Inclusion and Support Coach -- Head Start

We are seeking Full Time and Part time Inclusion and Support Coaches to join our Head Start program! The Inclusion & Support Coach provides supportive services to children and staff when children have behavioral or developmental concerns in the classroom. Regular duties include assisting in classrooms with high needs children and modeling strategies for teaching staff and maintaining information in ChildPlus and on Excel spreadsheets. This position works with the multi-disciplinary support team to identify children and classrooms needing additional support and to plan those supports.

There are multiple Full Time and Part Time positions available. This position is expected to last 3-6 months but may be extended depending on program needs.

Candidates must submit an application by 2/21/25 to be considered for first-round interviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education or a related field with a minimum of 18 credit hours of coursework in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
• Three years of experience in Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education and/or Head Start.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Driver qualifications are required for this position. Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required.
• Successful registration with the Central Background Registry of the Child Care Division.
• CPR/First Aid Certification or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment physical examination, renewable every two years.
• Ability to become a reliable Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) observer and participate in the CLASS assessment process.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Familiar with early childhood concerns such as developmental delay, communication disorder, ASD, ADHD, and sensory impairments.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Outlook), videoconferencing platforms, and web tools.
• Ability to work with adults in order to promote understanding of child development and special education services.
• Ability to effectively communicate information to large and small groups.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

Classroom Services

• Conducts objective observations at assigned classrooms. Prepares observation reports and debriefs with teaching staff.
• Develops competence in working with children with mental health issues or disabilities and provides for on-going assessment of assigned children's growth and development.
• Provides one-on-one support to a child or groups of children in the classroom which supports their social-emotional development as assigned.
• Provides a supportive, emotional climate when participating in classroom activities, which enhances children's understanding of themselves as individuals, and in relation to others. Able to be spontaneous and flexible in meeting children's individual needs, encourages children to verbalize their own feelings and ideas. Anticipates and acts upon children's needs and difficulties.
• Provides a safe environment for children/groups of children during classroom time utilizing Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) strategies and Trauma Smart concepts. Maintains an acceptable and positive level of guidance in individual and group situations reacting to emergency situations with competence and a calm attitude.
• Partners with teaching teams, families, and Willamette Education Services district staff to ensure the full participation of children receiving Early Intervention or Early Childhood Special Education Services.
• Supports classroom teams regarding the social-emotional needs or mental health concerns of children and recommends strategies to support the skill development of children.

Office/Paperwork

• Uses the Head Start ChildPlus and TS Gold data systems for collection and tracking child and family data. Maintains on-going documentation from communications with staff, families, and service agencies.
• Creates, reviews and revises Excel spreadsheets for tracking services.
• Prepares instructional materials for classroom as prescribed or requested by supervisor.
• Participates in solution-based planning with Head Start and Early Head Start Specialists and community partner consultants.
• Provides training and participates in events for teachers, assistants, parents, and community members pertaining to child development, disabilities, inclusive educational practices, and mental health.
• Maintains continuing professional education by attending regular and special program training events.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no supervisory duties in this position.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Regularly lift and/or move 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Manual dexterity for handling office equipment.
• Frequent driving in all weather conditions to sites in Polk and Marion Counties.
• Ability to remain calm and quickly evacuate children from the classroom in an emergency.
• May exercise judgement in setting day-to-day priorities while facing regular deadline pressures.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Indoor, office work environment with frequent interruptions and demands.
• Working with coworkers/clients over the phone and in-person.
• Occasional noise and distractions in workspaces.
• Occasional remote work as approved by supervisor.
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours, including evenings, to support program needs.

**Enrollment in the Central Background Registry is beneficial if you are even considering working with children in the State of Oregon, since it will be required before you can start a position. Enrollment is free and it is recommended that you start now as the process can take time. Start enrollment online at: oregonearlylearning.com

MWVCAA is committed to promoting and achieving diversity, equity and inclusion with employees and with those we serve. The agency strives to be an employer of choice with a vision for all people to be respected for their infinite worth and supported to envision and reach a positive future.

MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232.

**This is a partial list of essential duties and responsibilities. To review the full job description, download below.

If you need ADA accommodations to apply for MWVCAA job openings, please contact Human Resources at HR@mwvcaa.org or call 503-585-6232 to ask for a HR Team Member.