Reporting Relationships: Reports directly to the program lead and administrative staff of the Academy.

Summary Statement of Primary Functions: The inclusion Partner accompanies individuals with disabilities who participate in Academy programs. Partners reinforce the leader’s instructions; encourage peer interaction between children with and without disabilities; adheres to the guidelines of the licensing standards set by DCFS and any other accreditation requirements as related to the specific program; and ensures the quality of developmentally appropriate experiences by the child.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist with the inclusion participants in the Academy programs.
• Includes the participants with disabilities in all program activities while providing any necessary adaptations.
• Initiates active involvement by participants with disabilities.
• Assists the program staff in creating adaptations to promote accessibility and accommodations for the individual(s) with a disability.
• Facilitates and encourages social interaction between individuals with disabilities and their peers.
• Assists the program lead with identifying strategies or tactics for resolution of a participants undesired behaviors.
• Assists the program in developing and implementing a behavior management program, which promotes a positive outcome.
• Acts as an advocate for participants and emphasizes the individual’s abilities and similarities while de-emphasizing differences.
• Assists with participants personal care (feeding, toileting) when deemed necessary and appropriate.
• Communicates all incidents/accidents involving the inclusion participant to the program lead and administrative staff.
• Maintains communication and quality customer services towards participants, families, staff, general public and agency contacts as a representation of the Academy.
• Assists in overall implementation of a program, which may include obtaining equipment and supplies; program set up and clean up; interaction with and supervision of all program participants.
• Attends scheduled orientation, meetings, and training sessions.
• Maintains confidentially regarding participant information.
• Completes any necessary documentation and paperwork as assigned by program lead or administration.
• Reports all problems or concerns to the program lead or administration.
• Knows and uses proper safety precautions for participants, staff, and volunteers.
• Participants full and learns new skills.
• Other duties as assigned by the program lead or administrators.

Addendum

Inclusion Partners under the age of 18 / Student and Youth Aides

• Must be at least 16 years of age and 5 years older than the oldest child in the group.
• Assist only under the direct supervision of an early childhood teacher or school age worker.
• Are not counted for purposes of maintaining staff/child ratios.
• May escort child to the restroom but cannot be responsible for changing diapers or pull-ups.

Records Maintained on each Student and Youth Aide

• All employment forms required by the child care center and the Norridge Park district including an Employment Application stating full name, address, and phone number of the youth aide.
• A copy of the current school medical examination form for the student or youth aide.
• The name of the person at the child care center who is responsible for supervising the student or youth aide.
• A plan for the participation of the student or youth aide shall be agreed upon in writing; the plan shall be signed by the student or youth aide and the supervising child care staff member.
• The plan shall specify duties (job description) and hours and indicate the person and group to which the student or youth aide is assigned while in the center.
• The plan shall state procedures for terminating an unsatisfactory student or youth aide.