Preschool Assistant Director

Position: Preschool Assistant Director

Department: Kookum's Place Daycare

Competition Number: 2026KP-AD02

Classification: Management, Full Time

Salary: 65,500 Annually

Application Deadline: Until Filled

Who We Are

NETES is a not-for-profit Indigenous organization supporting the success of Indigenous people in Winnipeg. We offer adult education, skills training and employment services, along with wrap-around services such as daycare, student housing, and health and wellness programming. Rooted in community, respect, and Indigenous values, our work helps build a strong, thriving Indigenous community.

The Opportunity

Kookum’s Place is an Indigenous-led, community-centred early learning program dedicated to supporting children and families through relationship-based care that honours Indigenous culture, values, and ways of knowing. Our approach is rooted in respect, connection, and belonging, with a strong emphasis on play-based and land-based learning.

To Lead, Inspire and Grow: Indigenous-Centred Early Learning and Child Care

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Director (Pedagogical Mentor – Preschool) for a pedagogical leadership role focused on supporting high-quality early learning for children ages 2–6.

Working alongside early childhood educators, this position provides hands-on mentorship, modeling, and reflective guidance to strengthen play-based, emergent programming aligned with MELCC standards and Kookum’s Place philosophy.

This role prioritizes mentorship while also supporting the Director and ensuring continuity of operations when required.

Key Responsibilities

Pedagogical Mentorship and Practice (Primary Focus)

• Provide side-by-side mentorship in classrooms and early childhood centre, supporting educators in real-time practice.
• Support and mentor new ECEs and CCAs as they transition into their roles at pre-school centre.
• Model responsive caregiving, co-regulation, and relationship-based practice with children.
• Support educators in observation, documentation, and reflective practice.
• Guide educators in recognizing children’s cues, stress responses, and developmental needs to inform responsive strategies.
• Support environmental adjustments and preventative approaches that strengthen classroom experiences.

Staff Development and Training

• Identify professional learning needs among early childcare educators.
• Work with leadership to coordinate training and professional development opportunities.
• Follow up with educators to ensure training is implemented in practice.
• Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship after training, helping educators apply new knowledge within their classrooms.
• Support reflective discussions during staff meetings and professional learning opportunities.

Program Quality and Cultural Integration

• Support educators in implementing early learning training and Indigenous pedagogical approaches.
• Support educators in developing inclusive, culturally grounded learning environments.
• Support implementation of play-based, emergent curriculum guided by children’s interests.
• Monitor and reflect to identify patterns or emerging needs within classroom.
• Coach and support educators (ECEs and CCAs) in daily practice.
• Foster a respectful, collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• ECE Level III Certification.
• Valid First Aid and CPR Certification.
• Valid Manitoba driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle.

Experience and Skills

• Experience mentoring, coaching, or supporting educators in early learning settings.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous pedagogy, cultural teachings, and land-based learning.
• Knowledge of the Child Care and Early Years Act and How Does Learning Happen.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with educators, leadership, and community partners.
• Commitment to reflective practice and ongoing professional learning.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead an Indigenous-centred program grounding in culture, community, and relationships.
• A supportive and collaborative leadership team.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Meaningful work that positively impacts children, families, and community.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Join us in creating a place where children thrive, families belong, and Indigenous ways of knowing are honoured every day.

Additional Requirements

NETES requires a satisfactory Criminal Record Check, with a Vulnerable Sector Check, and a Child and Adult Abuse Registry Check prior to the start of employment. All checks must be dated within three (3) months of the employee’s start date.

Apply in person, online at netes.ca/jobs or by email at [email protected]. Please include the competition number in your application. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

NETES is committed to equity and inclusion in employment. Preference will be given to qualified Indigenous candidates in alignment with our organizational mandate and the communities we serve.