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Blue Heron Montessori- ECE/ECEA needed for September 2021

We are a progressive Montessori environment for children ages 2.5-5 years old. We currently function with 3 educators to 16 students, providing flexibility for staff to take time off and offering more one-on-one opportunities with the children. We are expanding our program September 2021 to welcome 8 more families (4 full time and 4 part time) for a total of 24 children in a large open space. We would like to keep our ratios and have 4 staff for this number of children. 

We follow Montessori philosophies and use Montessori materials, but we have an updated approach that is in line with current best practice standards. We incorporate play-based learning experiences into our program to provide a dynamic and exciting environment. We utilize pedagogical narrations on a weekly basis to share the learning with our families. Blue Heron values active community involvement and we invite our educators to contribute their ideas and passions as much as possible. We also recognize our responsibility to honour the Truth and Reconciliation Act and work to incorporate indigenous curriculum into our program.

We are looking for a candidate that will be in line with our values and is passionate about their work with children and families. The right candidate will also be interested in Montessori, and open to learning about the materials and philosophies. Educators are encouraged to plan experiences and create materials for the children to work with. This position will be permanent and full-time, as we are looking for a long-term educator who we can welcome into our community.

We are offering $21-$24/hour with opportunity for annual increase. We offer excellent health benefits from the Chamber of Commerce Johnson group package, and we cover 50% of the costs. We offer one hour paid breaks, 10 paid sick days per school year and 4% paid vacation on each paycheck. Our school program runs from September-June, with an additional summer program based upon enrollment. We close August for maintenance. 

Job Type: Full-time

Qualifications: Early Childhood Educator certificate

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

ASSISTANT E.C.E.

Prepare snack

Welcome all families 

Classroom management (ensure all students have something to focus on in Montessori/art areas)

Assist Gathering time (contribute if possible)

Assist in bathrooms and outdoor/indoor “get ready” times

Supervise and assist during walks and outdoor playtime

Assist nap set up

Assist with daily cleaning routines of kitchen and bathrooms

*welcome to contribute further to planning and educating if desired, we encourage this

E.C.E. 

Welcome all families 

Responsible for planning and preparing invitations in “play” area

Responsible for record keeping of any lessons given

Responsible for documenting and handing in 2 learning stories per week (1 hour will be given during scheduled time at school to dedicate to this. Laptop will be provided)

Responsible for planning and preparing art experiences, including playdough and water table

Responsible for daily communication with parents

Responsible for 2 parent teacher meetings per year outside of school hours (paid for)

Responsible for keeping up with licensing requirements and knowledge (as appropriate)

Responsible for reporting incidents and writing in minor incident report book

Responsible for daily communication in regards to families and children with other staff

MONTESSORI EDUCATOR 

Welcome all families 

Responsible for planning and preparing activities for Practical Life area

Responsible for giving lessons with Montessori materials to children daily

Responsible for record keeping of any lessons given

Responsible for documenting and handing in 2 learning stories per week (1 hour will be given during scheduled time at school to dedicate to this. Laptop will be provided)

Responsible for planning and preparing art experiences, including playdough and water table

Responsible for daily communication with parents

Responsible for 2 parent teacher meetings per year outside of school hours (paid for)

Responsible for keeping up with licensing requirements and knowledge (as appropriate)

Responsible for reporting incidents and writing in minor incident report book

Responsible for daily communication in regards to families and children with other staff

Hello all new potential families!

We have a new and exciting half day program added to Blue Heron September 2021! This program will run Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. We will also be adding 4 new full time spaces. This will bring our capacity up to 24 students with 4 educators. 

In addition to filling these new spaces, we are happy to announce we will begin booking tours with our waitlisted families in February to start the process of registration for the 2021/2022 school year.  If you are already on the waitlist and have not checked in recently, please let us know if you are still interested. We will be going through requests and contacting families beginning February 3, 2021.

Please ensure your email request to join the wait list includes:

• Your full name
• Your child’s full name
• Your child’s birth date
• Preferred start date (month)
• Contact phone number

If your email does not include this information, you will NOT be added to the waitlist.

Our initial interviews with families on our waitlist will take place over Zoom to ask questions and receive information; these will be a short 10-15 mins. Next, in-person tours will be held Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30-11:00, during our outside playtime. Miss. Kayla will meet with families at the centre. This ensures there is minimal disruption to the children’s routines and also allows us to give you our full attention. Due to the state of the pandemic we will only be doing adult-focused, in person tours this year for families who are serious about enrolling their children. After the tour, the registration process and September routines will be discussed.

One parent only is to attend the in-person tour ensuring they are free of all COVID symptoms, not been in contact with anyone who has tested positive, and have not travelled off Vancouver Island in the past two weeks. Masks are to be worn for the duration of the tour covering your mouth and nose, and keeping a distance of 2 meters. Please also refrain from touching any of the materials.

Thank you, and we are looking forward to meeting many of you!

Miss Kayla

We have childcare spaces available for children 3+! If you have requested to be wait listed and have yet to be notified please reach out if you are still interested in joining our program.

Warmly,

Miss. Kayla

Good Morning Families,

 

The chicks grew so much just over a few days. I could see their adult feathers starting to grow in already. They have been very hungry, thirsty and sleepy little beings. I have fed them chick feed and it’s so funny, every time I would reach in to fill their food or water dish they would peck at my fingers. 

On Sunday I returned the chicks to the farm where we got them from. Now they will be free to roam around and grow with the other chickens. Even though the children couldn’t physically be a part of this experience this year, I do hope they had a chance to enjoy the photos!

Warmly,

Miss. Kayla

 

April 2, 2020

Good Morning Families,

Yesterday afternoon I transferred the first three chicks to their new home for the next. I have added some straw, water, chick food, and a lamp to a large box. They are happily chirping away enjoying a little food, and snoozing under the warmth of the lamp. 

We had quite an exciting evening and morning here as the last three friends emerged from their shells. I was able to catch the last few moments of one of them breaking through stretching out for the first time. It takes a lot of energy to push their way out and they are exhausted when finished. 

Tomorrow morning the last three chicks will join the rest of their siblings in their new home. Stay tuned for more updates.

Miss. Kayla