Childcare Disabilities Specialist - Full-time/Monday - Friday

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Disabilities Specialist plays a key role in fostering an inclusive, empowering, and nurturing environment for children of all abilities. The Disabilities Specialist ensures that children with disabilities receive individualized support, and that the Childcare Enrichment Center remains accessible, inclusive and developmentally appropriate. This role blends advocacy, direct support, collaboration, and compliance to create a space where love, hope, and empowerment are interwoven into every day.

Key Responsibilities:

Inclusive Program Support

• Collaborate with teachers and· enrichment staff to adapt activities and learning environments for children with varying abilities.

Implement accommodations that supports children's development.

• Facilitate social integration and positive peer interactions.

• Support individuals in achieving their personal goals, promoting self-sufficiency and independence.

Family Engagement & Advocacy

• Participate in family conferences to review progress and ensure alignment of care between home and the CEC.

Staff Training & Collaboration

• Participate in ongoing coaching and in-service training for staff on inclusive practices, disability awareness, and behavior support techniques.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including therapists, case managers, and educators, to create integrated support plans.

• Model inclusive strategies during daily routines and activities.

• Celebrate diversity and promote inclusive learning and play.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate records on accommodations, interventions, and child progress, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with all regulations (ADA-American Disabilities Act...lDEA­ lndividuals with Disabilities Education Act, etc.).

• Assist with licensing and program quality assessments to ensure accessibility standards are upheld.

• Participate in intake screening, and developmental assessments.

Environment & Accessibility

• Recommend modifications to the physical space to ensure accessibility and safety for all children.

• Ensure assistive technologies or adaptive equipment are in place and functional.

• Monitor and address sensory-friendly components of the CEC's environment

• Communicate effectively with supervisors and team members to ensure consistency in service delivery.

• Contribute to a supportive and respectful team environment.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Associate's degree preferred in early childhood, child development or related field and/or relevant experience.

• Two (2) years working in a childcare setting.

" Has the following credentialing and/or certifications:

► CDA- Child Development Associate

► CPR/First Aid certification and/or willingness to complete the required training.

• Strong understanding of child development and commitment to inclusive practices, and behavior management.

• Ability to work with children with disabilities.

• Strong communication skills - - ability to engage confidently with children, families, and staff.

• Passion for early childhood education and commitment for inclusive environments for children of all abilities.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching.

• Ability to lift to 50 lbs.

Since 1992 Harbor House of Louisville has provided day services to adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to build social, emotional, and cognitive skills through participation in employment, performing arts, health and wellness, and visual arts.

Now Harbor House is expanding to bring these same outstanding day services to children and seniors of all abilities—meaning with and without disabilities—on an intergenerational model where all three groups will engage daily in meaningful opportunities aimed at improving their lives. What does that mean? It means that children, adults, and seniors of all abilities will read, sing, dance, paint, draw, and even exercise together.

We moved into our new 36,000-square-foot Intergenerational Life Center in October 2023, and are now weaving children and seniors into our family, beginning with before- and after-school programs and seniors in 2024, and 105 children of all abilities, ages 6 weeks to 5 years, when our previous 8,000-square-foot building is renovated into a Child Enrichment Center by spring 2025.

Harbor House. Weaving a tapestry of love, hope, and empowerment.

Company Description

Since 1992 Harbor House of Louisville has provided day services to adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to build social, emotional, and cognitive skills through participation in employment, performing arts, health and wellness, and visual arts. \r\n\r\nNow Harbor House is expanding to bring these same outstanding day services to children and seniors of all abilities—meaning with and without disabilities—on an intergenerational model where all three groups will engage daily in meaningful opportunities aimed at improving their lives. What does that mean? It means that children, adults, and seniors of all abilities will read, sing, dance, paint, draw, and even exercise together. \r\n\r\nWe moved into our new 36,000-square-foot Intergenerational Life Center in October 2023, and are now weaving children and seniors into our family, beginning with before- and after-school programs and seniors in 2024, and 105 children of all abilities, ages 6 weeks to 5 years, when our previous 8,000-square-foot building is renovated into a Child Enrichment Center by spring 2025.\r\n\r\nHarbor House. Weaving a tapestry of love, hope, and empowerment.