Inclusion Specialist

These general functions will be carried out in keeping with the Goals, Mission and Policies of the YMCA of the East Bay. The Inclusion Specialist is responsible for providing classroom and home support for children with disabilities and other special needs enrolled in all ECI programs to include: mentoring, coaching and supporting teaching staff; monitoring/developing and implementing individualized plans; and working closely with staff, service providers and families to ensure the full inclusion of children into the Head Start/Early Head Start/Child Development programs. This includes compliance with all applicable regulations and procedures. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1.  Design and deliver high-quality programming that achieves the educational, administrative and service delivery goals.

2.  Plan and implement strategies for working with teachers and children with special needs. Strategies may include: observation in the classroom, modeling interventions/interactions with children, preparing teachers to attend individualized planning (IEP/IFSP) meetings, etc.

3. Provide support, training, and case management to families with children who have special needs.

4. Coordinate completion and follow up for behavioral and developmental screenings.

5. Attend IEP/IFSP meetings and develop/oversee implementation of individualized plans for children with special needs and/or challenging behavior.

6.  Train and/or arrange for training staff based on classroom and program needs.

7. Manage and track referrals to local school districts and the Regional Center of the East Bay.

8. Maintain detailed records and reports as needed.

9. Review child screening/assessment results and provide follow-up as needed.

10.Work collaboratively and coordinate services with other staff and service providers.

11. Meet with families, staff and other service providers, as needed.

12. Coordinate annual self-assessment for the Inclusion program area and conduct regular monitoring and provide follow-up to ensure program standards and needs are met.

13. Write, maintain and update and train on Policies and Procedures in the area of Inclusion.

14. Stay current on national developments in ECE, inclusion, coaching and mental health by attending conferences, workshops/seminars, meetings; communicate appropriate information to staff, providers, families, Board, Policy Council, and community partners.

15. Special projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor

MEASURE OF EFFECTIVENESS

This position has a primary impact on the operations of the YMCA program promotion, registration and dissemination of information. Therefore, the effectiveness of the fulfillment of this position should be measured by:

1. Actual compliance of the program with all Head Start program procedures and the ability to document and support compliance with appropriate systems and records.

2.  Maximization of actual funds received.

3.  A positive point of contact for staff, parents and families with accurate, timely responses.

4.  Program is in a dynamic state of evolution and improvement.

 WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

·    Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions and to supervise program activities in a wide variety of indoor and outdoor locations

·    Must be able to work on a computer for an extended period of time

·    Ability to lift up to 30 pounds

·    Must be able to travel locally for meetings, training and special events

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

 LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES: