To be discussed Director of Inclusion for Child Care/Day Camp
Job Description
NATURE & SCOPE
The Director of Inclusion for licensed Child Care/Day Camp will work collaboratively with both the Child Care and Day Camp leadership team (Child Care Inclusion Support Facilitators, Camp Integration Supervisor, Child Care and Day Camp program support staff) to ensure Child Care/Day Camp programs are inclusive environments where children with identified and unidentified special needs are effectively included in our programs. They will provide senior level leadership and expertise to ensure children, families and staff have a positive experience within a licensed Child Care Centre or Day Camp setting.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop, implement and maintain an Inclusion Strategy that includes overarching philosophy, principles and approach on how we serve all children
- Develop and maintain aligned strategies based on best practices and policies that support inclusion and belonging of children in both Child Care and Day Camp
- Ensure that practices are safe, relevant and effective
- Ensure documentation and forms are consistent across both Child Care and Day Camp
- Develop, manage and coach Child Care Inclusion Support Facilitators and Camp Integration Supervisor including annually setting performance goals and completing annual job performance evaluations
- Give direction/guidance to Child Care Inclusion Support Facilitators, Camp Integration Supervisor related to implementation of their portfolios
- Work directly with the General Manager of Child Care and General Manager of Day Camp/Community/EarlyON to develop operational plans and identify expenditures
- Build positive relationships both internally and externally to achieve work related goals
- Manage and coach relevant individuals when complex situations are escalated by staff, participants/families, or external partners
- Support intake/service coordination meetings with families, YMCA Educators, camp staff, school board staff, Niagara Region, and community partners that support our inclusion strategy
- Serve as a liaison between YMCA and community agencies related to special needs and inclusion as it pertains to YMCA Preschool and School Age Child Care programs and YMCA Day Camp and Adventure Club
- Work closely with the Child Care Inclusion Support Facilitators and Camp Integration Supervisor to support staff teams in developing and implementing a wide range of developmentally appropriate activities
- Develop and deliver relevant training sessions to Child Care, Day Camp and Adventure Club teams
- Participate in relevant committees and community forums when needed
- Develop protocols and associated resources to respond to the Ministry of Education requirements for Individual Support Plans (ISP). Serve in a consultative role to Child Care Regional Directors at key stages of the process
- Manage the intake process and information flow for children identified with special needs
- In consultation with the Child Care Inclusion Support Facilitators and Camp Integration Supervisor, play a key role in the decision-making process regarding the suitability of the YMCA Child Care/Day Camp program for children with behaviour challenges and the requirement for conducting meetings with families and appropriate YMCA stakeholders
- Visit YMCA Child Care Centres/Day Camps to observe strategies and practices in place intended to support children who are struggling within the program. In consultation with Child Care Inclusion Support Facilitators and Camp Integration Supervisor revise practices where and when needed. Oversee monitoring throughout the program duration
- Act as a consultant to ensure continuity of program support for children moving between Child Care programs and YMCA Day Camp programs (Winter Break Camp, March Break Camp and Summer Day Camp)
- Complete grant applications for additional program supports required in Child Care and Day Camp; ensure monthly invoices to the Region of Niagara are processed
- Attend leadership meetings as required
Other duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS
- College or University Degree in Related Field
- Additional Special Needs related training
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training (Crisis Prevention Institute) an asset
- Minimum of 3 years of experience working with families, children and youth with special needs and behavioural challenges within an inclusive setting
- Knowledge of relevant acts, legislation, and frame works, including but not limited to: Child and Family Services Act, Child Care and Early Years Act, How Does Learning Happen?, and Ontario Camps Association Standards
- Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills
- Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills
- Demonstrated expertise in management of people, finances, program, and volunteers
- Demonstrated experience in planning
- Experience in coaching others
- Proven change management experience
- Good knowledge of relevant business technology
- Valid Ontario driver’s license
- Current Standard 1st Aid/CPR(C) from an approved agency
- A clear and satisfactory criminal record check inclusive of the vulnerable sector search (CRC VSS) issued for the YMCA of Niagara
- All immunizations required by Niagara Region Public Health
COMPETENCIES:
Commitment to Organization Vision and Values
Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the Mission, Vision, Strategic outcomes, and values of the YMCA
Communication
Communicated in a thorough, clear, and timely manner and supports information sharing and goal achievement across the YMCA
Relationship Building and Collaboration
Builds positive interactions both internally and externally to achieve work related goals
Planning and Organizing
Establishes a clearly defined and effective course of action for self and others to accomplish short- and long-term goals
Leadership
Guides, motivates, and inspires self and others to take action to achieve desired outcomes
Results Oriented
Has the ability to lead, manage and achieve identified goals
Diversity
Appreciates that people with different opinions, backgrounds and characteristics bring a richness to the YMCA
How to Apply
APPLICATION PROCESS Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter and resume by noon on April 14, 2023 to sarahmaragoudakis@niagara.ymca.ca. Please indicate position applying for in the subject line of your email. Internal applicants are encouraged to notify their supervisor before applying. Only those applicants being considered for an interview will be contracted. Accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities can be arranged upon request. For more information on other opportunities at the YMCA of Niagara please visit: ymcaofniagara.org415 total views, 1 today
