Junior Kindergarten Early Childhood Educator

School Overview

SJS, is a leading independent co-educational JK-12 IB school in Vancouver, Canada. At SJS we prioritize enriching education that nurtures learning competencies, agency, love for learning, and student well-being. Teachers at SJS encourage students to engage thoughtfully in their learning, to be risk-takers in their learning and strive to achieve their highest potential.

In the junior school we offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to all students in Grades JK-5. We offer a holistic programme to all students that consists of experiential opportunities for students to engage in learning in the arts, athletics, outdoor education, leadership roles, and community service.

Position Purpose & Overview

St. Johns School (SJS) is seeking a qualified and experienced Junior Kindergarten Early Childhood Educator (JK ECE). The candidate may be required to support classes in another PYP grade level, based on experience, qualifications, need, and interest. The JK ECE will be a collaborative member of the Junior School and will contribute to the development and student teaching experiences at SJS. Staff at SJS are expected to exemplify excellent professional practice and demonstrate our values of courage, curiosity, integrity, respect, and wellness. The JK ECE will provide inclusive learning opportunities differentiated to the needs, abilities and stage of development of each student. The successful candidate will be adept at monitoring, measuring, documenting, and reporting on learning. The successful candidate supports student wellbeing, participates in co-curricular commitments of the school, and is reliable in exercising their daily responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities and duties are inclusive of, but not limited to:

• With the support of the Junior Kindergarten Teachers, design and deliver age-appropriate lesson plans and activities aligned with developmental milestones and educational standards.
• Encourage social, emotional, and cognitive development through play-based and inquiry-based learning.
• Foster positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues to create an inclusive and supportive learning community.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment that promotes active exploration and learning.
• Follow health and safety policies, including hygiene practices and emergency protocols.
• Collaborate with the Curriculum Leaders and other Junior School teachers to develop an innovative Junior Kindergarten curriculum.
• Create a safe, effective, challenging, ethical and organized learning environment.
• Practice a universal design for learning approach to teaching, providing differentiated instruction for all learners to establish an inclusive learning environment.
• Maintain relevant understanding of and be active in using appropriate and effective technology to enhance instruction and learning.
• Participate in faculty, student, and parent meetings and special events.
• Model respectful and timely communication with students, colleagues, and parents, in line with the schools Mutual Respect policy.
• Attend professional development programmes, participate in on campus professional learning, attend professional meetings which relate to curricular, administrative or organizational matters as required, attend relevant meetings and training as scheduled by the Head of Department, Curriculum Leaders and Senior Leadership Team.
• Engage or offer co-curricular activity(ies) for Junior School students.
• Demonstrate reliability in and understanding of implementation of risk and student management strategies.
• Endorse the schools mission, vision, and values.
• Model and promote the IB learner profile attributes and SJS values.

Required Qualifications and Key Skills

Education & Work Experience

• A valid Early Childhood Educator certification.
• Completion of a secondary school graduation program or equivalent.
• Need to be legally entitled to work in Canada.
• A Basic First Aid certificate is considered an asset.
• Knowledge and understanding of the International Baccalaureate programmes.
• Experience and adept understanding of IB PYP grades and Junior Kindergarten in particular, and/or BC Elementary School courses in a Junior School setting is an asset.
• Knowledge of the PYP course content and curriculum framework is considered an asset.
• Knowledge of PYP core components is considered an asset.

Qualities and Skills

• A motivated, adaptable, and enthusiastic team player.
• Commitment to universal design for learning, inclusion and fostering a supportive learning environment.
• Proven experience leading or contributing to co-curricular and/or outdoor education programs is an asset.
• Dynamic ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrate and pursue excellence in practice and professional growth.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive attitude, growth mindset, and strong emotional intelligence (EQ).
• Proficient in providing support for diverse learning needs.

This role will require working hours outside of school office hours: often evening events; occasionally going offsite to document student programs; and occasional morning and weekend commitments.

This job profile outlines the key responsibilities for the roles and is not meant to be exhaustive. This will include performing the administrative and related tasks or any other responsibilities required to reasonably meet the needs of St. Johns School, including, but not limited to the general duties outlined in the position profile.

It should be understood that the activities, responsibilities and obligations of this position may be modified from time to time, through discussion between the direct supervisor and the employee, in order to effectively meet the requirements of the School. On rare occasions where there are urgent needs at the School, an employee may be assigned to temporarily backfill role(s) critical to the schools operations and business continuity.

Conditions of Employment

• The successful candidate will be required to complete child abuse prevention training, concussion training, Level 1 first-aid training provided by St. Johns School and provide consent for a criminal background check for the vulnerable sector.
• Clearance on criminal record checks for vulnerable sector is a condition of employment
• The ability to legally work in Canada, in an educational setting is a condition of employment.

Job Information

• Full-time temporary contract (6-month term) from August 21, 2025 to February 27th, 2026.
• Work location: on-site.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Annual Salary of $62,133 based on the schools 2024/25 salary grid at a 4/PC1 level. The annual salary ranges will be updated with the 2025/26 salary grid before the contract begins. Annual salary is prorated based on the length of the contract.

Reporting Structure

• Reports To: Junior School Principal
• Direct Reports: None
• Department: Junior School
• Key Interactions:
  • Internal: Faculty, Junior Kindergarten Teachers, non-teaching employees, payroll administrator, School Principals, and Vice-Principals.
  • External: Parents, Alumni, and Teachers Regulation Branch

Applications

All interested candidates should include the following items in their application:

• Resume & Cover Letter
• Copies of any relevant certificates and diplomas.
• Three Professional References with contact details.

All interested candidates should submit their complete application at the following link:

Junior Kindergarten Early Childhood Educator

The posting will be active until filled. If you are having any problems submitting your application, please email [email protected]

St. Johns School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. St. Johns School is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce by ensuring a barrier-free work environment. We welcome applications from all qualified job seekers, from BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of colour), persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ (persons of all sexual orientations and genders). If you are an applicant with a disability, we will work with you to make reasonable workplace accommodations you may need for your best work performance.