Health/Disability & Special Needs Coordinator

About the role

The Health/Disability & Special Needs Coordinator oversees the coordination and delivery of services to children with special needs/disabilities and their families. They also assist the health team to develop/create health policies and procedures and support their implementation.

Responsibilities

• Aid in coordinating, implementing, and developing EHS daily activities, program goals, and procedures.
• Organize screening, referral, assessment, and evaluation processes for children birth to three years old with or suspected disabilities.
• Participate in IFSP or IEP meetings as required.
• Support families of children with special needs upon initial screening and throughout the development of an IFSP or IEP.
• Provide initial and ongoing training and technical support for EHS staff, especially EC educators, on health, child development, and education issues surrounding screening, assessment, and the development of children with special needs.
• Support best practices for including families with children with special needs into all aspects of the EHS program.
• Provide in-home support for families with young children 0-3 years old with special needs/disabilities, as needed.
• Assist with and advocate for families in coordination of evaluations to determine eligibility for services, development of an IFSP, coordination of services, and smooth transitions between service providers and service delivery systems.
• Ensure there is a transition plan for each family with an infant or toddler with a disability and that services are provided accordingly.
• Develop strong collaborative relationships with schools, communities, and service agencies to coordinate referral processes and service delivery for program families.
• Help collaborative partners schedule services and assist in service logistics as needed.
• Work flexible hours to meet the needs of families (e.g., evenings or Saturdays).
• Collaborate with the health team to develop, review, and update health-related policies and procedures in alignment with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS).
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local health regulations, including immunization and health screening requirements.
• Track and ensure follow-up care for identified health concerns, including referrals and treatment plans.
• Provide health education to families and staff on topics such as nutrition, hygiene, oral health, and preventive care.
• Promote wellness initiatives and healthy practices in classroom and home environments.
• Maintain accurate health records in ChildPlus or other data systems.
• Monitor health-related data for compliance and quality improvement purposes.
• Partner with local health departments, clinics, and community health organizations to expand services for families.
• Serve on the Early Head Start Health Advisory Committee and other related committees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required in child development, early childhood education, elementary teaching, auditory or speech pathology or allied fields.
• Three years’ experience working with children with special needs/disabilities and their families, including assessment, curriculum development, advocacy, and support, preferred.
• Experience and/or knowledge of developmental screenings (Ages and Stages Questionnaire a plus) and ongoing assessments.
• Basic knowledge of the Part C of the Individuals Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Experience with Los Angeles Regional Center and Los Angeles Unified School District recommended preferred.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; strong written and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working with individuals with diverse ethnic backgrounds; supervisory and training experience preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as an effective member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficient in Microsoft office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and use of the internet.
• Familiarity with the community in the 90001 zip code and surrounding area a plus.