Terra Early Learning is a community-minded early years centre with a progressive educational approach. Our mission is to co-create an environment where children experience what it means to conserve Earth’s natural resources so we can leave our planet sustainable for all living things — now and in the future.
Education for Sustainability is woven into every aspect of our engaging, authentic, and experiential curriculum, including inquiry-based learning, outdoor education, play-based exploration, and Montessori principles. Our program is intentionally designed to support each child’s individual needs, with a strong focus on social-emotional development, health, and well-being.
We take a whole-school approach to sustainable development practices. From our operations and company culture to our curriculum and staff, we collaborate with families, educators, and the broader community to ensure sustainability remains at the heart of everything we do.
The Opportunity
Terra is seeking a passionate, experienced, and values-aligned Team Lead to guide and support our program.
This leadership role is ideal for a Registered Early Childhood Educator who is committed to lifelong learning, mentorship, and excellence in early years education. As Team Lead, you will ensure exceptional programming, strong team culture, and seamless operations within your program, while also remaining actively engaged in classroom practice.
The Role
Leadership & Staff Development
- Orient, train, and mentor new staff, Teachers on Call, practicum students, and volunteers on Terra’s values and expectations
- Conduct formal and informal check-ins and Performance Reviews
- Provide coaching, mentorship, and support to foster professional growth and team cohesion
- Develop staff growth plans and advocate for the needs of your program
- Create staff schedules ensuring adequate coverage and compliance with Child Care Licensing Regulations
- Liaise between educators and Administrative Leads, providing timely updates
Curriculum & Program Excellence
- Lead the development and implementation of Terra’s curriculum aligned with our Mission, Vision, and Values
- Fulfill duties as prescribed by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), ensuring Terra operates in full accordance with licensing regulations
- Provide enriching learning experiences with a strong commitment to sustainable living
- Plan, implement, and organize programming in line with Terra’s curriculum
- Provide developmentally appropriate activities supporting children’s social-emotional, cognitive, language, and physical growth
- Oversee student onboarding to ensure a welcoming and prepared transition for new families
- Conduct program evaluations to drive continuous improvement
- Oversee student assessments and ensure individualized strategies are in place
- Maintain accurate and confidential program documentation
- Manage program budgets and classroom resources using a sustainability mindset
Classroom & Child-Centered Practice
- Establish loving, positive, safe, and secure relationships with children
- Nurture each child’s individual physical, social-emotional, and mental wellness
- Prepare and maintain clean, organized, and safe classroom environments
- Document children’s learning progress and communicate effectively with families and colleagues
- Develop a strong understanding of Terra’s culture and what differentiates our approach
- Attend staff meetings and professional development opportunities
Culture & Community
- Model Terra’s Core Values in daily practice
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative team environment
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with families and the broader community
- Review team communications to ensure clarity and professionalism
- Support recruitment and hiring processes
- Uphold Terra’s Code of Conduct and Policies
The Qualifications
As a Team Lead, you have:
- Valid BC ECE Certification
- Valid Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR/AED Level B
- Clear Criminal Record Check
- Legal eligibility to work in Canada
- At least 2 years of experience in a leadership position
- A strong understanding of the BC Early Learning Framework
- A deep understanding and commitment for the industry in which we operate
- A commitment to learn, apply, champion, and embody Terra’s Values and Mission
- Excellent interpersonal skills and passion for building meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues
- Growth mindset and ability to thrive in a dynamic, evolving environment
- Experience, knowledge in Education for Sustainability is an asset
- Strong written and verbal English communication skills
Commitment
- 40 hours per week
- Shifts scheduled between 7:00am–6:00pm
- Permanent position
Compensation & Perks
- Competitive salary commensurate with education and experience: $27–32/hour (including Wage Enhancement)
- Enjoy approximately 4 weeks of scheduled school closures throughout the year, offering built-in breaks for rest, family time, and rejuvenation
- 4% vacation pay (equivalent to 2 weeks pay), paid out during planned school closures
- Public and bank holidays and holiday increase with service and seniority
- Five paid sick days annually
- Extended Health and Dental Benefits following the probationary period, employer co-pay for a value of approximately $810/year
- Daily Chef-prepared lunch for a value of $2000/year
- Employee childcare discount
- Employee discount at T. Café, located in Terra's lobby
- A unique Support Team model that prioritizes educator well-being and professional fulfillment
- Growth mindset environment and Professional Development budget
- Future opportunities for growth within Terra Early Learning in terms of roles and responsibilities as we grow!
If you are a dedicated educator ready to lead with heart, integrity, and vision — and are excited about embedding sustainability into early childhood education — we would love to hear from you.
We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $27.00-$32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- On-site childcare
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- Are you legally able to work in Canada?
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience:
- Leadership: 2 years (preferred)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Infant & Toddler Certification (preferred)
Work Location: In person
