Lead Early Childhood Educator (ECE) | Founding Educator

We're looking for someone who sees early childhood as more than a profession. Someone who genuinely enjoys slowing down, following children's curiosity, and finding beauty in the ordinary moments that make up each day. Our classroom is set inside a 26 foot geodesic dome on an acre of forested land in Paradise Valley.

As Wondergrove's Lead Educator, you'll help bring the vision of the program to life. Working alongside the founder during the program's launch, you'll have the opportunity to thoughtfully prepare the environment, establish the daily rhythm, and create a space where children and families feel a genuine sense of belonging. Once the program is underway, you'll lead the day-to-day operation of the classroom with a high level of autonomy. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys taking ownership of their environment, values thoughtful preparation, and finds joy in creating calm, beautiful spaces that invite children to explore and grow.

Our educators don't rush children from one activity to the next. Instead, they observe, guide, and support learning as it naturally unfolds. They understand that baking bread, caring for the classroom, exploring the forest, resolving conflicts, and building imaginative worlds together are all valuable parts of childhood.

You'll feel at home in this role if you are:
- naturally calm,
- emotionally attuned, and
- able to balance gentle guidance with clear, confident boundaries.
- You find yourself noticing the small things, asking thoughtful questions, and
- seeing each child as a capable individual with their own unique way of learning.
- Confident outdoors and in forested environments.

Most importantly, you'll believe that meaningful relationships are the foundation of everything we do. You'll partner closely with families, nurture a strong sense of community, and help create an environment where both children and parents feel seen, supported, and connected.

About Wondergrove & Our Interests
- forest exploration
- cooking
- baking
- breathwork
- BC plants and animals
- woodworking
- storytelling
- sewing, knitting & crocheting
- gardening
- fairies, dragons & all things magic
- practical life skills

** staff housing is available upon request **

Qualifications:

Basic ECE

Additional Qualifications:

- must be legally allowed to work in Canada 
- must have clear criminal record 
- must hold valid first aid & CPR
- must have personal transportation as the location is down Paradise valley (10 minutes outside of Squamish)

Years Experience Required:

3

Required Experience:

Management experience and/or waldorf style training an asset.

Salary & Benefits:

Wage: $27-$30/hour (based on experience) + $6.00 Wage Enhancement pending CCFRI Approval
Schedule: 35 hours per week, 9:00am to 4:30 pm mon to Fri (28 hours of child direct hours, 7 hours of admin + program prep)
Benefits: extended health benefits, paid professional development training, five sick days, two weeks vacation

Additional Information:

Our facility is on a private property with a cabin which is used as our home base, a 26 foot geodesic dome that is used as our classroom and the forest which is an extention of our classroom. 

Outdoor exploration will take place rain or shine so you must be comfortable being outdoors.

This position is part of our founding team so you will be part of the set up and sourcing of our furniture and toys along with the set up of the program. Wondergrove is owned by Paragon Kids Inc. which is an established daycare facility with two locations in Squamish, BC. This branch of Paragon is a passion project of the owners. We are very excited to get to know you and to work along side someone who equally shares the vision.