Early Childhood Disabilities and Inclusion Specialist

Company: Community Teamwork
Location: Lowell
Posted on: January 25, 2023

Job Description:

General Summary
Support individualization and inclusion for children with disabilities and mental health/behavioral needs through ongoing monitoring and collaboration with Head Start and Early Head Start classroom and leadership teams.
At Community Teamwork our employees enjoy best-in-class benefits to support their physical, financial and emotional wellness.
We Offer:

• 
  
• Casual work environment
  
• 4 weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO)
  
• Medical
  
• Dental
  
• Vision
  
• Paid Life Insurance
  
• Tuition reimbursement
  
• 12 paid holidays
  
• Paid sick leave.
  
• Career advancement and professional development
  
• 5% contribution to your 401K whether you participate on your own or not.
  
• Great co-workers and a great mission, supportive environment with an outstanding Community Action Agency
  
  Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
  
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  • Conduct classroom observations to support implementation of IFSP outcomes and IEP goals, identify children in need of additional support or referrals, and provide general support to teaching teams to promote best practices for inclusion.
    
  • Review IFSP and IEP documentation to ensure curriculum modifications and learning environments are appropriate for individual children in each classroom; provide coaching and support as needed for teaching teams to promote inclusive practices.
    
  • Consult with Child Development coaches, mental health consultants, Early Intervention visitors, ABA behavior technicians, and special educators to provide support to teaching teams for identified children.
    
  • Facilitate referrals to local Early Intervention agencies, public schools, and mental health consultants with support of Mental Health and Disabilities Manager as appropriate.
    
  • In collaboration with Mental Health and Disabilities team, ensure appropriate documentation is received and updated as needed for all children receiving external education and/or mental health services.
    
  • Provide in-classroom support as needed during transition periods or identified classroom routines to support inclusion of children with delays or disabilities.
    
  • Support Mental Health and Disabilities Manager with monitoring of mental health and disabilities related services in compliance with Head Start and Early Head Start performance standards, Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care licensing requirements and NAEYC accreditation standards.
    
  • Participate and present observations, data, and/or recommendations at case management, center, and/or leadership meetings as needed.
    
  • Provide recommendations for classroom materials to support children identified with disabilities or developmental delays.
    
  • Integrate a DE&I lens in all activities, encourage colleagues to engage in DE&I work, and contribute to our mission of building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization for our employees, clients, and partners; requires ongoing investment in a personal and professional journey to understand identity and address unconscious bias, power, and privilege.
    
  • In collaboration with Mental Health and Disabilities and Workforce Development Managers, support planning and provide recommendations for staff development and training opportunities related to mental health, disabilities, and inclusion.
    
  • Participate in special projects related to inclusive practices and mental health and disabilities.
    
    Qualifications:
    
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    • 3-5 years of experience working with children aged 0-5 in a classroom or community setting.
      
    • Knowledge/experience with Head Start, Early Head Start, Early Intervention, special education services, mental health and/or ABA services for young children required.
      
    • Ability to work effectively with and meet the needs of people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, and identities, including underserved communities and people from the different racial groups, socioeconomic statuses, nationalities, and languages that make up CTI's clientele.
      
    • Must be able to show proof of covid 19 immunizations or have an approved medical/religious exemption upon hire.
      
    • Must be able to show all immunizations such as MMR, Hep B etc.
      
    • Knowledge/experience working with children with developmental delays, disabilities, behavioral or mental health needs and/or Autism-Spectrum Disorder required.
      
    • Ability to pass background check.
      
      Education:
      Bachelor's Degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology, or related field preferred.
      Commensurate experience of 5-8 years may be substituted for degree.
      Commitment to Diversity Equity and Inclusion
      Community Teamwork is committed to an equitable, non-discriminatory, and anti-racist approach in all components of our organizational structure and operations, including the job application process. We recognize that people of underprivileged backgrounds and underrepresented identities often are not afforded equitable access to resources, opportunities, and professional development. We offer professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement opportunities to ensure that you and CTI are set up for success. We encourage you to apply if you see an opening that is exciting to you and include examples of your work that you feel demonstrate your qualifications. Please feel free to speak to all experiences, skills, and educational certifications that you feel are relevant. We look forward to reviewing your application.
      All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Community Teamwork is a drug free work environment.

Keywords: Community Teamwork, Lowell , Early Childhood Disabilities and Inclusion Specialist, Other , Lowell, Massachusetts