Access and Inclusion Specialist

Empathy compassion care patience and purpose-driven practice are at the heart of Umbrella Family. Were 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 its an opportunity to make a lasting impact on children families and our community.

Umbrella Family is not just a workplace. Its a community where staff feel valued supported and truly belong.

.Who are we Looking For

We are looking for aAccess 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 Familys 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.
• Usinga 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 thedevelopment documentation implementation and maintenance of Individual Support Plans.
• Supporting educators to assess improve theirmaterials andactivities and tomake necessary changes.
• Documenting discussions and plans and celebratingprogress.
• 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.
• PromotingUmbrellas 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:

• 5 years of experience working within a childcare centre
• 3 years working withchildren 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 andthe CECE Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

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

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

Target salary range: $61000 to $66000 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.