Child Disabilities Specialist

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Child Disabilities Specialist is responsible for ensuring the Head Start performance standards for disabilities are met.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work to ensure that OHS requirement of 10% of the program’s actual enrollment are children eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Develop and implement recruitment strategies that promote enrollment of children with disabilities.
• Screen children using developmental tools within 45 days of enrollment; interpret results to determine if referrals for formal evaluations are warranted.
• Collaborate with families and local LEAs and Early Intervention programs to schedule evaluations and staffing's to determine if their child qualifies for an IEP or IFSP.
• Aid families in understanding their rights with IDEA for services determined on an IEP or IFSP and provide education and/or information for families on how to advocate for their child.
• Maintain services provided under the IFSPs and IEPs and ensure updates are scheduled with LEAs and Early Intervention programs, as required by IDEA.
• Secure and coordinate contracts with the LEAs.
• Collaborate with staff and parents to develop Individual Classroom Plans (ICPs) based on the child’s IFSPs and IEPs by providing guidance on environmental supports and accommodations.
• Model strategies and recommendations for inclusive teaching practices, and monitor progress towards child’s developmental goals.
• Create ICPs to embed IEP/IFSP for teachers and education staff.
• Communicate monthly with Center Manager, teachers, and coaching staff about the status of children with IEP/IFSPs.
• Attend evaluations and staffing meetings as needed/requested.
• Attend inter-agency meetings per county.
• Collaborate with Early Intervention programs and LEAs to ensure transitions occur timely.
• Participate in case management meetings.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in Child Plus system and required monthly reporting and paperwork.
• Coordinate and/or conduct training for staff and families on topics related to special needs.
• Engage in ongoing collaboration with education, mental health, behavioral, and health & nutrition specialists to support teachers and families in understanding and addressing individualized needs of children with developmental disabilities.
• Cookordinate activities and/or strategies to support successful transitions of children with disabilities to and from Early Head Start to Head Start Preschool.
• Identify accommodation arrangements that may be required to support an inclusive classroom environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in special education, psychology, or related field and 1-3 years’ experience in special education programs working with children with special needs, preferably in preschool or primary settings
• 1+ years early childhood development experience preferred
• ECE certification preferred.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of typical and atypical early childhood development
• Knowledge of securing & individualizing needed services for children with disabilities
• Ability to build and maintain good human relations with staff and parents
• Ability to perform tasks with little direct supervision
• Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity
• Commitment to strengthen families but with ultimate commitment to the well-being of the child
• Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures
• Ability to effectively provide information in a professional, informative, and friendly manner
• Ability to establish priorities, schedule workloads and use other resources to complete goals or tasks
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in office software (Microsoft Office Suite, etc.)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

• Typical physical & mental demands: required prolonged sitting and standing with some bending, stooping, and stretching, and eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, photocopier, and other office equipment.
• Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with clients and staff
• Ability to lift 20 lbs.

BACKGROUND REQUIREMENTS

A Level II Background Screening which consists of a local, state, and federal criminal check will be completed on all employees and any contracted employee position, intern position or volunteer position in which individuals have contact with children, have access to confidential information and / or are in a position of special trust.

SALARY DESCRIPTION

$26.61 per hour