Early Education Inclusion Manager-Temporary

HORIZONS FOR HOMELESS CHILDREN INC • Boston, MA

2d • $74,000 - $78,999 • Onsite

About The Position

Horizons for Homeless Children is a Boston-based nonprofit that supports young children experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts through early education, play opportunities, family support, and advocacy. The temporary Early Education Inclusion Manager is part of Horizons’ instructional leadership team and supports early childhood education staff in meeting the needs of children with mental, psychological, learning, behavioral, or physical disabilities. The role builds staff capacity to maximize children’s growth, supports universal developmental screening and identification of developmental needs, and helps connect children and families with appropriate services. Reflective practice is central to the work, which also promotes the mission of Horizons and the Edgerley Family Horizons Center to staff, families, and the community.

The manager works collaboratively with staff, parents, community agencies, Early Intervention Programs, and public schools to coordinate screening, assessment, referrals, services, placements, and inclusive program planning. The role includes observing children, coaching and modeling strategies for teachers and families, adapting classroom activities, supporting implementation of IEPs and IFSPs, coordinating transitions to Head Start and kindergarten, and administering and interpreting standardized developmental screening and assessment tools. The manager also maintains records and databases, tracks children’s progress and follow-up needs, monitors partner requirements, and reports caseload information to a supervisor.

This is a full-time temporary assignment expected to last 3 to 6 months, with the possibility of transitioning to a full-time permanent position. The position is based at the Edgerley Family Horizons Center in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Regular hours are Monday through Friday during business hours, with occasional evening or weekend events with notice. The work is largely sedentary in an office setting, at a desk or cubicle alongside others. Candidates must be bilingual in English and Spanish. The role must comply with applicable laws, regulations, standards, and policies, including requirements related to immunizations, employment physicals or screenings, and background record checks.

Requirements

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• At least 2 years of experience providing care to or teaching children with special needs or disabilities.
• Thorough, applicable knowledge of special education for infants through preschool, children’s social and emotional well-being, and its relationship to child development.
• Knowledge of typical and atypical development and ability to recognize symptoms of developmental delay.
• Knowledge and use of reflective practice with adult learners.
• Ability to empathetically communicate understanding of emotional factors affecting parents of children with disabilities.
• Knowledge of developing individualized and classroom plans for children experiencing developmental delays.
• Sensitivity to the educational and socioeconomic needs of children and families served by the Edgerley Family Community Children’s Center.
• Ability to translate clinical evaluations into concrete goals and curriculum for infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with program staff and parents as a team member.
• Knowledge of neighborhoods served by Horizons relevant to the program population.
• Proven ability to maintain accurate written records and documentation.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, city, and program laws, regulations, standards, and policies.
• Commitment to Horizons’ mission and ability to embody its core values: Collaborative, Inclusive, Innovative, and Passionate.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in special education or an early childhood-related field is preferred.
• Five years of experience providing leadership in an inclusive environment and knowledge of adult learning strategies.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Horizons staff, parents, community partners, Early Intervention Programs, and public schools to coordinate referrals, screening, assessment, diagnostic services, placements, and inclusive interdisciplinary planning.
• Observe children referred by teachers or parents and make developmentally appropriate recommendations.
• Model and coach developmentally appropriate learning strategies for classroom teachers, support staff, and parents.
• Coach teachers in implementing strategies for individual children and larger groups.
• Use reflective practice to develop relationships and build staff capacity.
• Help classrooms adapt and modify educational activities and implement recommendations from outside specialists.
• Ensure that children are provided with an inclusive classroom environment.
• Coordinate paperwork and create action plans related to children’s social and emotional needs to support early identification and service delivery.
• Support classroom teachers in implementing screening strategies, including DECA and ASQ, and in implementing IEPs and IFSPs in Horizons classrooms.
• Support smooth transitions for children receiving services into Head Start and kindergarten, including K0, K1, and K2 classrooms.
• Meet regularly with Boston Public School Special Education and Early Intervention partners to plan and coordinate services and the writing and implementation of IEPs and IFSPs.
• Prepare, review, and report caseloads with the supervisor.
• Administer, score, and interpret standardized developmental screening and assessment tools according to established protocols.
• Communicate screening and assessment results clearly and sensitively to families, educators, and other professionals to support planning and referrals.
• Maintain and monitor comprehensive records using documents and database systems, and document ongoing communication.
• Monitor partner requirements and support program staff in ensuring children have current IEPs, IFSPs, and Mental Health Plans.
• Track follow-up needs, developmental screenings, curriculum accommodations, and each child’s individualized progress.

Benefits

• Health coverage options, with Horizons covering 70–75% of premiums.
• Choice between HMO and PPO medical coverage.
• Most employees pay $117.77 for individual, $235.54 for two-person, or $370.44 for family coverage per biweekly paycheck.
• Deductibles are capped at $300 for individual coverage or $600 for two-person or family coverage.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior