The Early Years Cultural Coordinator (EYCC) will work with our agency partner, Durham Region Children’s Services Division (CSD), to support the planning, ongoing development and maintenance of culturally intelligent early years programming in early learning for the EarlyON programming and licensed child care centres across Durham Region. The EYCC, with the guidance of the Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services team, will apply their experience and knowledge of Indigenous Culture to support the work in enhancing Early Years programming that support Indigenous children and families. The EYCC will lead in the develop and lead trainings, to develop culturally relevant educational resources and lend support to all educators in the early years and child care community, including non-Indigenous educators, in collaboration with the ESD training specialist and the CSD team.
Responsibilities
Cultural Programming & Curriculum Support
- Develop and implement culturally relevant activities for children ages 0–6.
- Integrate Indigenous knowledge, languages, and traditions into early years programming.
- Lead the development of the Language Resource Library and online training resources.
- Collaborate with educators to ensure cultural content aligns with developmental goals.
- Act as a cultural resource and provide guidance and information to ensure that cultural knowledge and practices are understood and maintained within early years programs.
- Work to promote cultural awareness and competency within early years programs, including licensed child care and EarlyON Child and Family Centres.
Community Engagement
- Build relationships with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and families to support cultural learning.
- Organize community events, storytelling sessions, and Indigenous cultural celebrations.
- Act as a liaison between Early Years programs and the broader community, including the local First Nation.
- Connect Indigenous families to community and support resources.
Resource Development
- Create or source culturally appropriate materials (books, songs, crafts, etc.).
- Maintain a library of cultural resources for educators and families.
Support the inclusion of traditional teachings and seasonal cycles.
Staff Training & Mentorship
- Provide training and recommendations to early learning professionals to ensure Indigenous cultural knowledge is integrated into early years programs, including licensed child care and EarlyON Child and Family Centres.
- Mentor educators on respectful and accurate cultural integration. • Facilitate workshops or sharing circles on cultural topics.
Advocacy & Policy Support
- Advocate for culturally safe environments in Early Years settings.
- Contribute to policy development that supports Indigenous or multicultural early learning.
- Ensure programming aligns with Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action (where applicable).
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Track participation and engagement in cultural activities within the applicable database, and prepare and maintain regular reports, analyses and statistics as required
- Collect feedback from families and staff to improve programming.
- Report on outcomes and impact of cultural initiatives.
Administration
- Provide occasional support to Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services cultural services program and events.
- Engage and participate in regular cultural services team meetings and training opportunities.
- Ensure all program expenses are carried out in compliance with the agency’s financial policy and guidelines.
Other Duties:
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- A post-secondary diploma in Early Childhood Education or equivalent combination of experience and education.
- Registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators.
- Experience working in a coaching, mentoring, and/or training role.
- Experience delivering culturally relevant learning and development programs in a professional role.
- Experience working within child welfare and/or Indigenous child-wellbeing setting would be considered an asset.
TO APPLY
Please email the following to careers@binnoojiiyag.ca
o Application for Employment (available at www.binnoojiiyag.ca)
o Please indicate preferred location in your application
o Resume (include 3 work-related direct supervisory references)
- Incomplete Applications will not be considered.
- Only those selected will be contacted for an interview.
- As an Indigenous Child Wellbeing Agency, we give priority to applicants who identify as First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and those with close affiliations.
