Inclusion Specialist

Easter Seals South Florida Inc; District Heights (MD); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Easterseals DC MD VA is seeking an Inclusion Specialist in District Heights, MD to promote inclusive practices within our Head Start program. This exempt, full-time role reports to the Education Manager and focuses on supporting children with diverse abilities and backgrounds.

You will collaborate with educators, families, and early intervention providers to implement inclusive strategies and ensure access to services. This position emphasizes staff training, referrals, and program evaluation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Knowledge of Part C and LEA referral processes and of IDEA/ADA.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Experience with early intervention supports and inclusive practices.

Responsibilities

• Consult with educators, families, and providers to develop inclusive practices.
• Provide workshops and training for staff on inclusion and diversity.
• Support individualized interventions and classroom adaptations for children with disabilities.
• Coordinate referrals for external evaluation and services and track progress.
• Monitor inclusion practices and advocate for resources and program improvements.

Skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Diversity & inclusion

Education

Bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Inclusion Specialist

Full Time District Heights, MD, US

Salary: $80,000.00 Annually

Overview of Easterseals Serving DC MD VA

Who We Are

Easterseals DC MD VA ( www.eseal.org ) is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through direct and life-changing disability and community services.

Since 1945, Easterseals DC MD VA has worked tirelessly to enhance quality of life and expand access to healthcare, education, and employment. And we won’t rest until each one of us is valued, respected, and accepted.

We take a holistic approach, providing comprehensive services to thousands of children and adults in our neighborhoods, no matter their disability, military status, income, race, or age: To help each child reach their full potential, we provide personalized child development and early intervention services. To improve health and reduce isolation in adults with disabilities, we offer engaging activities and expansive resources. To enable military families to integrate into the community, we provide a suite of services, including employment support and mental healthcare. And to sustain families and caregivers, we provide comprehensive services and support.

Together with our partners, we’re reducing poverty and homelessness and improving healthcare and employment by empowering people of all ages and abilities to be full and equal participants in their communities. Join us.

As the Easterseals affiliate serving Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, ( www.eseal.org ) Easterseals DC MD VA works through public-private partnerships to provide community-based services in the most efficient manner possible. These traits were demonstrated in the opening our Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Inter-Generational Center, which has quickly become an international model of excellence for delivering superior outcomes, including creating meaningful connections between generations. It was opened through visionary partnership among local, state, and national governments, as well as private individual, corporate, and foundation investment. The shared resources created a maximum return on investment for the community. Through a variety of resources, Easterseals provides information and guidance about how to navigate changing needs within our communities.

Easterseals DC MD VA, we know that creating a hopeful, inclusive community where all people realize their potential and live meaningful lives can be done only when we value our greatest asset – our staff. More than 200 employees across the greater Washington, DC area, from Hagerstown, Maryland, to Falls Church, Virginia, value the rewarding work that enables Easterseals to lead the way to 100% equity, inclusion, and access for people with disabilities, families, and communities.

If you want to do well while doing good, Easterseals DC MD VA may be the place for you.

Core Values

Our entire staff shares our Core Values which are an integral component of the success of ESDCMDVA:

• Respect: We respect each other. We value the uniqueness and dignity of each individual and appreciate the strength of diversity and inclusion.
• Responsibility: We share a sense of responsibility for doing things right, being good stewards and being accountable for our actions.
• Integrity: We conduct business ethically with a commitment to moral integrity and we expect people to hold a high moral standard. We communicate openly, honestly and directly.
• Innovation: We embrace new ideas, take measured risks and find better ways to help more people.
• Care: We show compassion for others and continue to live our mission each day.

Job Title: Inclusion Specialist

Department: Head Start

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:

• Consultation and Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with early childhood educators, administrators and/or early intervention providers to develop and implement inclusive practices.
  • 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.
• Professional Development:
  • Conduct workshops, training sessions, and professional development opportunities for educators and staff on topics related to inclusion, diversity, and supporting children with special needs.
  • Stay current with best practices and research in early childhood inclusion and special education.
• Individualized Support:
  • Facilitate the referral of students for external evaluation and determination of eligibility for services. Track referrals and coordinate provider schedules.
  • Assess individual children's needs and develop strategies and accommodations to support their participation and learning in the classroom.
  • Work directly with children to provide interventions and support as needed.
• Family Engagement:
  • Partner with families to understand their child’s strengths and needs and provide guidance and resources to support their child’s development and inclusion.
  • Foster positive relationships between families and the early childhood program.
• Program Evaluation and Improvement:
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of inclusion practices and make recommendations for improvements.
  • Advocate for policy changes and resources that support inclusive practices in early childhood education.
  • Ensure proper documentation on Child Plus system
  • 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 ofrespect, 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 developmentalissues
• 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)