INCLUSIVE PRACTICE AND PEDAGOGICAL LEADER (IPPL) – YWCA CAMBRIDGE CHILD CARE SERVICES

Application Deadline: May 22 2026

Position: Inclusive Practice and Pedagogical Leader (IPPL)

Location: New Site Southeast Galt, 605 Wesley Blvd, Cambridge, N1R 5S2

Status: Full time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours/week, (7.5 hours per day), this is a late/closing shift and must be willing to work varied hours to support Centre needs.

Start date: August 3 2026

Rate: 27.86- 36.50, based on experience

Job Summary:

This position provides strategies, resources, and professional learning opportunities to ensure children with special needs or behavioural challenges can fully participate and thrive in child care settings. The IPPL collaborates closely with the Behaviour and Inclusion Supervisor to support the staff, families, supervisors, and community partners to promote equity, accessibility, and a high-quality, inclusive environment for all children. The IPPL will support the Reggio Emilia framework alongside implementation of pedagogical learning within the centre, mentoring and supporting educators with their programming. 

Major Responsibilities in collaboration with and guidance of the Behaviour and Inclusion Supervisor:

1. Identify appropriate inclusion strategies and resources for children with special needs or behavioural challenges. 
2. Supporting inclusion and diversity by guiding educators in creating inclusive environments that respect different cultures, abilities, and family backgrounds.
3. Assist with curriculum implementation and adapt programming to meet diverse developmental needs through planning activities, observing children, and reflecting on their teaching methods.
4. Implementing curriculum frameworks including guiding staff in applying the Reggio Emilia philosophy, and ensuring the program aligns with best practices in early childhood education.
5. Promote child-centered learning in all centre programs while encouraging approaches that follow children’s interests, strengths, and developmental needs. 
6. Provide hands-on resources and in-classroom support to all child care staff and volunteers through mentorship and coaching. 
7. Work closely with Supervisors to support front-line educators in behaviour management and inclusive practices.
8. Develop and deliver professional development, including inclusion and all types of behaviour management training, to all staff ongoing and to new onboarding staff.
9. Assist educators in thinking critically about what they do—what’s working, what isn’t, and why. This will involve discussions, documentation, and team meetings.
10. Use proactive approaches to prevent or resolve challenges related to inclusion and behaviour.
11. Represent YWCA Cambridge professionally with families, staff, and external agencies.
12. Participate in case conferences and multidisciplinary meetings with families, schools, and support agencies.
13. Engaging families and communities by building relationships and ensuring their perspectives are included in the learning environment.
14. Ensuring quality and continuous improvement by monitoring the overall quality of the program, suggest improvements, and help implement changes to enhance children’s experiences.
15. Complete and maintain participant profiles and ensure confidentiality and secure file storage.
16. Assist in preparing clear, accurate reports outlining individual child and program goals, strategies, and required supports/plans.
17. Assist in reviewing new registration applications. 
18. Collaborate with external agencies and professionals to develop coordinated plans of support.
19. Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children and staff in accordance with agency and regulatory standards.
20. Adhere to all YWCA Cambridge policies, procedures, and ministry regulations.
21. Provide in centre support to seasonal summer camp programs and staff
22. Attend supervisory meetings, and staff meetings (if requested).
23. Model best practices by demonstrating effective interactions with children and strong teaching strategies.

Qualifications and Skills

• Education & Experience:
• Undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working directly with children with special needs or behavioural challenges in a licensed child care or educational setting.
• Demonstrates a strong knowledge of the Reggio Emilia Philosophy and the ability to implement effectively according to age appropriateness and developmental needs.  

• Certifications & Requirements:
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR (Level C).
• Valid Vulnerable Sector Police Check.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Non-Violent Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification is an asset.

• Key Competencies:
  • Proven ability to coach, mentor, and empower child care staff.
  • Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Effective time management and organizational abilities.
  • Capacity to work independently and collaboratively in dynamic environments.
  • Sensitivity to diverse family and community needs.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and inclusive, anti-oppressive practice.
  • Adaptable and responsive to changing environments and child needs.
  • Alignment with YWCA Cambridge’s mission and values.
  • Leads with approachability to cultivate positive, respectful relationships with families, staff, students, volunteers, and community partners
• Work Environment & Expectations:
  • The IPPL should maintain ongoing communication with the BIS and centre supervisors to ensure transparency and address any issues promptly. 
  • Flexibility to respond to urgent program needs or schedule changes.
  • Demonstrates respect, empathy, and professionalism in all relationships.

It should also be noted that shifts and/or positions are not guaranteed and change with the needs of the Centre. Needs of the whole child care department will be taken into account prior to making any decisions to transfer staff.

This position is for our new Child Care Centre.

 We do not use AI technology to assist in the screening and selection process.

Please submit a cover letter and resume outlining the skills you bring to this position via email to:

Adeola Afolabi

HR Manager

a.afolabi@ywcacambridge.ca