Child Care Inclusion Advisor (Term Position)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Be the Spark that ignites the potential in people! At our YMCA, we believe in the power of people. Every day, our dedicated employees and volunteers bring energy, positivity, and inclusivity to everything they do. They are the spark that ignites potential in others—helping individuals grow, thrive, and truly belong.

When people feel connected and supported, communities become stronger, more resilient, and full of life. That’s the impact of people-powered change. Together, we create welcoming spaces where everyone is valued, differences are celebrated, and possibilities are endless. Be the spark. Shine bright. Help others shine too.

About the Role:

The Child Care Inclusion Advisor is a system navigator, intake lead, and inclusion specialist who works collaboratively with children (with a focus on ages 0-6), families, Educators, YMCA teams, and community partners to ensure consistent and inclusive service delivery across licensed child care centres.

Responsibilities:

• Coach and build capacity in Program Directorsm, Supervisors, and Educators through role modeling, upholding curriculum standards, and fostering an inclusive environment.
• Review, evaluate, and update YMCA Child Care Inclusion policies, practices, and processes to ensure consistency.
• Plan, develop, coordinate and facilitate training, resources and strategies for leaders on inclusive and developmental practices and policies supporting each child's ability to be successful in YMCA Child Care.
• Collaborate with Business Administration team to develop and participate in the intake system for children with identified needs.
• Establish consistent intake practices for Directors supporting children with diverse needs.
• Provide hands-on consultation and feedback to ensure programs effectively implement inclusive principles into operations.
• Collaborate with Directors and families to develop, assess and continue to implement Inclusive Care Plans (ICPs) as children grow and develop to support successful integration of children in program, including the transition to Kindergarten.
• Deliver direct program and family consultation, feedback and support to assess individual children's needs when necessary.
• Coordinate or support ongoing meetings with families, Educators, and stakeholders as needed.
• Build and sustain partnerships with Child Care programs, schools and community stakeholders to ensure consistency across environments.
• Refer families and Directors to external resources and help them navigate (e.g., FSCD and ICC) when additional support is needed.
• Maintains a safe and supportive environment by following YMCA policies and procedures, and Provincial Licensing and Health regulations.
• Complete administrative tasks in a timely and accurate manner.

Qualifications:

• Degree or diploma in Social Work, Psychology, Special Education, Child and Youth Care, Child Care or Human Ecology or related field.
• Minimum 5 years working with children with behavioural, physical, psychological, developmental, emotional, or social needs.
• Experience building systems and implementing inclusion practices.
• Experience leading, collaboration, and guiding staff teams.
• Knowledge of, and experience securing, available funding and community supports for children and their families.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience working with a tablet and computer using Microsoft Office Applications and other forms of technology.
• Alberta Child Care Certification (Level 1, 2, or 3) an asset.
• Able to obtain a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Mental Health First Aid and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training an asset.
• Travel between centres required; reliable vehicle required.

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Northern Alberta is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees and volunteers reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work and volunteer. We offer meaningful opportunities to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 100 years of providing opportunities for people to shine! Our Y serves tens of thousands of people each year through programs and services like health and fitness, licensed child care, day camps, mental health, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families and seniors.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Inclusion has power, and we take strides to create a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can belong. Diverse teams unleash new ideas, and employees thrive in a culture that recognizes and appreciates the unique perspectives and backgrounds of others. Through our differences in how we think and act we can form innovative and effective teams and deliver organizational success.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about an opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Prior to your first day and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.