About us

At BEST START, we're not just a company; we're a community. As an outreach program to our core company, Blind Early Services TN, BEST START helps to empower families of children with any developmental delay or diagnosed disability, not just blindness, to lay a strong foundation for their child in the critical first years of life. But supporting a previously underserved population is at the heart of what we do. Our innovative service model allows us to additionally train and support our early interventionists to be highly skilled and certified coaches for families of children with blindness and low vision through close collaboration with our outstanding Teachers of the Visually Impaired (TVIs).

As a team, we believe in the power of collaboration and camaraderie. If you're passionate about working with families and providers towards a common goal and curious to explore new ideas, we want to hear from you.

Inclusivity isn't just a buzzword for us—it's a way of life. We believe that diversity enriches our community, our workplace and our lives as a whole. If you're someone who thrives on making a positive impact and creating meaningful connections with others, you'll feel right at home with us.

Moreover, we are committed to your professional development. We offer ongoing training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement pathways to help you reach your full potential. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills in your current role or aspire to take on new challenges, we're here to support your growth every step of the way.

So, if you're ready to join a dynamic team where you can grow both personally and professionally, BEST START might just be the perfect fit for you. Come be a part of something special and help us change lives for the better.

Purpose of Position

The EIVI/DT is responsible for parent education and modeling to families of children with developmental concerns and/or disabilities.

The professional assists parents and family members and caregivers to: (i) understand the unique developmental needs and learning characteristics of the child; (ii) become aware of services and supports available from local programs (iii) acquire information regarding local, state, and national resources designed to support families of young children with developmental delays and/or disabilities, including information specific to each child’s specific disability if applicable; and (iv) utilize ongoing family guided routines-based assessments and interventions of each child.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage a reasonable geographic caseload of children seen in their homes or community-based settings
• Successfully complete VIISA training within one year of employment
• Assess developmental skills, provide ongoing support and resources to families and children, design and implement instruction and parent education
• Provide written reports and attend IFSP, transition meetings, and assessments as appropriate
• Complete appropriate and timely progress notes for each child in TEIDS
• Maintain session attendance above 75% per month as tracked in TEIDS
• Log mileage reimbursement into Paycor and submit reports timely
• Provide other therapists and teachers with basic knowledge and expertise specific to young children with developmental delays and/or disabilities in all areas of development
• Provide educational information about young children with developmental delays and/or disabilities to the community as requested and as able
• Consult and collaborate with other early intervention team members including medical and outreach settings
• Establish relationships with TEIS or other contractors and complete necessary paperwork, attend required trainings, and communicate with children’s Service Coordinators
• Meet regularly with BEST colleagues, e.g., review operational expectations, receive organizational updates, and participate in child-specific case study discussions; attend mandatory staff meetings
• Support student transitions to other settings including attending in-person or virtually the initial transition meeting between TEIS and DOE for each child on caseload; or appoint a representative from BEST to attend in your place
• Support outreach events throughout state of Tennessee
• Have reliable personal transportation to complete duties
• Complete necessary training as required by State and Federal Guidelines as required by our license under TN DIDD and contract(s) with TEIS, including 30 hours of professional development training per year
• Attend BEST-sponsored family events as desired and able
• Assist with planning and working at least one BEST event per year

Education & Experience

• Certification or degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education or relevant field
• Experience teaching and working with young children (birth through five years) with developmental delays and/or disabilities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of best practices in serving children with developmental delays and/or disabilities and their families
• Knowledge of young children with medical fragility and sensory needs
• Experience providing parent education and support for families
• Experience with assessment tools that address unique developmental delays
• Flexible work style

Working Environment

• Homes and adjacent communities (e.g., grocery stores, libraries, parks, day cares)

Physical Activities

• Able to lift to 40 pounds
• Able to participate in floor time and maneuver equipment/materials (with assistance if necessary for safety purposes) for use in programming
• Able to drive personal car to homes of families and to outreach events

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $38,000.00 - $42,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Location:

• Memphis, TN (Required)

Work Location: Remote