Job Title: Inclusion Specialist

Department: Head Start

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Hours/Weeks: Part Year, Full Time

Bargaining Unit Position: (Y/N): Yes

Hiring Range: - $17.50 - $20.09

NEKCA Mission Statement:

To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper, and thrive.

SUMMARY:

A Inclusion Specialist provide direct service to preschool children, by engaging in communication to support classroom management and organization with the Center manager, teaching staff, parents, and special educators to adapt and support modifications to the curriculum, schedules and routines to help children be successful in the classroom environment. The Inclusion Specialist provides a positive and nurturing guide to children and attends to their physical, personal, academic, and emotional needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

•Carry out duties in compliance with HS Performance Standards, Content Area Plans, Vermont Child Care Licensing Regulations for Center-Based Child Care and Preschool Programs, NAEYC, Vermont Parent Child Center Quality Standards, and NEKCA Standard of conduct.

•Complete NEKCA Performance Evaluations, Professional Development Self-Assessment, and in partnership with supervisor, Individualized

Professional Development Plan

•Be aware of indicators of child abuse and neglect and comply with Vermont Mandated Reporter Law and program Child Protection Protocol

•Participate in center staff meetings, monthly content area meetings, pre-service, and in-services and incorporate relevant knowledge and skills into practice

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•Demonstrate an understanding early childhood development

•Participate in planning sessions with the teaching team to make accommodations or modifications to lesson planning for individual children

•Serve as a guide in instruction with student on proper classroom behavior by utilizing conscious discipline methods and strategies

•Attend to children’s physical, emotional, personal, and academic needs

•Assists with record keeping procedures to document students learning, performance and goal setting

•Participate in IEP process and serve as a resource for student personnel evaluation team as needed or requested

•Will participate in EMTSS training and ongoing meetings with Inclusion Coordinator

•Serve as a positive nurturing guide for children

•Encourage parents and guardian to participate in program

•Participate in special level events i.e. open house, center celebration, etc.

•Develop a system to effectively communicate with parents/guardian to support child’s growth and family needs

•Participate in 15 hours of training – 10 of these hours specific to specialized care

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma

•2 years relevant experience

Core Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Understanding of the principles of child development

• Ability to remain calm and patient at all times

• Current First Aid and CPR certification

• Ability to meet the needs of a child’s individualized plan

Background Checks:

Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, and criminal records.

Transportation Requirements:

This position necessitates that employees has access to dependable transportation.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employees in this position work primarily in an classroom environment controlled temperature conditions. This position may include time outside during calm moderate weather. Noise levels vary from moderate to loud. The work involves sitting and standing for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment, and may require bending and lifting.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

_____________________________________________________________________________

NEKCA is a proud equal-opportunity employer. We work diligently to recruit a broad pool of candidates and to hire and promote qualified individuals whose personal experiences, characteristics, and talents reasonably reflect the diversity of the communities served by NEKCA. Our equal employment opportunities apply to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We encourage applications from women, minority groups, veterans, and people with disabilities. Qualifications for positions within NEKCA are determined by the duties and responsibilities of the position itself.