POSITION SUMMARY

This position supports the work of the MetroWest YMCA, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. This position has two primary roles:

· Partners in Early Learning: The Early Childhood Support and Inclusion Specialist collaborates with Partners in Early Learning (PEL) team from the Y and Framingham Public Schools as well as families to identify and support children who may require special and individualized assistance. The Inclusion Specialist provides consultation, observation, direct support, concrete strategies and tools to Y educators and serves as a Y liaison for children and their families in coordinating care and interventions with FPS and other support services in order to help children have a positive PreK experience.

· Project ABC: Helping Families Advocate, Belong, and Connect is a Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Coordinated Family and Community Engagement Grant (CFCE), managed by the MetroWest YMCA. The Early Childhood Support and Inclusion Specialist organizes and facilitates family and community engagement activities and supplies resources and referrals for families with children birth through school age.

Desired personal qualities include understanding and open mindedness, flexibility, warmth and a passion for working with children and families, both independently and in a team environment.

OUR CULTURE

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Partners in Early Learning:

a. Work directly with educators and families to support children, especially those with high needs through individual and small group interaction as well as full classroom engagement.

b. Develop and implementation of positive behavior plans for individual children as needed. Coach and model for educators and family members on the use of individual strategies, and monitor the use of strategies over time.

c. Provide educators with coaching, guidance, and implementation of SEL curriculum support as needed for “classroom management” best practice.

2. Project ABC:

a. Develop, plan, and facilitate engaging parent/child playgroups for children and their caregivers.

b. Provide resources and referrals as needed to assist families and children with both simple and complex needs.

c. Work closely with the Project ABC Coordinator and other Project ABC staff team members to ensure the successful planning and facilitation of educational programming for parents, Project ABC Advisory Council Meetings, and community events, as well as outreach and referral work on behalf of at-risk children and families as needed.

3. Early Childhood Support and Inclusion Specialist will also:

a. Develop and maintain positive, open communication between children, families, partners and Y team members.

b. Foster and maintain positive relationships with children, families, and other staff. Model positive reinforcement and relationship building skills in all interactions.

c. Work well independently and on a team

d. Implement program activities that are culturally relevant, developmentally appropriate and consistent with CFCE, PEL and Y guidelines and priorities.

e. Complete YMCA administrative tasks as assigned.

f. Follow YMCA policies and procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, emergencies, and safety and cleanliness standards.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Experience working with families and young children. Background and experience supporting children and families with complex needs with complex needs, deep understanding of trauma informed care, and skills in identifying and working to engage and support at-risk children and/or families is preferred.

· Bachelor's degree in ECE or a related field or equivalent is strongly preferred along with a commitment to ongoing professional development.

· Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of the community.

· Access to personal transportation

· Excellent organizational skills, basic administrative skills and computer competency.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform successfully the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands include the ability to lift 10 lbs. and the stamina to maintain energy and focus in large group facilitation with young children in both indoor and outdoor locations.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer for extended periods of time and be able to communicate using a computer and phone/smart device.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

COVID-19 considerations:
MetroWest YMCA is having employees and members wear masks (optional if fully vaccinated), practice social distancing, continuous facilities cleaning, encourage frequent hand washing/use of antibacterial sanitizer, and encouraging COVID vaccinations.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Teaching: 1 year (Preferred)
• Special education: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Teaching Certification (Preferred)
• Special Education Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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