Inclusion Specialist

Job Title: Inclusion Specialist Department: Head Start Location: Marlboro Pike Reports to: Education Manager FLSA Classification: Exempt Job Summary: Inclusion Specialist Role Summary: the Inclusion Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring that children with special needs or disabilities are included and supported within our early childhood education settings. Overview: The Inclusion Specialist is responsible for promoting inclusive practices within the Early/Head Start program. They collaborate with educators, families, early intervention providers and administrators to support the successful inclusion of children with diverse abilities and backgrounds. Key Responsibilities: 1. Consultation and Collaboration: o Collaborate with early childhood educators, administrators and/or early intervention providers to develop and implement inclusive practices. o Provide consultation and support to teachers on adapting curriculum, materials, and environments to meet the needs of all children, including those with disabilities or special needs. 2. Professional Development: o Conduct workshops, training sessions, and professional development opportunities for educators and staff on topics related to inclusion, diversity, and supporting children with special needs. o Stay current with best practices and research in early childhood inclusion and special education. 3. Individualized Support: o Facilitate the referral of students for external evaluation and determination of eligibility for services. Track referrals and coordinate provider schedules. o Assess individual children's needs and develop strategies and accommodations to support their participation and learning in the classroom. o Work directly with children to provide interventions and support as needed. 4. Family Engagement: o Partner with families to understand their childs strengths and needs and provide guidance and resources to support their childs development and inclusion. o Foster positive relationships between families and the early childhood program. 5. Program Evaluation and Improvement o Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of inclusion practices and make recommendations for improvements. o Advocate for policy changes and resources that support inclusive practices in early childhood education. o Ensure proper documentation on Child Plus system o Oversee developmental screenings Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher in early childhood special education, early childhood education, deaf education or visual disabilities, special education OR related field with experience working with young children with delays or disabilities. Knowledge of developmental milestones and typical/atypical child development. Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. SPECIALIZED SKILLS/ABILITIES/KNOWLEDGE: Ability to interact with children, families and staff in a manner reflective of Easterseals core values of respect, responsibility, care, integrity and innovation. Expertise in navigating Part C and LEA referral and evaluation systems. Excellent written and verbal skills. Knowledge of early intervention best practices. Experience with adult coaching and learning principles. Knowledge of disabilities and developmental issues Knowledge of safety and infection control Understanding of federal and state laws related to special education and inclusion (e.g., IDEA, ADA). Location of work: In person at Easterseals Head Start sites (DC and MD)