Position Summary

Seabird Island is committed to nurturing healthy children, families, and communities through culturally grounded early childhood development. We are dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment that respects and values Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of being. We are seeking a Head Start Team Lead to support the delivery of the Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) and Parents and Tots programs, working to enhance early learning and family well-being.

Under the direction of the Manager of Early Years Support and Wellness Programs, the Head Start Team Lead helps coordinate daily programming and curriculum planning, ensuring the integration of AHSOR’s seven key components: Health, Nutrition, Parent and Family Involvement, Stó:lō Culture and Halq’eméylem Language, Social Support, Education, and Special Needs. The Team Lead also supports home-based programming for families in need and fosters strong relationships with families and the community, while promoting integrity, cultural respect, and ethical practice in all aspects of the role.

This is a full time term contract ending on June 30, 2026.

What You'll Do

Program Planning & Development

• Plan, guide, and facilitate daily activities and special events, including field trips, that foster cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development.
• Set up and maintain developmentally appropriate learning environments, including arranging equipment, materials, and educational resources.
• Support children in developing social, and communication skills.
• Observe and assess individual children's development and behavior and provide input on tailored behavior plans.
• Incorporate Stó:lō culture, Halq’eméylem language, and traditional teachings into daily programming.

Team Coordination & Staff Support

• Lead and support HeadStart Assistants in delivering culturally relevant programming.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and on-the-job support to team members.
• Assist in onboarding new team members and supporting professional development.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure program compliance with all provincial and local childcare licensing regulations, as well as with the standards and requirements of the AHSOR initiative.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, incidents, child assessments, and other documentation as required.
• Participate in case management meetings and multidisciplinary consultations to support holistic child and family needs.
• Prepare and submit monthly reports to the Early Childhood Development Director, summarizing program outcomes, needs, and developments.

Family & Community Engagement

• Promote the Head Start program to families and the wider community through outreach, events, and information sessions.
• Foster strong, respectful relationships with families, encouraging their involvement in programming and decision-making.
• Coordinate and deliver home-based programming and home visits for families requiring additional support.
• Participate in community events, cultural celebrations, and public activities to strengthen program visibility and cultural integration.
• Organize and facilitate parent engagement opportunities such as workshops, open houses, and advisory meetings.

Program Quality & Development

• Collaborate with the Program Manager to review and enhance program planning and delivery.

• Monitor and evaluate program quality through observations, feedback, and community input.

• Identify areas for improvement and recommend changes to enhance the effectiveness and cultural relevance of the program.

• Stay informed of current trends and best practices in early childhood education, particularly those rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems.

Other Duties

• Additional responsibilities as needed to support the community and uphold our shared values.

Working / Special Conditions

• Initial and ongoing employment is subject to submission of a clear Criminal Record Review Program Check to ensure the safety and trust of the communities we serve. This check will be conducted every five years.

• Initial and ongoing commitment to the values and guidelines of Sq'éwqel (Seabird Island Band), including our policies, procedures, standards of practice, and laws, is essential. This commitment supports our collective work, the community, and the responsibilities of this role.

• Must possess a valid class 5 driver's license and have access to safe and reliable transportation, insured for community-based use, to effectively travel to and from the communities we serve.

What You Bring

• Early Childhood Education Certificate and current license to practice is required.

• Experience training, directing and supervising staff.

• Ability to handle stressful and sensitive situations in a professional manner.

• Have knowledge and experience in the philosophy and practices of Head Start.

• Experience working with children in an Early Childhood setting.

• Ability to develop and maintain a warm, caring, responsive relationship with children.

• Ability to establish and maintain supportive and collaborative relationships with families and staff.

• Ability to maintain a positive professional and non-judgmental attitude.
  Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

Preferred:

• Indigenous candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Lived experience as a member of a First Nations community.

• Knowledge and understanding of Seabird Island’s culture, traditions, teachings, community dynamics.

• Ability to respond quickly and professionally to community or colleague needs and inquiries.

• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

Cultural Competency:

• Understanding of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and contemporary issues.

• Experience working within Indigenous communities and applying culturally safe practices.

• Understanding of intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and communities.

How to Apply

• Have a question about this role before you apply? Email careers@seabirdisland.ca.

• Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter sharing how your experience aligns with this role.

Pre-Employment Screening

Seabird Island is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions that Indigenous people bring to our team. We actively encourage applications from Indigenous people. Pursuant to S. 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit heritage. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in Canada; however, we are not able to sponsor visas.

Employment is conditional upon completing pre-employment screening to ensure a safe and secure work environment in which students, staff, members, families, community, as well as resources, and assets are protected. All background checks, reference checks and criminal record checks are performed in accordance with Seabird Island Human Resources Policy Manual, protecting the integrity and confidentiality of information gathered during the evaluation.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.