Early Literacy Specialist, Early Years

Organization: Guelph Community Health Centre (Early Years Program)
HOURS OF WORK:  17.5 hours per week, contract 1 year (mat leave)  
LOCATION: Stone Road Mall  

Overview of the position:
Reporting to the Ontario Early Years Program Manager, the Early Literacy Specialist will support early literacy as well as numeracy throughout Wellington County by providing resources, workshops, seminars and consultations for
parents, caregivers, community organizations and early childhood professionals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Member of the College of Early Childhood Educators or graduation from a recognized post-secondary institution in child development, library sciences, health promotion or community development or an acceptable level of education,  skills and experience

• Three – five years of experience in child and family services
• Demonstrated knowledge of child development and parenting and/or early literacy
• Demonstrated program planning, coordination and evaluation skills
• Ability to set goals and get results within a set timeline
• Ability to multitask and work independently
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Effective time management, decision making and organizational skills
• A good team member and supportive of interdisciplinary practice
• Demonstrated knowledge of MS Office
• High level of confidentiality
• Flexibility towards change
• Valid MTO driver’s license and access to reliable transportation

WORKING ENVIRONMENT 

• Some evening or week-end work required 
• 1-3 hour intervals spent sitting at desk or in meetings

 
PRINCIPAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create kits for parents to borrow to assist them in fostering readiness to learn skills in their children.
• Deliver workshops pertaining to literacy topics to parents/practitioners.
• Conducting ‘Train-the Trainer’ sessions with early years practitioners and parents in the community.
• Collaborate with libraries, museums, and other recreation/cultural programs, parenting programs, adult education and literacy programs.
• Work with the Data Analysis Coordinator in reviewing community needs using the Early Development Instrument, Kindergarten Parent Survey and other local assessment tools. 
• Initiate regular community forums that bring together early years practitioners in all sectors to coordinate literacy efforts and ensure parents and other child care providers participate in and benefit from early literacy activities in their community.
• Collaborate with Quality Child Care Initiative to enhance early literacy in local child care sector.
• Establish appropriate linkages with their local:

• Public Library
• Preschool Speech and Language/Healthy Babies, Healthy Children staff
• School Board(s) and Parent Council(s)
• Child Care Centers
• Home Child Care agencies and associations
• Mother Goose and other early literacy programs
• Bookstores
• Parent Groups
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Early Years Program Manager

If you are interested in this position, please submit a resume and cover letter, outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience meet the position requirements.. before 5:00 p.m. on Friday April 11, 2014.

Include the position title in the subject line when submitting applications to:
Human Resources, Guelph Community Health Centre
1-176 Wyndham Street North,
Guelph, ON N1H 8N9
Fax: (519) 821-6148 
Email: hr@guelphchc.ca

We are an equal opportunity employer. We thank, in advance, those who apply, but will contact only those who qualify for interviews.

We require that all finalist applicants undergo a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screen through their local Police Services Branch prior to start date.