Licensed Childcare Support and Inclusion Specialist

City of Essex Junction • Essex, VT

4d • $56,083 - $70,096 • Onsite

About The Position

Essex Junction Recreation & Parks is seeking a Licensed Childcare Support and Inclusion Specialist to lead and strengthen behavior support systems across our licensed childcare programs, including afterschool, vacation, summer camp, and preschool settings. Our childcare programs provide a safe, fun, and supportive environment where children can grow socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. This role is key to ensuring all children—including those with diverse needs—have access to positive, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate experiences. This position serves as the in-house expert on child behavior and well-being, working collaboratively with staff, families, and school partners to support children’s success across all EJRP programs. You will develop systems, coach staff, and provide direct intervention to help create positive, responsive environments for every child.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field
• At least 5 years of experience in youth programming or a related field
• Strong knowledge of child development, behavior interventions, and social-emotional supports
• First Aid/CPR certification and crisis intervention training (or ability to obtain)
• Eligible for Northern Lights Instructor certification
• Valid Vermont driver’s license and reliable transportation

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree
• Vermont teaching license
• Experience in afterschool or summer camp settings

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead resource on behavior management and social-emotional well-being
• Develop and implement behavior support systems, tools, and best practices
• Coach and train staff on positive behavior strategies and de-escalation techniques
• Evaluate children who need additional support and create individualized behavior plans
• Support documentation and communication with families and school partners
• Build strong, supportive relationships with children, families, staff, and school teams
• Review IEPs, 504s, and other plans and adapt them for program settings
• Develop and implement individualized and group behavior support strategies
• Provide on-site and on-call support during program hours, including crisis response
• Conduct site visits to ensure consistency in behavior support across all programs
• Partner with school staff and attend meetings as needed
• Communicate regularly with families and support access to additional resources
• Facilitate trainings focused on positive discipline and behavior management
• Support staff development through coaching, feedback, and professional learning
• Recruit, supervise, and evaluate behavior support staff
• Support grant writing and management for behavior-related funding (including accommodations grants)
• Assist with budgeting and program data reporting
• Maintain records and systems related to behavior support
• Participate in community events and professional development opportunities

Benefits

• 3 weeks paid vacation to start
• 14 paid holidays
• 18 sick days per year
• Retirement benefits include a pension plan (VMERS C) or deferred compensation plan (VMERS DC)
• Ability to contribute to a 457, Traditional IRA or ROTH
• Generous health insurance benefit in which the City pays 94% of the premium for medical and the first 80% of the deductible. After that, you are only responsible for the next 20%, which is not more than $600 for single plans and no more than $1200 for all other plans for covered medical expenses.
• 100% employer paid for dental and vision
• 100% employer paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

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