Head Start Coordinator jobs

The Head Start Coordinator is responsible for the leadership, coordination, and day-to-day operations of Gitsegukla First Nation's Aboriginal Head Start, preschool, and daycare programs. This position provides direction and supervision to program employees while ensuring children receive safe, inclusive, developmentally appropriate, and culturally grounded early learning and childcare services.

The Coordinator oversees program planning, staffing, licensing requirements, financial administration, reporting, and family engagement. Working closely with the Principal, employees, parents, Elders, and community partners, the successful candidate will support children's development, promote Gitxsan language and culture, and help prepare children for a successful transition into elementary school.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Leadership & Coordination

• Oversee daily operations across all Head Start, preschool, and daycare services to ensure safe and effective delivery.
• Deliver the six core components of Aboriginal Head Start: culture and language, education, health promotion, nutrition, social support, and parental/family involvement.
• Manage enrolment and capacity, ensuring registration, attendance, and eligibility criteria align with licensing mandates.
• Develop operational plans, schedules, and daily routines tailored to different age groups and program criteria.
• Evaluate program effectiveness, identifying service gaps and recommending enhancements to the school Principal.

2. Early Childhood Education & Cultural Programming

• Integrate Gitxsan language and culture into play-based, experiential, and land-based learning opportunities by collaborating with Elders, Knowledge Holders, and families.
• Promote inclusive environments that accommodate diverse individual abilities, developmental stages, and behavioral needs.
• Coordinate external specialist referrals (e.g., speech-language professionals, occupational therapists, supported child development services).
• Ensure holistic child wellness through structured nutrition, physical activity, hygiene, and positive behavior guidance practices.

3. Staff Supervision & Leadership

• Manage staff scheduling and coverage to strictly maintain required staff-to-child ratios and licensing standards.
• Provide direct coaching and feedback, setting clear performance standards and completing employee performance reviews.
• Lead recruitment and onboarding for program employees, including Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) and Infant/Toddler Educators.
• Ensure compliance and credentials, monitoring that all staff maintain updated ECE certifications, first aid qualifications, and ongoing professional development.

4. Financial & Administrative Management (Continued from program requirements)

• Administer distinct funding streams, tracking budgets and expenditures accurately for FNHA and ISC allocations.
• Maintain regulatory compliance with all provincial childcare licensing regulations and Gitsegukla First Nation policies.
• Prepare timely operational reports for the Principal, Band Manager, and funding partners.

Qualifications: Education and Experience

Certification: Valid Early Childhood Education (ECE) Diploma that meets British Columbia’s licensing requirements. Specialization in Infant/Toddler care is a strong asset.

Experience: Proven leadership, administrative, or supervisory experience in an early childhood education or daycare environment.

Cultural Competence: Deep understanding of, or a strong commitment to learning and preserving, Gitxsan language, culture, and community values.

Skills: Exceptional organization, communication, interpersonal conflict resolution, and financial tracking/budget administration capabilities.

Clearances: Current First Aid certification and Child CPR. A satisfactory Criminal Record Check (Vulnerable Sector) are mandatory.

Skill Sets and Competencies

• Knowledge of and previous work experience with First Nations Communities and Indigenous Cultures is a definite asset.
• Is approachable, professional, personable and able to build harmonious working relationships with co-workers and all external stakeholders
• Able to exercise diplomacy, tact and good judgment.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required.
• Valid criminal record (CPIC) check

Submit your resume and cover letter to hiring@gitsegukla.net with the position title in the subject line.

Full job description available upon request through hiring@gitsegukla.net.
Full job posting: https://gitsegukla.net/jobs/headstart-coordinator/
For more information, please contact cjones@geschool.ca

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Persons of Indigenous ancestry will be given preference. s16(1) CHRA. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Work Location: In person