Education and Developmental Specialist

About the role

Join our team as an Education and Developmental Specialist, working under the guidance of our Disabilities and Education Manager. In this role, you will serve as a case manager for children in need of specialized services and lead a dedicated team focusing on children's mental health services. You will collaborate with our Education Specialist, Mental Health Specialist, and the entire Education team to empower children facing behavioral challenges, ensuring comprehensive, culturally relevant, and developmentally appropriate services that foster each child's holistic growth.

Responsibilities

• Behavior Management: Offer expert guidance to teachers in managing challenging behaviors, including utilizing ABC data analysis to comprehend behavioral functions. Maintain oversight of children's behaviors, collecting data for functional behavior assessments and behavior support plans. Keep meticulous and up-to-date records in our approved child and family information database, acting as guardian for mental health information.
• Special Education Coordination: Attend IEP/IFSP eligibility meetings, offering interpretation as needed, and participate in evaluations by outside agencies as requested by parents. Collaborate in the development of Individual Education Plans/Individual Family Service Plans (IEPs/IFSPs) with local school districts and early intervention agencies. Perform classroom observations to ensure lesson plans align with IEP/IFSP objectives and ensure timely screening and assessment for disabilities.
• Family Involvement: Build and nurture strong relationships with parents, actively involving them in the special education journey. Conduct home visits for children with special needs, providing parents with essential information about their rights, gathering their input for evaluations and mental health services, and guiding them on home activities. Collaborate with community partners to support children with disabilities and mental health needs.
• Mental Health Services: Manage mental health assessments and coordinate professional visits for children. Work closely with Family Service Specialists to deliver mental health services to children and families. Ensure seamless transitions for children with special needs as they move between educational programs.
• Education and Training: Contribute expertise to training teaching staff and parents on mental wellness, child development, and working with children who have disabilities. Stay updated on developments in early childhood disabilities and support the implementation of the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework.
• Child Development & Assessment: Collaborate with developmental specialists to ensure timely and accurate screening of all children, with proper documentation and follow-up. Conduct and analyze data from three assessments each season and present findings at parent meetings. Integrate IEP/IFSP/Behavior Plan goals into classroom curriculum in collaboration with specialists. Coordinate child transitions with the center team.
• Staff Supervision & Development: Provide continuous training, mentoring, and technical assistance to teachers, assistants, and aides. Develop in-service training plans based on identified needs, update staff development plans quarterly, and conduct annual performance evaluations. Collaborate with the center manager and HR to ensure education staff meet Head Start credentialing requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education/Child Development or related field, with emphasis or experience in special education, social work, or psychology.
• Three years of management and/or group process experience.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is an advantage.
• Physical capabilities: Comfort with extended periods of sitting or standing, ability to lift up to 50 lbs., and readiness to perform activities associated with caring for young children, including stooping, bending, and crawling. May involve visiting families in agricultural settings.

About Us

We are passionate about our work and the incredible children and families we support. Dedicated to Community and Family Engagement since 1975, we have operated Head Start Programs since 1991, with experience managing programs in challenging, isolated, and underserved areas. Our curricula and programs are rooted in science, and we are committed to the professional growth of minority communities. Our team includes bilingual and bicultural staff to ensure inclusive and culturally sensitive care.