Inclusion Quality Coordinator
Status: Temporary, Full-time (Contract ending February 25, 2028)
Location: St. Catharines, Ontario
Closing Date: July 6, 2026
Who We Are
Niagara Children’s Centre is recognized throughout the Niagara Region as the provider of rehabilitation and support services to children and youth with physical, developmental and communicative delays and disabilities. Core services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation. Our family-centred programs aim at helping each child achieve their own unique potential within their home, school and in the community.
As an employee of the Centre, you will be part of a community dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for the children and youth we serve. We are a place where families are at the heart of all we do. We continue to provide innovative ways of delivering high quality services and strengthening our family-centred care philosophy. We want to see “Niagara’s Children and Youth at Their Best!” Join a team that makes a real difference in the lives of children and youth every day.
The Role
The Inclusion Quality Coordinator (IQC) plays a key role in supporting both licensed centre-based childcare, and/or Early ON to implement inclusive, high-quality practices and services that meet the diverse needs of children and families in the Niagara Region. Working within the Inclusion Resource Support Model, (IRSM) the IQC collaborates with educators, childcare staff, families, and community partners to foster environments that are equitable, accessible, and responsive to all children, including those with identified or emerging special needs. This description highlights the coordinator’s direct impact on program quality, inclusive practices, and support for children and families.
Key Responsibilities:
Program Delivery
Delivering Inclusive Quality supports across all three tiers within IRSM
- Provide direct service delivery (80% of total time) supporting children and educators as per the three-tiered model:
> Tier 1 - Supporting all educators to create inclusive environments for all children to thrive
> Tier 2 - Focusing on strategies and resources to support specific children and educators that may require additional supports individually or within a group
> Tier 3 - Supporting children with extensive needs, requiring wraparound services and coordination between educators, families, medical professionals and IRSM supports.
- Engage families on an on-going basis in a meaningful and sustainable way, building trust, two-way communication, shared decision-making and respecting cultural and individual diversity
- Create inclusive and culturally responsive spaces acknowledging, reflecting, celebrating diverse family structures and practices.
- Work collaboratively with families, educators, CPAs and therapists to develop support plans that are strength-based and reflects the families’ priorities and preferences for a seamless experience for the families.
- Maximize direct support and minimize administrative burden and provide at least 80% of time to direct service delivery (in-program observations, modelling, family engagement, assessments, quality reviews)
- Provide in-direct delivery (out of program) such as developing program plans/ISPs, reviewing data, meetings with community partners, documentation, applications or referrals
Inclusive Practice Support
- Work directly with childcare programs to promote and embed inclusive principles aligned with How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years.
- Review and reflect on the emerging research on Special Needs Resourcing and inclusion, including information from reflective supervision to gain insight into their practices and improve their effectiveness.
- Reduce barriers for children by supporting educators to make programs and environments accessible, inclusive and welcoming.
- Support educators in adapting environments, routines, and teaching strategies to meet the individual needs of children.
- Provide consultation, coaching, and mentoring to childcare staff on inclusive strategies, early identification, and responsive programming.
- Enhance the understanding and breadth and depth of supports and services provided by the system to children with special needs and through the inclusion Resource Service Model.
Program Quality Enhancement
- Collaborate with childcare providers to develop and implement quality improvement goals related to inclusion and equity.
- Monitor progress and provide follow-up support, modeling best practices and offering constructive feedback.
- Contribute to the continuous enhancement of program environments and educator capacity.
- Understand, use and leverage the data gathered from various metrics of the IRSM.
- Review and examine the creation of a new qualitative tool that focuses on capturing strengths observed by educators, parents/caregivers and when possible the child.
Collaboration and Capacity Building
- Partner with families to ensure their voices are reflected in programming and support planning and encourage family participation in learning.
- Collaboration between families and professionals to create supportive environments and achieve the best outcomes for all.
- Liaise with community agencies, therapists, and other service providers to promote coordinated care.
- Collaborate with Early ON and licensed child-care providers to create strategies to support optimal child development, reduce stigma and increase the capacity of educators.
- Provide service navigation, referring families to establish pathways of care and create opportunities for other practitioners to engage with IQCs, educators and families
- Provide coaching, role modeling, mentorship and training to childcare staff to build capacity and make sure needs are met
- Facilitate or support professional learning opportunities for childcare staff on topics related to inclusion, child development, and family engagement.
Documentation and Planning
- Maintain accurate records of support provided to programs, including observations, action plans, and outcome tracking. In accordance with Centre standards and IRSM direction.
- Participate in team meetings, case conferences, Centre, IRSM and regional initiatives related to early years, inclusion and special needs supports.
- Ensure practices align with privacy legislation (e.g., PHIPA, MFIPPA) and organizational policies.
Qualifications:
- Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators is required.
- Diploma/Degree in Early Childhood Education or related human services field (e.g., Child and Youth Work, Developmental Services, Social Work, Resource Consultant).
Experience and Core Competencies
- Minimum 3 years of experience in early childhood education or related sector, preferably in inclusive or special needs settings.
- Strong understanding of child development, inclusive pedagogy, and the Ontario childcare framework.
- In-depth knowledge of developmental milestones from birth to 6 years of age, understanding physical, developmental, behavioural, emotional and communication related disabilities and inclusion strategies
- Strong communication, coaching, problem-solving and solution-focused, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Family- centred approach – prioritizing families and their needs and preferences, recognizing them as the experts in their own lives.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills.
- Experience supporting children with exceptionalities or working in a resource consultant or support role.
- Some training in adult education, coaching, or trauma-informed care.
- Knowledge of Niagara Region’s early years service system and community resources.
- Proficiency in using Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
Other:
- Valid Ontario Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle for travel across the Niagara Region.
- A current criminal reference check for vulnerable populations
- Bilingualism is a strong asset
- CPR certification
- Evidence of non-violent crisis intervention training
- Work is community-based with regular travel to licensed childcare programs across the Niagara Region.
- May require flexible or extended hours to accommodate training sessions, child appointments and family meetings outside standard business hours.
Why Join Us?
- We provide a total rewards package that supports your well-being and supports and encourages continuous professional development and growth.
- Provide a competitive hiring range of $54,619 -$64,272 commensurate with experience.
- Participation in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan (HOOPP) from day one of employment with us, we offer healthcare and dental benefits, and access to the Employee and Family Assistance program.
Application Process
If you are inspired by the work of Niagara Children’s Centre and would like to join our team, we want to hear from you! To review the job description and pursue this career opportunity, please visit our website at www.niagarachildrenscentre.com
This posting is for an existing, immediate vacancy within our Clinical team. We will be reviewing candidate submissions as they are received and move forward with interviews. Early submission is encouraged.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are not used to evaluate applications for this role. Your application will be reviewed directly by our hiring team.
Niagara Children’s Centre is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodation is available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) to applicants invited to an interview.
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. The selected candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check.
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: $28.01-$32.96 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Do you have Diploma/Degree in Early Childhood Education or related human services field (e.g., Child and Youth Work, Developmental Services, Social Work, Resource Consultant)?
Experience:
- Early childhood education or related sector: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Registration in Early Childhood Educator (RECE) (required)
Work Location: In person
