START EARLY·Beach Park, Illinois
The Inclusion Aide assists students with disabilities in accessing the daily curriculum and meeting personal care and safety needs. They collaborate with teachers to implement individualized plans and maintain a developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
Description We are hiring in Lake County, IL.
Start Early Lake County provides high-quality care, best-in-class education, and a stimulating learning environment to children from birth to five years old. As a program that serves low-income families, Start Early’s research-based program helps children develop the literacy, language, early math, and social-emotional skills they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning, and communication.
As the Inclusion Aide, you will assist students with disabilities and special needs including safety, personal care needs, facilitating total inclusion to the daily curriculum and execution of classroom activities. You will help to maintain a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate and meet the individual needs of children as mandated by federal, state, and local standards and ensure the execution of individualized Implementation and Interim Plans, as well as Conscious Discipline curriculum supports.
Provide information to the Lead Teacher that will assist in the referral process for children with special needs. Assist the teaching team in maintaining a classroom environment that includes positive guidance techniques that meet state and local licensing regulations and Head Start performance Standards. Collaborate with internal team to implement Implementation and Interim plans and other identified needs related to special needs development. Assist the teaching team in gathering documentation such as assessment data, work samples, observations and reports. Assist the teaching team in implementing Conscious Discipline curriculum. Complete monthly progress reports regarding children with Implementation and Interim Plans. Perform additional job-related duties as assigned.
High School Diploma or G.E.D required. Minimum of 6 credit hours in Early Childhood Development Preferred. Child Development Associate or Associate Degree in Education preferred. Minimum of one to two years of experience working with children with disabilities and/or challenging behavior in an early childhood or childcare program. Ability to learn and implement Head Start Program Performance Standards. Willingness to learn about theories and principles of child growth, development and early childhood education. Willingness to learn how to address mental health challenges and work with special needs children. Willingness to participate in on-going professional development. Ability to implement strategies and instruction gained from professional development. Communicate effectively and function well with parents, staff and various professional community groups. Good communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills. Ability to follow as directed child development and early childhood principles and practices. Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high-risk, low-income community. Ability to be flexible with transitions to different classrooms throughout the day. Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information and materials.
$17.95 - $20.67 / hour We believe that all employees should be paid fairly. As of the time of this posting, this is the expected base annual salary range. The base annual salary will be based on a wide range of factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, as well as business needs and limitations.
Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6-months paid parental leave and much more.
Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.
Market context
In Illinois, Inclusion Aide roles are commonly tied to school support needs for students who benefit from individualized assistance, especially in settings serving school-age children with autism. Competition can be strong because employers often look for candidates who are 18 or older, bring childcare, education, or recreation experience, and can communicate and collaborate well with staff. If you are considering applying, highlight any direct experience with school-age children and review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time versus reading the full posting.