Disabilities Specialist

Job Description

General Description:

The Coordinator, Early Head Start (EHS) and Head Start (HS) Disabilities delivers a full range of psychological/developmental services to Early Head Start and Head Start children with disabilities. The Coordinator monitors staff compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and state requirements.  The Coordinator also supports teachers through professional development and providing appropriate resources to foster student success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees the Disability Service area component of the EHS/HS Program
• Collaborates with staff to ensure completion of all developmental screenings (speech, hearing, and vision) in accordance with the Head Start Federal Performance Standards
• Reviews developmental screenings to determine next course of action for children who meet the developmental screening cut-off (i.e. follow-up, educational intervention services, additional screenings, etc.)
• Organizes and coordinates the program's disability services effort which includes recruitment, enrollment, screenings and coordination of specialized services
• Coordinates and processes pre-referrals and referrals for special education using the HS diagnostic criteria checklist to determine the appropriateness for a child participation in the special education process; works in collaboration with the child’s parents, EHS Specialist or Head Start Child Development Specialist, and teaching staff to provide intervention strategies for children not eligible for special education services
• Serves as administrator/designee of the multidisciplinary team for HS children going through the special education process (child study, assessment, eligibility, IEPs, 504 plans, etc.) and ensures all aspects of the process is being followed in accordance with the Head Start Federal Performance Standards, local, state and other federal regulations
• Schedules and coordinates child study, eligibility, Individual Education Plan (IEP) and IEP review meetings, ensuring parental consent and permission forms are signed and evaluators are informed of the required evaluations and timelines
• Participates in the development of an IEP in conjunction with other qualified professionals of the multidisciplinary team; enters all aspects of the special education process into the schools’ IEP on-line system
• Develops and maintains a system for tracking and monitoring all activities of EHS/HS children with disabilities to ensure that program procedures, state and federal guidelines and mandates are being followed
• Submits required monthly program reports to the Program Manager
• Develops, monitors and coordinates the Disabilities services plan
• Develops and monitors Interagency Agreements with the Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and the city’s local early intervention agency in partnership with the Program Manager
• Works with teaching staff to develop, implement and document the transition of children from special education programs and conducts end of the year Individual Family Service Plan/Individual Education Plan (IFSP/IEP) reviews for children transitioning to preschool or Kindergarten
• Provides guidance and developmentally appropriate strategies to maximize successful inclusion and continuity of care for children with disabilities
• Plans and conducts or coordinates training for EHS/HS staff and parents
• Participates in the program’s self-assessment and community needs assessment
• Organizes and coordinates the program's disability services effort which includes recruitment, enrollment, screenings and coordination of specialized services
• Attends training and/or conferences to keep staff abreast of all EHS/HS mandates and special education laws
• Works in collaboration with ECE leadership to create and support annual professional development plans for teaching staff and development of annual program goals
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Minimum of Baccalaureate Degree in special Education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, child development, or related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• Possess a postgraduate professional license and endorsement in administration and supervision
• Minimum of three years related experience working with children with special needs and their families
• One year of experience as a grade level chairperson, lead teacher, or school-based compliance coordinator preferred
• Knowledge of the Early Head Start (EHS)/Head Start Program and the special education process
• Experience in adult learning and ability to model best practices in an early childhood setting for diverse adult learners with different knowledge levels and skill sets
• Ability to analyze data and coach teaching staff to use data to inform instruction
• Comprehensive knowledge of research-based curricula, assessment tools, and best practices in teacher-child interaction along with VDOE standards for early childhood education.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to communicate complex ideas simply and succinctly
• Outstanding interpersonal and teamwork skills; ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills, including keen attention to detail and ease at managing competing demands and determining priorities independently
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment; adaptable when managing multiple, shifting priorities; comfortable with ambiguity
• Proficiency in Google Suite and/or Microsoft Office
• Possess a valid driver’s license and/or ability to obtain a valid Virginia Driver’s License within six months of employment, as well as, use of a personal vehicle.
• Bilingual/fluency in Spanish preferred

HOW TO APPLY: All applicants (including RPS employees) must submit an on-line application. Please access website at: www.rvaschools.net

Please upload the following information with your application: a current resume', transcript and license if applicable.

Three reference names and contact information will be required if you progress to the interview step of the selection process. Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, fingerprinting and tuberculosis screening as a condition of employment.  EOE. 

Salary : $56,776 - $87,313