Inclusion Specialist
About the Role
Provide early intervention education services to children and families within the Early Childhood Division, adhering to Head Start Program Performance Standards and related federal regulations. Manage community partnership agreements with the Local Education Agency (LEA) and Part C Agency contracts. Support children with identified and suspected disabilities in CAP Tulsa’s full inclusion education program. This role sets precedent within established limits, administers operating rules and procedures under management guidance, and performs advanced troubleshooting or analysis with minimal supervision.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement an integrated content plan with classroom staff and a training and technical assistance plan for Special Services.
- Provide input on the Early Childhood budget regarding disabilities for necessary accommodations within the learning environment.
- Coordinate with the multidisciplinary evaluation team and public school system to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each child with a diagnosed disability, including LEA or Early Intervention personnel, ECP teachers, home visitors, content area staff, and parent/guardians.
- Complete developmental assessments on children with suspected delays and present composite scores indicating potential disabilities to partners, incorporating classroom observations, medical history, behavioral health, and teacher input.
- Conduct or coordinate individualized skill enhancement training for parents and staff tailored to the needs of children with disabilities.
- Provide customized practices to classroom staff on intentional teaching activities to promote integration of appropriate inclusion methods into routines.
- Manage and maintain positive ongoing relationships with LEA and Part C Agency service providers, keeping families and ECP staff informed about services and monitoring progress for potentially eligible children.
- Serve as the primary liaison for disability services, advocating on behalf of families and accompanying them to all IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) and IEP meetings, including transition meetings between ECP programs and into the public school system.
- Determine accommodations and modifications in the classroom to meet individual developmental needs, including specialized equipment, sensory aids, technological assistance devices, and other supports.
- Inform parents and teaching staff about the progress of children with disabilities and those with suspected delays, providing guidance on available resources throughout the referral process.
- Ensure compliance with legal documentation of disability-related paperwork and conduct file reviews to verify completeness. Maintain organized and up-to-date files both physically and electronically.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, or a closely related field from an accredited university/college.
- Three years of related work experience, including experience working with children with special needs and clients in disability-related areas.
Skills
- Knowledge of resources and referrals, Head Start Performance Standards, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), LEA, IFSPs, IEPs, and multi-disciplinary team participation.
- Proven interpersonal skills to maintain effective working relationships with staff, vendors, clients, and contractors.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions, interpret information, and present it efficiently and effectively.
- Strong record-keeping and compliance auditing skills, with strict confidentiality regarding sensitive data.
- Intermediate to advanced proficiency in MS Office.
- Advanced organizational skills, efficiency, and attention to detail, with a commitment to meeting deadlines.
Work Environment
Work is primarily in a normal office environment with frequent local travel (exposure to normal traffic hazards). The role requires intermittent physical effort, including standing, stooping, walking, and lifting objects up to 50 pounds. Moderate attention to detail and deadlines is required between 15% and 45% of the time. Driving is required intermittently.