Project: Understanding the Early Years
Duration: April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008
Fee: $31, 250 (25 hrs/wk) plus direct expenses reimbursement
Organization: Community Social Planning Council of Greater Victoria (Community Council)
Understanding the Early Years Project
The Understanding the Early Years project (UEY) is a federally funded research and community capacity building initiative being undertaken by PLAY (Partnership in Learning and Advocacy for Young Children) focused on gathering, interpreting and sharing meaningful information and resources that can positively affect the early years in local communities.
The project is gathering quantitative and qualitative information from many sources to learn more about our region’s children six and under, their parents and the early childhood assets available to them in their communities. Sources of information include: the Early Development Instrument (EDI), the Parent Interview and Direct Assessment of Children Survey (PIDACS), census data, a PLAY developed inventory of healthy early childhood assets, PLAY reports, as well as our own local qualitative research and maps.
PLAY’s local research and data provide opportunities for community dialogue, action planning and collaboration. Using the research and tools available through this project, we are working to engage a wider cross-section of the community to create a region and local neighbourhoods that positively enhance the well being and development of young children. We are developing tools and generating data that will be useful to municipal, regional, provincial and federal governments to foster healthy communities, and that will be beneficial to local organizations who serve young children and families.
The legal sponsor of the UEY project is the Community Council, a registered charitable society in BC’s Capital Region. This initiative aligns with the Community Council’s mandate, which is to improve the quality of life for everyone in BC’s Capital Region, particularly for people who are disadvantaged due to poverty and distress. Other key players instrumental to the project are: the four school districts in the region, academic institutions, local early childhood development committees and the members of the Understanding the Early Years Research Task Group.
The UEY project currently requires the immediate support of a part time Mapper/Researcher to assist the project with GIS mapping and social research. The Mapper/Researcher will be provided with direction and support from the UEY Coordinator and the UEY Research Task Group.
Deliverables
The Mapper/Researcher will provide support to the UEY project in the following capacities:
- Creation of tools and maps from various data sources such as census data, EDI data, the early childhood asset inventory and other possible sources of data meaningful to project goals and needs.
- Work with the UEY Coordinator and the UEY Research Committee to implement local qualitative research and mapping initiatives.
- Play an instrumental role in preparing the Community Mapping Report.
- Provide expertise with statistical analysis.
- Support decision making on obtaining other sources of data.
- Assist the UEY coordinator where required to prepare communication materials to disseminate research.
- Attend organizational and committee meetings as required.
- Assist with finalizing the early childhood asset inventory.
- Support other UEY activities when required.
Selection Criteria
- A Bachelors or Masters degree with specialization in GIS mapping and social research.
- Has demonstrated experience conducting research involving mapping and statistical analysis.
- Experience using Arcview 8, Excel, Access and SPSS.
- Ability to communicate research information to diverse audiences (i.e. parents,teachers, the community at large) orally, in writing, and in graphic forms.
- A specialisation in the social sciences is desirable, and familiarity with, or a keen interest in the field of early childhood is beneficial but not required. The specialization may also be obtained through an acceptable combination of education, training and experience.
- Has a flexible work schedule to accommodate 25 hours a week.
- Available to start no later than April 1, 2007.
- Enjoys working collaboratively.
- Knowledgeable and upholds ethical research practices and protocols within community and academic environments.
- Involvement in community based research is an asset.
Terms
This is a part time contract consisting of 1250 hours of work to be completed over one year, April 1, 2007 to March 31st 2008. The contractor will provide 25 hours per week (with the exception of two weeks holidays).
Remuneration is based on an hourly rate of $25.00 per hour, for a total of $31, 250.
The Mapper/Researcher will be required to use their own computer and office space. Access to a computer with all mapping software and necessary project files, as well as a colour printer, will be shared between the consultant and the UEY Coordinator.
Submission Process
Your expression of interest will include:
- Your resume;
- A letter (2 page maximum) demonstrating your interest in the position and relevant research and experience that is related to the position;
- Names and contact information of three references who testify to your experience.
Email your application to: stephanie@playvictoria.org no later than March 12th, 2007, 4pm. Kindly mark the subject of the email: Mapper/Researcher.
For further information, please visit: www.playvictoria.org and www.communitycouncil.ca
Applicants selected for an interview will be notified by phone.
Community Council is an equal opportunity employer and strives for a fair, cooperative, respectful and safe environment which protects and promotes the human rights and affirms the dignity of all persons. Community Council is committed to the principle of equal access to employment and term-specific contractual opportunities and welcomes submissions from diverse backgrounds. For more information visit www.communitycouncil.ca