Inclusion Aide

Family Service; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a compassionate Inclusion Aide to support children with special needs in a dynamic classroom environment. This role involves collaborating with educators to implement lesson plans, ensuring a nurturing atmosphere while adhering to Head Start regulations. You'll play a vital role in fostering inclusive education, assisting with personal care needs, and engaging families in their child's learning journey. If you're passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children and possess the skills to promote their development, this is the perfect opportunity for you to thrive in a supportive and rewarding setting.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; CDA credential preferred.
• 1 year experience serving children with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support for children with special needs.
• Assist with lesson plans and classroom management.

Skills

Cultural Sensitivity

Child Development Knowledge

Behavior Support

Communication Skills

Teaching Strategies

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Child Development Associates (CDA) credential

Tools

Pediatric CPR Certification

First Aid Certification

Job description

Inclusion Aide

The Early Childhood Inclusion Aide works in collaboration with center staff to greet parents, assist the Head Start Teacher in delivering the classroom curriculum in accordance with Head Start regulations, licensing procedures, guidelines, and will use agency standards to ensure that services provided are in alignment with the Social Determinants of Health through a trauma informed care lens as defined by the agency. The Early Childhood Inclusion Aide is responsible for the care and supervision of children in accordance with Head Start regulations, licensing guidelines, and agency standards. Ensures that the classroom is one in which children are aware of expectations, provided with rules and maintain consistency, build a positive relationship with the students which focuses on positive communication, appropriate physical proximity, respect and positive discipline, and guidance. He/She is responsible for following Head Start regulations, licensing requirements, and agency procedures and protocols with a focus on safety and promoting a positive experience for the children, and is a positive role model to all children. The Early Childhood Inclusion Aide will be required to assist in various Head Start classrooms and/or centers as assigned, and moves from classroom to classroom or center to center in a timely manner and as needed and directed. Provides direct support for children with special needs.

Essential Functions:

In accordance with the Head Start Teacher:

Direct Support:

• Provide direct support for children with identified or suspected special needs; and provide assistance to ensure students’ individual special needs are being met to include, but not limited to, feeding, toileting, mobility, behavior support and any other personal needs the student requires, and will ensure that clients have access, as needed, to all five pillars of the social determinants of health with a trauma informed lens through Agency services and/or community partners.
• Ensure that students with special needs are included in the classroom to the maximum extent possible.

Classroom Management:

• Assist with the development and implementation of lesson plans in accordance with Head Start Program Guidelines that reflect school readiness and accommodations for differences in student learning styles, conduct on-going assessments of student achievement and communicate parent concerns.
• Assist with the planning and utilization of appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities and materials that reflect understanding of the developmental needs of young children; and assist with the development and implementation of lesson plans in safety, nutrition, and health in accordance with Head Start Program Guidelines.
• Work cooperatively with support staff to modify curricula as needed for special needs students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans; and consult with supervisor to ensure that classroom instruction is delivered in accordance with Head Start regulations and agency standards; and work cooperatively with center staff and parents to modify curricula as needed for special needs students according to guidelines established in Admissions, Reviews, and Dismissals (ARDs).
• Assist with the creation of classroom environments conducive to learning appropriate for the physical, social and emotional development of young children.
• Ensure that classrooms, toys, tables, and cots are cleaned and sanitized daily; and assist Teacher in maintaining all classroom documents.
• Follow all directives given by supervisors in accordance with Head Start, agency and licensing; and follow all guidelines and policies and procedures as set forth by Head Start, licensing and the agency.

Family Support:

• Communicate frequently with parents regarding their child’s instruction and assessment, and engage parents in their child’s education in the absence of the Head Start Teacher.
• Collaborate with Parent Advocates to ensure children’s information is accurate, up-to-date, and correct for smooth delivery of services; and to ensure families of children with special needs are receiving information about trainings and events so they are fully included.

Agency Responsibilities:

• Attend agency, program and Head Start Center staff meetings and/or trainings as required.
• Maintain good relationships with stakeholders, current and potential Head Start children and their families, community and co-workers, focusing on providing excellent and culturally sensitive customer service and always presenting a positive image of the agency.
• Maintain a working environment which encourages mutual respect, promotes respectful and congenial relationships between employees and is free from all forms of harassment.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including presentations to community groups and organizations, in accordance with the agency’s “team” philosophy.

Education/Training/Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED required; current Child Development Associates (CDA) credential preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year serving children with special needs.
• Understands cultural differences and is sensitive to the implications of culture for service delivery.
• Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Previous classroom experience and ability to utilize various learning techniques in the successful delivery of curricula desirable.
• Ability to implement appropriate teaching strategies and techniques.
• Successful completion of one of the following: Satori Alternatives for Managing Aggression Training or Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training desirable.
• Fluent in English and Spanish (read, write, and speak) desirable.
• Must be able to travel between centers in a timely manner as needed to fulfill job responsibilities. Site assignments are subject to change on a daily/annual basis based on program needs.
• Staff will be required to submit proof of their vaccination status or may request to be exempt from vaccination due to a religious and/or medical accommodation.
• State of Texas vehicle operator’s license and proof of liability insurance.

This is a 10 month position meaning you will not work in June and July, and will return to work in August.

Qualifications
Education Required:

High School or better.

Experience Required:

1 year: One year of serving children with special needs.

Licenses & Certifications Required:

CPR/First Aid

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities