be the basis for decisions
on program content
• Maintain regular and open communication with family members, other staff, students and
volunteers.
• Ensure a smooth transition of a child from one program to another.
• Be aware of admissions, attendance, fees and goals to respond to enquiries from parents.

C. PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES & REQUIREMENTS
• Be a Registered Early Childhood Educator with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• Be in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
• Plan and deliver inclusive play based learning as based on “How Does Learning Happen?”
• Has a Duty to Report any suspect that a child is, or may be, in need of protection, the
• Educator must make a report directly to the children’s aid society, in accordance
• with the Child and Family Services Act.
• Abide by the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice as well as all applicable
• legislation, regulations, by-laws and policies that are relevant to the professional practice.
• Be aware of the Program Statement and be working towards the goals and objectives. On a
• yearly basis set new goals and objectives and sign off.
• Be aware of the Prohibited Practices and confirm that these practices are not allowed and
• do not occur.
• A Vulnerable Sector check will be provided every 5 years.
• Sign an Offence Declaration every calendar year no later than 15 days after the anniversary
• date of the most recent offence declaration or vulnerable sector check
• Will be aware of the need for ongoing professional training and development
• requirements (i.e. First Aid, Continuous Professional Learning)
• Be aware of policies and procedures, review and sign off on all policies yearly
• Schedule program duties.
• Refer concerns regarding children to the Child Care Supervisor. Observe and record
• relevant information as required.
• Maintain a daily log for program area.
• Regularly update children’s files.
• Perform all duties required as part of the staff team in the program area.
• Confer with community agencies/consultants regarding the welfare of the child.

D. HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Any recommendations or instructions by the medical officer, health unit or the fire
• department are recorded in the daily written log, and is carried out.
• Ensure furniture and equipment are maintained to acceptable standards of cleanliness and
• good repair.
• Bring health and safety issues to the attention of the Child Care Supervisor.
• Be alert to signs of illness in children – take appropriate action as necessary, and report
• communicable diseases to local Medical Officer of Health
• Administer basic first aid as required.
• Administer medications with proper authorization in absence of Supervisor.
• Comply with all organization policies and procedures including occupational health and
• safety, fire, hygiene, emergencies, etc.
• Will provide the employer with health assessments and immunization records.

E. STAFF/TEAM RELATIONS
• Assist the Child Care Supervisor in the supervision and evaluation of staff in the program area.
• Guide the program team in how to plan and deliver inclusive play based learning .
• Coordinate orientation and evaluation of students in program area.
• Coordinate orientation of new staff and volunteers in the program area.
• Practice and promote positive interpersonal relations.
• Attend professional development, training and staff meetings as required.
• Follow the guidance and direction of the Child Care Supervisor and consultants to the centre.
F. GENERAL
• Maintain confidentiality of information pertaining to children, families and fellow staff.
• Other duties as may be assigned from time to time.