Inclusion and Family Specialist: Houston, TX

As a member of the school leadership team, you will focus on mobilizing and coordinating services for children and families at the Bezos Academy preschool in Houston. You will lead the development of student support plans and serve as the liaison to the local district office and service providers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct classroom observations and social/developmental assessments of children
• Model, train, and coach school staff and providers on evidence-based interventions and strategies to support students in an inclusive program
• Lead all aspects of developing student support plans, including collecting data, aligning stakeholders, and coaching teachers to implement strategies
• Monitor goals in student support plans, discuss progress with stakeholders, and update plans as necessary in systems of record
• Read and ensure compliance with special education files, 504s, IEPs, resources, progress monitoring reports, related services schedules, and regional special education database
• Ensure compliance with local and federal legislation, regulations, and guidelines around special education
• Serve as liaison between local district, family, and school team for initial referrals
• Collaborate with regional early intervention providers to ensure seamless transition into the school environment
• Support families to help them understand their child’s disability and equip them with tools to support their child’s progress using a strengths-based approach
• Connect families to community resources and health, housing, food, and crisis support; create alliances between home, school, and community providers
• Independently supervise children throughout the day in classrooms and other situations (arrival/departure, transitions, outside time, rest/nap time, extended hours)
• Assist in the development and implementation of school policies, procedures, and strategic initiatives as directed by the Head of School
• Identify and address areas of improvement and implement efficient systems to enhance operational effectiveness
• Monitor and address operational issues or emergencies, providing timely solutions to minimize disruptions
• Maintain documentation and accurate records
• Serve as the school’s licensing designee when the Head of School is not in the building

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree
• Two or more years of special education experience from infancy through third grade
• Proven experience identifying children who need additional support, developing effective strategies for teachers, and writing, implementing, and monitoring student support plans
• Significant work experience with children and families in low-income communities in the US or personal experience in low-income communities in the US (grew up and/or attended school in)
• Skill in collaborating with families, community, school staff, and leadership to build trusting relationships and partnerships, including across lines of difference
• Ability to meet all credentialing criteria for lead early childhood teachers in Texas
• Ability to be on-site five days a week to support smooth school operations and ensure proper staff-to-child classroom ratios

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in early childhood, special education, social work, psychology, behavioral science, or a related field
• LMSW, LCSW, or BCBA certification
• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) training or certification
• Deep knowledge of developing, writing, and monitoring student individualized education plans (IFSPs, IEPs, etc.)
• Proficiency or fluency in Spanish
• Knowledge of Montessori principles and overall approach
• Knowledge of the local community
• Experience supporting school strategic and operational planning
• Experience teaching preschool or coaching and developing teachers

Location

8855 McGallion Rd, Houston, TX 77022

Pay

The full salary range for this position is $71,000 - $107,000 per year. The upper third of the range is typically reserved for existing employees with multiple years in the role and strong performance. Starting salary varies by qualifications and prior experience.

Schedule

Full-time, on-site five days a week.

Benefits

• 15 paid days of vacation, 4 paid personal days, and 9 paid sick (care) days (prorated based on start date)
• 9 paid holidays and 5 paid days off for an organization-wide winter break
• Additional time off if required by applicable law
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match
• Paid parental leave
• Employer-matched flexible spending account for dependent care
• Relocation support available