Inclusion Specialist

Description

Since 1981, Options for Learning has been at the forefront of helping families break the cycle of poverty and improve their lives by providing tools to create a positive foundation for school, social, and life success. Our dedicated and passionate employees have helped our organization become one of Southern California’s most innovative and progressive child development organizations, serving nearly 11,000 children throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

The inclusion specialist helps create welcoming learning environments where every child can succeed. This role is perfect for someone who loves hands‑on work, thrives in collaborative settings, and is energized by supporting children with diverse needs. This role partners closely with educators, builds meaningful connections, and brings inclusive practices to life across our programs. If you’re passionate about making a real impact each day, this is a role where your work truly matters.

• Collaborating with classroom teaching staff in providing a well‑supervised, safe environment;
• Assisting in the preparation or production of instructional materials, developing classroom schedules, and carrying out instructional programs for specific children;
• Providing support for the basic physical needs of students as needed (e.g., toileting and diapering, ensuring students receive their medications, assisting with feeding students, assisting with hygiene, etc.);
• Participating in the data collection process by collecting, recording, and maintaining data required by student programs, classroom records, and data computer systems as assigned by the supervisor;
• Informing supervisor of student progress on goals, skill level, and/or placement issues;
• Making informed decisions with a supervisor about content‑specific accommodations, modifications, and adaptations, presuming competence when providing support;
• Facilitating peer support, friendships, and positive relationships;
• Assisting education staff in implementing effective behavior management techniques with individuals and groups of children;
• Serving as a reference and resource to parents, school staff, administrators, and outside agencies;
• Reflecting program needs to the inclusion and wellness manager and participating in program assessments and management meetings;
• Actively participating in agency trainings;
• Working effectively with management team members;
• Using sensitivity and good judgment when interacting with children, parents, and staff;
• Reading and implementing all organization and program policies and procedures;
• Promoting full enrollment and participating in the recruitment of children as directed;
• Assisting the inclusion supervisor as needed;
• Performing other duties as assigned.

• A minimum of 18 months of experience working with children;
• Child development associate teacher permit or CDA credential with one course in each of the following categories: child/family/community or child and family relations; children with special needs and programs/curriculum (all core coursework must meet a minimum unit requirement of three semester units or four quarter units); child/family/community or child and family relations; children with special needs (preferred);
• Current certification in pediatric CPR (annually), pediatric first aid (annually) and preventative health that is acceptable to Community Care Licensing (Health and Safety code ) is preferred (may be required as determined by site assignment to open or close);
• Health screening and TB clearance (to be renewed every five years);
• Must present proof of immunization for TDap, MMR, whooping cough, and yearly influenza (waiver may be accepted for influenza);
• Successful background screening;
• Completed mandated reporter certification training, to be renewed every 2 years;
• Ability to effectively communicate in written and oral English;
• Associate degree or bachelor's degree in child development or related fields (preferred);
• Knowledge of high‑quality inclusive practices, including: MTSS, Quality Rating and Improvement, UDL, Teaching Pyramid, and/or ABA approach (preferred);
• A California driver’s…