Inclusion & Disability Specialist

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This range is provided by Casa Central. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$21.00/hr - $21.00/hr

Position Summary:

Casa Central’s Early Learning Academy provides high quality, comprehensive early childhood education services for young children, ages birth to five, and their families. The Center-Based program provides childcare and education services for children ages two to five. The Inclusion & Disabilities Specialist assists students with disabilities, diverse learning needs, challenging behaviors, and other special needs, facilitating total inclusion in the daily curriculum and classroom activities.

The Inclusion & Disabilities Specialist helps to maintain a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate and meet s the individual needs of children as mandated by federal, state, and local standards; ensures the execution of individualized Implementation and Interim Plans; and implements Conscious Discipline curriculum supports. The Inclusion & Disabilities Specialist works in close collaboration with the Disabilities & Wellness Promotion Manager to support and engage families of children with suspected and diagnosed disabilities, coordinate services, make referrals, and follow up on child and family needs.

Administrative Responsibilities:
Participate in site visits, focus groups, trainings, and meetings as indicated. Monitor and complete assigned monthly reports. Enter data and maintain database (Child Plus). Maintain files for assigned case load. Cover meetings, staffing, and trainings in the absence of the Disabilities & Wellness Promotion Coordinator, representing Casa Central at both internal and external meetings and events.

Child Development Support:
Provide information to the team that will assist in the referral process (to Early Intervention or Chicago Public Schools) for children with suspected disabilities. Collaborate with internal team to implement interim individualized plans to support meaningful inclusion and developmental progress. Once the child’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)/Individualized Education Program (IEP) is received, collaborate with teaching team in developing Implementation plan to support the child with achieving the goals outlined therein.

Complete observations for children who are in the referral process, who have IEPs/IFSPs, and who have Implementation/Interim or Behavior Support plans.

Curriculum and Assessment:
Assist teaching teams with gathering documentation on children’s progress to achieve developmental targets. Provide instructional support for children with suspected/diagnosed disabilities or challenging behaviors, demonstrating implementation of individualized learning experiences that support the general curriculum goals and objectives. Assist teaching teams to plan and implement individual learning supports for assigned children. Support enrollment process by assisting with potential observations, and other screenings when appropriate.

Classroom Environment:
Assist the primary teaching staff in maintaining a classroom environment that includes positive guidance techniques that meet state and local licensing regulations and Head Start performance Standards. Model and support the implementation of Conscious Discipline. Ensure no child is left unattended. Implement Active Supervision strategies. Demonstrate instructional practices that supports CLASS, ITERS, and ECERS requirements. Ensure classroom and developmental learning spaces are clean, organized, and welcoming for children.

Referral and Follow-Up:
Gather documentation to make referrals to Early Intervention or the Local Education Authority (Chicago Public Schools) for children with suspected disabilities. Follow-up to support families through the referral process. Help ensure that children are receiving needed services.

Parent Engagement:
Support parents’ understanding of the referral process. Partner with families to implement activities in the home that support IEP/IFSP goals,…