Inclusion Specialist

Job Title:

Inclusion Specialist Department:

Child Development Center (CDC)

Location:

NOVA Reports to:

Center Director FLSA Classification:

Exempt Job Summary:

General Description:

Under the supervision of the Center Director, the Inclusion Specialist supports the delivery of inclusive high-quality early childhood education for children ages six weeks through five years. This position provides leadership in curriculum implementation and individualization, staff development, program compliance, and inclusive practices while fostering positive partnerships with families, staff, and community service providers. The Inclusion Specialist may serve as the person in charge in the absence of the Center Director.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Inclusion and Child Development Services

• Lead inclusion efforts to ensure all children, including those with disabilities, developmental delays, behavioral challenges, and diverse learning needs, can fully participate in program activities.
• Provide consultation, coaching, and technical assistance to teaching staff on inclusive practices, accommodations, positive behavior supports, and individualized strategies.
• Review screening and assessment data to identify developmental concerns and support early intervention efforts.
• Collaborate with families, therapists, early intervention programs, school systems, and community partners to coordinate services and supports.
• Participate in the development and implementation of IEPs, IFSPs, behavior support plans, and other individualized supports.
• Assist teachers in adapting classroom environments, materials, and instructional practices to support children's successful participation and learning.
• Support developmental, behavioral, vision, hearing, and social-emotional screening processes, including referrals and follow-up activities.
• Provide families with resources, referrals, advocacy, and service coordination related to developmental and behavioral concerns.
• Deliver training and professional development on inclusion, child development, behavior guidance, and family-centered practices.
• Monitor inclusion practices and child outcomes to support continuous program improvement and equitable access to services. Program Coordination and Educational Leadership
• Ensure compliance with licensing regulations, QRIS requirements, NAEYC standards, and Easterseals policies.
• Monitor implementation of curriculum, assessments, and developmentally appropriate practices, including Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, and ASQ.
• Supervise classroom quality, including lesson plans, learning environments, daily schedules, routines, transitions, and active supervision practices.
• Conduct CLASS classroom observations and provide coaching, feedback, and follow-up to support continuous quality improvement.
• Support staff onboarding, orientation, professional development, and performance improvement.
• Monitor child portfolios, assessment records, and classroom documentation for accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance.
• Coordinate educational activities, classroom materials, equipment, and special events. Family and Community Partnerships
• Build positive relationships with families to support young children's development and school readiness and support teachers in doing the same.
• Provide coordination and communication with parents, program, and others as needed specific to children's engagement with early intervention, medical and disability, and behavioral health services.
• Connect families with community resources and support services as needed.
• Promote family engagement and participation in program activities and events.
• Foster collaborative partnerships with community agencies and service providers to enhance services for infants, toddlers, and families. Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Development, or a related field.
• Experience in early childhood education, inclusion, special education, behavioral health, or related child development programs.
• Knowledge of child development, developmentally appropriate practices, inclusion strategies, IDEA, ADA, and behavior support techniques.
• Experience working collaboratively with families and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience coaching and supporting early childhood professionals preferred.
• Experience implementing the Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies GOLD, the Ages & Stages Questionnaire, and CLASS preferred.