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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