Assistant Developmental Specialist

Description

Serves as the case manager for children needing special services, and as the team lead for children needing mental health services. Works with the Education Specialist, Mental Health Specialist, and Education team to support children with challenging behaviors.

• Tracks behaviors, gathering data to complete a functional behavior assessment and develop behavior support plans.
• Ensures IEPs/IFSPs are implemented in the classroom through ongoing observations and individualization process.
• Promotes social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
• Affixes referrals to community agencies for needed services.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Manages all aspects of the disability's component area for the center in accordance with the Head Start Act, Head Start Performance Standards, developmentally appropriate practices, and special education best practices.
• Provides disabilities and mental health services and resources to special needs children in the center.
• Routinely conducts and documents classroom observations of children with special needs and collaborates with teachers to ensure that lesson plan activities are tailored to meet developmentally appropriate IEP/IFSP goals.
• Supports teachers with challenging behaviors, understands the function of behavior, and collects ABC data.
• Ensures that children identified with disabilities, delays, and/or concerns have effective Individual Education Plans/Individual Family Service Plans (IEPs/IFSPs) that include collaboration between parents, school districts, early intervention agencies, and applicable specialists.
• Maintains complete, accurate, and updated information using the approved child and family information database for children in need of special services.
• Maintains records of mental health services.
• Serves as the primary point of contact for special needs and mental health database information.
• Aids in transitions of children with special needs, including transitions between Head Start centers, transitions to and from early intervention programs, transitions to and from school district programs, and transitions between classrooms within the center.
• Attends IEP/IFSP eligibility meetings when the Developmental Specialist can't make it.
• Attends outside agency evaluations of children upon parent request.
• Serves as interpreter as required.
• Affixes Home Visits when the caseload surpasses 23 children with special needs.
• Participates in case reviews and collaborates with other staff to develop plans to meet IEP/IFSP goals as assigned or directed by the Developmental Specialist.
• Submits written and/or database reports as required.
• Stays current with early childhood disabilities in the field of knowledge.
• Understands and supports the implementation of the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework.

Requirements

• Two years experience within Head Start programs in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Development, or related field, with emphasis in special education, social work, and/or psychology.
• Bilingual Proficiency: Being proficient in both English and Spanish is an advantage.
• Physical Capabilities: Comfort with extended periods of sitting or standing, the ability to lift to 50 lbs., and a readiness to perform various activities associated with caring for young children, including stooping, bending, and crawling.