EarlyON Facilitator

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Department: Human Services
Reports to: Supervisor, Family & Children’s Services
Effective Date: October 20, 2020
Revised Date: August 2021

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Supervisor of Family and Children Services, the EarlyON Facilitator is responsible for providing a system of responsive, high-quality, accessible and increasingly integrated programs and services that are designed to meet the unique needs of parents, caregivers and young children to support their developmental health and general well-being.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Planning and implementing inclusive early learning programs that build responsive adult-child relationships, encourage children’s exploration and promote play and inquiry, based on the pedagogy in How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years.
Develop, facilitate and implement programs and services that invite conversations and information sharing related to child development, parenting, nutrition, play and inquiry-based learning and other topics that support parents/caregivers in their role.
Support a range of virtual outreach initiatives to facilitate access to EarlyON programs, services and resources, and to provide connections to specialized community services that respond to a family’s unique needs.
Provide a welcoming learning environment that views parents and caregivers as co-learners and leaders in influencing positive child, family and community experiences and outcomes based on the four foundations for learning (belonging, well-being, engagement and expression).
Participate in the evaluation process of the program by encouraging parents and caregivers to complete evaluation questionnaires and focus groups and develop and implement programs based on recommendations from relevant data, feedback, local community plans and needs assessments.
Cultivate and maintain partnerships and linkages with local groups, service providers and agencies to enhance the effectiveness of referrals and nonthreatening community access to services  Provide pre/post-natal resources and supports to families.
Collaborate with internal and external partners to provide targeted outreach services that enhance parent and caregiver well-being, enrich adult-child relationships and to support parent engagement.
Collect, monitor and ensure the accuracy of information collected through registrations and program participation.
Compile pedagogical documentation in order to value, discuss and make learning visible for families and caregivers.
Actively participate in community development activities including advocacy, awareness, outreach and community engagement and empowerment activities.  Understand and ensure compliance with relevant provincial, regional, and local regulations.  Actively participate in staff meetings and performance reviews.
Clean, launder and maintain toys, linens and equipment in line with established procedures.
Perform duties considering the health and safety of themselves and others in accordance with Oxford County’s Health and Safety Policy and all applicable legislation, statues and regulations.
Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS:

Diploma in Early Childhood Education and registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators preferred. Child and Youth Worker, Social Services Worker, family studies or a related field may also be considered.
Three years of experience in the field of child and family services and functional knowledge of early child development, pedagogy and parenting supports.
Knowledge of How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years and use as the foundation for program development and delivery.
Excellent knowledge of community services, resources, and processes regarding access and referral to services and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and courteously with children and families.
Knowledge of the Child Care and Early Years Act.
Ability to work independently and as a team member to manage time and achieve outcomes.
Current First Aid/CPR Certificate and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check is required.
Ability to use professional judgement to manage difficult situations involving emergencies, crisis, interpersonal conflict and negative behaviour.
Working knowledge of computer software applications relevant to the position.
Valid Ontario Driver’s License and a reliable vehicle with insurance coverage.
Availability to work evening and weekend hours

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS:

Individual Contributor
Emerging Leader

WORKING CONDITIONS

Programs and services will be delivered in-person at various locations across Oxford County, as well as online through virtual platforms.
Ability to drive in varying weather conditions.
Ability to stand for extended periods of time and to work at the height of the children.
Ability to load and unload toys and equipment for programs, presentations, and other scheduled events in various communities in varying weather conditions.
Ability to lift/carry/move moderately heavy and or awkward items.
Ability to work in non-standardized work environments.
Ability to work evenings and Saturdays.
Work involves interaction with computer systems.
Work may involve attendance at meetings/events that occur after normal working hours.
Ability to work with chemical substances contained in cleaning supplies.