Access and Inclusion Specialist

Empathy, compassion, care, patience, and purpose-driven practice are at the heart of Umbrella Family. We're committed to creating an engaging, collaborative work environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute in meaningful ways.

For over 35 years, Umbrella Family has been a trusted cornerstone of the Hamilton community. Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who prioritize building genuine connections that support children, families, and one another. Staff receive exceptional support, guidance, and ongoing professional development to help them grow in their careers.

Joining Umbrella Family as an Access & Inclusion Specialist means stepping into a role where you champion equitable participation for all children and help shape inclusive, high-quality learning environments. This is more than a job, it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact on children, families, and our community.

Umbrella Family is not just a workplace. It's a community where staff feel valued, supported, and truly belong.

.Who are we Looking For?

We are looking for a Access and Inclusion Specialist.

This is a unique position for Umbrella Family. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with staff, supervisors, parents and community resource partners at each of Umbrella Family's locations. Their goal is to inspire, coach, and mentor in all aspects of inclusive child care practices. The Access and Inclusion Specialist will be responsible to ensure all services provided by the Umbrella Family are equitable, accessible, and responsive to the needs and interests of children.

What will you be doing?

The successful candidate will play an active role in promoting and enhancing access and inclusion for all children in our childcare centres, by:

• Working in alignment with How Does Learning Happen? (HDLH); providing mentoring and coaching on the implementation of inclusion practices and experiences that align with the 4 foundations.
• Using a lens of universal design for learning, to work with educators to assess environments and ensure the space takes into consideration each individuals needs within the program.
• Supporting the enrolment process for children with diverse abilities.
• Supporting and coaching employees in the development, documentation, implementation and maintenance of Individual Support Plans.
• Supporting educators to assess improve their materials and activities, and to make necessary changes.
• Documenting discussions and plans, and celebrating progress.
• Creating, developing and leading workshops and training for educators on topics relating to Access and Inclusion.
• Establishing and maintaining positive, professional relationships with early years community partners and other community organizations.
• Promoting Umbrella's commitment to a climate of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

Why work for Umbrella?

Some of the many benefits of working for Umbrella Family and Child Centres include:

• Working in a fun, collaborative environment focusing on learning and growing with top professionals
• Industry-competitive wages and benefits
• Robust retirement savings program featuring employer matching
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employees with children get priority on childcare waiting list
• Generous vacation and sick time allotments

What are we Looking For?

To be considered for this role, the right candidate will have the following qualifications:

Experience, Education and knowledge

• 5+ years of experience working within a childcare centre
• 3 years working with children with diverse needs and abilities.
• Experience in coaching, mentoring and/or facilitating adult education
• Diploma (or equivalent) in Early Childhood Education (required).
• Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in good standing (required).
• In-depth knowledge of How Does Learning Happen? and the CECE Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Skills and Characteristics:

• Passionate advocate for diversity, equality, and inclusion.
• Natural coach and mentor; able to share experiences and build people around you.
• Ability to work collaboratively, achieve outcomes and meet deadlines both as a team member and an independent contributor
• Conflict resolution and problem solving skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite.
• Knowledge of pedagogical programming, and inclusion principles as they relate to early childhood education.

Certifications:

• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Check.
• Proof of up to date immunization for TB, Tetanus and MMR.

Target salary range: $61,000 to $66,000, commensurate with experience

Target start date: January 2026

Commitment to Accessibility

We are committed to providing accommodations in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please let us know if you require accommodations during the hiring process.

Recruitment Process Disclosure

This organization does not use artificial intelligence (AI) systems or automated decision-making technologies in the screening, assessment, or selection of applicants for employment. All applications are evaluated exclusively through a human review process conducted by our Human Resources personnel and hiring managers.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within the organization.

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