Head Start Teacher (Term Role), Aboriginal Head Start

Under the authority of the YKDFN Government Chiefs and Council and under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Head Start Teacher will be an assistant and reflection of the Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) professional team and assist overseeing the programs for the preschoolers and their families.

The Head Start Teacher is responsible for leading the Instructional Team and has authority to take measures required to protect the immediate health and safety of the children in their care. The Head Start Teacher will also take the lead in decision-making relating to program activities and the supervision and care of the children as part of the Instructional Team. The Head Start Teacher will support the YKDFN’ philosophy, procedures and policies to maintain a standard of care that are in accordance with the GNWT-ECE, Health and Fire Safety Rules and Regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Administers the Instructional Team and ensures Aboriginal Head Start offers a safe, health and educational nurturing environment for YKDFN preschoolers. The Head Start Teacher will strive to meet quarterly and annual targets to ensure the program is delivered successfully:

Ensure all children ages three (3) to five (5) year olds in the community is enrolled in AHS program and attend regularly; Children out of the community will be admitted if space and funding permits.

• Ensures that 90% of children enrolled achieve at least 80% on the Brigance Test of Basic Skills at the time of kindergarten screening.
• Planning and delivering program activities to address learning needs
• Maintaining health and safety standard in the facility
• Maintain and keep track of attendance;
• Ensure all children ages three (3) to five (5) year olds in the community is enrolled in AHS program and attend regularly; Children out of the community will be admitted if space and funding permits.
• Ensures that 90% of children enrolled achieve at least 80% on the Brigance Test of Basic Skills at the time of kindergarten screening.
• Planning and delivering program activities to address learning needs
• Maintaining health and safety standard in the facility
• Maintain and keep track of attendance;
• In collaboration with the Program Manager, the Head Start Teacher will ensure that staff responsibilities and duties are performed;

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Demonstrated childcare center management and/or supervisory experience;
• Comprehensive knowledge of the NWT Early Learning Childcare Act and ECE licensing and inspection procedures/requirements;
• Knowledge of child-development theories and practices; safe and appropriate activities for children; relevant legislation policies and procedures to ensure that children are always supervised and safe;
• A minimum of four years’ experience in early childhood setting;
• Experience working with First Nation organizations/governments is required;
• A thorough knowledge and work experience with various computer hardware and software;
• The ability to speak the Wiiliideh language is a definite asset;
• Good communication skills, oral, written and presentation;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Must be able to maintain tact and diplomacy;
• Must be reliable, and able to work independently with limited supervision;
• Must be able to work cooperatively with individuals at all organization levels, in a progressive manner that would lead to the successful accomplishment of YKDFN goals and objectives;

Typically, the above qualifications would be attained by:

• A Degree or diploma in Early Childhood Education or post-secondary education in a related field; or
• Equivalent combination of education and training coupled with two (2) years’ experience working in program development and administration with children and families will be considered;
• Current Child First Aid/CPR Certificate;
• Up to date Immunizations;
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check including Vulnerable Sector.

Application Process:

A detailed job description is available upon request at [email protected]. Please submit your cover letter and resume by November 13, 2026, via:

• Email: [email protected]
• Online: YKDFN Career Page

Preference will be given to qualified YKDFN and Indigenous members.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.