Location: Lake Charlotte YMCA Early Learning Childcare Centre
Program: Licensed Childcare
Position Status: Inclusion Coordinator
Compensation: $28.18 – $35.40 per hour
There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.
Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more.
Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and throughout the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities through mental health supports, accessible childcare, support for an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, assistance navigating a precarious labour market, wellness programming for all, and community-building opportunities for isolated older adults.
We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone is in their corner with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.
With us at their side, they can Shine On.
As Part of Your Total Compensation
- Receive a complimentary YMCA membership to our Health & Fitness facilities
- Access Y at Home, where you can participate in fitness programs from your own home
- Three weeks’ vacation entitlement and paid wellness days
- Comprehensive benefits package and pension (once the Centre is open)
- Complimentary wellbeing and counselling services
About the Role
Reporting to the Centre Director, the Inclusion Coordinator plays a vital role in fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment where every child, family, staff member, and visitor experiences a genuine sense of belonging.
Through the development of positive relationships and collaborative partnerships, the Inclusion Coordinator works alongside educators, families, and community supports to ensure that all children have equitable opportunities to participate, learn, and thrive. This role provides guidance, coaching, and practical support to staff in implementing inclusive practices that celebrate each child's unique strengths and needs while promoting a culture of respect, acceptance, and well-being throughout the centre.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with children, educators, families, specialists, leadership, and community members
- Collaborate with each child’s support team to create strategies tailored to their strengths and needs
- Re-evaluate strategies as necessary to ensure appropriate adjustments are made as a child’s needs change over time
- Connect families with outside agencies to build support networks and ensure open communication
- Provide families and educators with resources when needed
- Observe, assess, and document the progress of all children every six months, providing supports to ensure each child’s needs are met
- Record all meetings regarding inclusion and distribute meeting minutes electronically (email) and by paper (classroom binders/children’s files) within 48 hours of the meeting
- Advocate for a culture of acceptance, equity, and belonging among children, staff, and families at the Lake Charlotte YMCA Early Learning Child Care Centre
- Provide guidance on de-escalation strategies and emotional regulation techniques
- Ensure all children can participate in activities alongside their peers
- Ensure compliance with Nova Scotia Early Learning and Child Care Licensing Standards, YMCA Canada Child Safeguarding requirements, and Playing to Learn requirements regarding inclusion and accessibility
- Support educators and families in addressing challenging behaviours and creating Individual Program Plans tailored to each child’s unique needs
- Participate in ratio when the YMCA experiences extreme staff shortages
- Adhere to policies and procedures outlined in YMCA Best Practices
- Maintain professional development requirements, including training related to inclusive practices
- Ensure all paperwork required for YMCA Child Safeguarding and licensing requirements is current and valid
- Lift and secure children safely as necessary
- Attend monthly staff meetings and mandatory YMCA Playing to Learn curriculum training sessions
- Perform other duties as assigned
Education and Skills Qualifications
- Early Childhood Education Diploma or equivalent with Nova Scotia Classification Level 1, 2, or 3
- Strong knowledge and practical experience in Early Learning, Child and Youth Development, Inclusion, and Nova Scotia Child Care Licensing Acts and Regulations
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Proven relationship-building and community outreach abilities
To Apply
Please apply online at:
YMCA Halifax Employment Opportunities
Application deadline: July 2, 2026
Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide:
- Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (issued within the last six months) if 18 years of age or older
- Completion of Child Safeguarding Training upon hire
- Valid First Aid and CPR certification
Background checks are reviewed on an individual basis. Any offences will be considered in relation to the role and Child Safeguarding requirements and may not automatically eliminate candidates from employment with the YMCA.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission.
As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour; racially diverse individuals; 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals; gender-diverse people; persons with disabilities; members of ethnic minority and faith communities; foreign-born residents; and veterans.
If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance so that reasonable and appropriate accommodations can be arranged.
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