Early Childhood Special Ed Program Manager - Lewiston

About the role

We are seeking a dedicated, innovative Early Childhood Special Education professional to lead the Part B team at our CDS First Step site in Lewiston and CDS Opportunities site in Oxford. This is a 40 hour per week, calendar year position, and will include some local travel.

Primary Responsibilities

• Train and supervise Part B Case Managers who will complete Child Find activities and determine eligibility in compliance under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) and the Maine Unified Special Education Regulations (MUSER).
• Develop the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and ensure ongoing case management to ensure each child receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for children ages 3-5.
• Supervise Part B Case Managers to maintain compliance with Federal regulations, State regulations, and CDS statewide policies and procedures.
• Conduct individual staff evaluations, in collaboration with the Director, including observation of case management and IEP facilitation functions.
• Coordinate professional development opportunities that align with professional development plans.
• Conduct quarterly reviews of paper and electronic files.
• Participate in regional site and, when appropriate, state leadership meetings.
• Participate in Statewide ECSE Team Leader Meetings at least 4 times a year.
• Attend weekly Regional Leadership Team Meetings.
• Review COSFs quarterly.
• Review all Observation Reports.
• Coordinate Child Find activities.
• Monitor caseload distribution and patterns to ensure effective service delivery within the program.
• Be available to meet individually with direct service staff to team on programmatic needs of specific children.
• Participate in the interview process for hiring new Part B staff.
• Conduct orientation and training for new Part B staff.
• Collaborate with community partners in State and local communities.
• Draft recommendations regarding case management protocol and CDS Statewide policies.
• Disseminate information from the State and Regional Leadership Team.
• Review monthly compliance reports and support Case Managers with meeting IDEA Part B timelines and service needs.
• Implement and monitor CAP activities.
• Ensure Case Managers comply with IDEA Part B timelines.
• Ensure staff complies with work week schedules and a professional code of conduct and communicate with CDS Site Director on issues of concern when appropriate.
• Implement and comply with human resource laws, policies, procedures and practices.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Holds one of the below Department of Education Certifications, or other advanced certification: 030: Administrator of Special Education, 035: Assistant Administrator of Special Education, 040: Building Administrator, 045: Assistant Building Administrator, or Relevant professional licensure (ie. OT, PT, SLP)
• Five (5) or more years’ experience in an Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education setting
• Working knowledge of child development, disabilities, family systems, and special education methods
• Demonstrate an understanding of scientifically based interventions, recommended practices and best practice
• Demonstrate an understanding of various assessment and evaluation formats and scientifically-based instruments
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding about preschool children who are eligible under IDEA 2004 and MUSER
• Knowledge regarding FAPE services for eligible children
• Supervisory knowledge and experience including familiarity with employee performance reviews and corrective action plans
• Prior involvement with team leadership and employee relations
• Ability to stay up-to-date on evidence based intervention and special education strategies
• Exceptional organizational, planning and adaptability skills
• Ability to demonstrate a high level of personal initiative and dependability
• Ability to evaluate work compared to goals to focus on measurable outcomes
• Ability to interpret, apply, and assure compliance with Federal and State rules, policies and procedures
• Knowledge of community resources and services
• Ability to prepare and present training and orientation programs
• Ability to participate in committee work