Inclusion Technician - Head Start/Early Head Start

Inclusion Technician

We want you to apply because we believe everyone can make a positive impact. By joining ECS, you will directly improve the lives of children and their families and those facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders in San Diego. Your unique skillset will be embraced as we work to break systemic barriers and create a more equitable society. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others!

Mission: Our mission is to break barriers and transform communities through programs rooted in our tradition of action and faith in God.

Purpose: Our purpose is to cultivate a strong, vibrant, and just San Diego region.

Vision: Our overall vision is to have an abundant and equitable society where all have unlimited potential.

General Description: Under the supervision of the Designated Supervisor, the Inclusion Technician will be responsible for providing support to the center staff, parents, and children with Special Needs in activities designed to promote social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. The IT is also responsible for implementing specific interventions determined necessary for children. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to curriculum development and implementing, promotion of positive inclusion, and the assurance of safety for all children.

Funding Source: Neighborhood House Association Head Start/Child Development Program of San Diego County (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Essential Functions:

1. Assist teacher(s) in implementing daily classroom activities ensuring inclusion of all children.

2. Assist with personalized special services for children with disabilities (i.e. feeding assistance, toileting, diapering, urine bags, physically lifting and carrying the child, etc.)

3. Assist staff in making referrals for further evaluation or services.

4. Discuss the progress of the child(ren) with supervisor and teacher(s) as needed.

5. Assist teacher(s) in maintaining classroom control by interacting with all the children including children without Special Needs during the classroom routine.

6. Participate in all classroom activities including field trips and socializations.

7. Lift, carry and ensure the safety of children as needed.

8. Advocate, as appropriate, for the rights of the children with Special Needs and their families.

9. Implement behavior management techniques as advised by the ECS Head Start Mental Health Specialist or other professionals.

10. Maintain and update assigned center files of children with Special Needs as required.

11. Assist the teacher(s) in completing monthly observations and recording observations on appropriate record keeping forms.

12. Work cooperatively with the Site Supervisor and all other staff to coordinate center responsibilities. Assisting in the classroom, kitchen or outdoors as needed.

13. Be involved with mealtimes and provide necessary support.

14. Attend Center Staff meetings, staff in-service, and other required meetings and trainings.

15. Maintain and enhance professional competence through participation in professional organizations and other activities on a voluntary or assigned basis.

16. Assume responsibility for parent involvement as appropriate.

17. Attend not less than 15 clock hours of professional development per year. Such professional development shall be high-quality, sustained, intensive and classroom focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction.

18. This job description is not intended to be all inclusive, and employee will also perform other reasonable related business duties as assigned by immediate, supervisor and other management as required.

Education & Experience: AA degree in Child Development or related field to include courses designed for working with children with special needs, or BA in Special Education or related field. Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications. One-year experience working directly with preschool children which includes working with children with Special Needs.

Language: Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Other/Special: Ability to lift 50 pounds. Must pass a physical examination and tuberculin skin test. Fingerprint clearance and criminal record check required. Ability to get to all required meetings, trainings, workshops and other in-county locations on a consistent basis. Verification of current driver's license and insurance required for personal car usage. Meet the State of California immunization requirement for employees of day care centers, immunization proof against influenza, pertussis and measles.

Physical Requirements: Seeing: Must be able to read computer screen and various reports. 75-100%

Hearing: must have capacity to hear and discern sounds. 75-100%

Standing/walking/sitting 50-74%

Climbing/stooping/kneeling/ Bending/reaching 25-49%

Fingering/grasping/feeling: Must be able to write, type, and use phone system 75-100%

Lifting Requirement: Up to 50 pounds