Practicum Instructor (ECE)

Title: Practicum Instructor (Full-Time Contract)

Hours: 37.5 hours/week

Reports to: Practicum Coordinator

CONTRACT Dates: November 1, 2026- May 30, 2027

Location: This is a home‑office based position. The incumbent must be able to travel extensively throughout the assigned geographic regions to including Cumberland, Colchester, Guysborough, Pictou, Antigonish, and Cape Breton to fulfill job responsibilities. Ideal candidate will be located centrally to these locations.

The Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education is Atlantic Canada’s first provider of post-secondary education in Early Childhood Education. Our faculty, staff, and students share a passion for Early Childhood Education and are proud to provide positive change in the lives of the children, families, and the communities we serve.

Job purpose

The primary function of the Practicum Instructor is to provide support to the Practicum Coordinator in the implementation of practicum placements for NSCECE. Much of this role will be centered on advising students while on their practicum placements and will involve extensive travel across Nova Scotia, and some administrative tasks when not visiting students. The Practicum Instructor will need to be flexible with their time and thinking, as the role will require quick thinking and an unpredictable schedule that changes daily. Typical work hours will be 8:30-4:30, but some evenings and weekends will be required, for delivery of online seminars and modules. These will be scheduled by the instructor.

The incumbent applies NSCECE core values, policies, and procedures to maintain and enhance a standard of quality that fosters a positive student experience and contributes to a reputation for excellence within sector.

Key Responsibilities

Supervise, Mentor, Coach

• Act as Practicum Advisor for at least 20 students per term:
• Observing the student’s practice in the classroom setting (minimum of two onsite visits per practicum)
• Providing students with feedback and support
• Facilitating seminars for their group of students over the course of the semester
• Liaising with practicum sites
• Marking each student’s practicum assignment package submissions
• Keeping lines of communication open with all stakeholders
• Support and evaluate students who are completing practicum
• Provide feedback and support to practicum sites and field placement personnel

Placement opportunities

• Help to maintain community partner contacts and actively participate in ELCC community networks to identify potential community partners;
• Identify new practicum opportunities to meet changing needs and to maximize quality student experiences. Evaluate and select possible practicum sites, conduct risk assessment as per NSCECE policy
• Respond to student, external, staff, and faculty inquiries concerning practicum, making referrals where necessary;
• Evaluate student placement process and experiences by conducting site visits and reviewing student evaluations of placement experiences.

Manage Practicum course materials and events

• Support in coordination and/or delivery of Practicum I introductory modules (9 hours);
• Schedule and deliver required make-up seminars;

Place Students; evaluate student progress

• Help arrange placements for students;
• Communicate with students and placement sites

Other duties as assigned by supervisor

• Diploma or Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Certificate in Adult Education in an asset
• A minimum of three years’ experience working in regulated child care or related ELCC programs. These years must be completed after the completion of their ECE diploma or degree.
• Computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, and database experience related to student information management;
• Demonstrated ability to develop early learning curriculum using a reflective planning cycle;
• Demonstrated ability to assess and evaluate programs, practices, and early childhood environments;
• Knowledge of NSCECE program and policies is an asset;
• Extensive travel across Nova Scotia is required

Pay: $49,939.00 per year

Benefits:

• Work from home

Education:

• Secondary School (preferred)

Experience:

• Childcare: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• early childhood diploma (required)

Work Location: On the road