Early Childhood Assessment Coordinator

Position Summary:

The Early Childhood Assessment Coordinator (ECAC) is responsible for supporting the identification, referral, evaluation, and ongoing service coordination of children with suspected or diagnosed disabilities within Head Start/Early Head Start as well as the Preschool for All/Prevention Initiative programs. The ECAC works collaboratively as part of the Education, Disabilities, and Mental Health (EDMH) team to support service delivery and ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, Chicago Early Learning Standards, and IDEA regulations. As part of this responsibility, the ECAC serves as the primary point of contact for site staff and leadership as well as the referral agencies (CFCs and CPS) responsible for providing services under IDEA parts B & C. This position requires working both in-office and on-site at Community Partner and Directly Operated sites.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Initiates, coordinates, and tracks referrals to Early Intervention (EI) and Chicago Public Schools for children ages 0–5 with suspected developmental delays or disabilities, ensuring required steps are completed.
• Ensures referral documentation is complete, accurate, and includes proper parental consent before submission.
• Coordinates and attends evaluation meetings, including IEP and IFSP processes, and collaborates with evaluators, families, and service providers.
• Reviews developmental and social-emotional screening data and identifies children who may need further evaluation or referral.
• Participates in Internal and External Screening Review Team (SRT) meetings with site staff and families to review screening results, developmental concerns, and determine next steps.
• Serves as a liaison between program sites and external partners, including Early Intervention providers, Chicago Public Schools, and related service providers (speech, OT, etc.).
• Collaborates with Mental Health Consultants to support behavior strategies and individualized support plans for children with challenging behaviors or suspected/diagnosed disabilities.
• Provides on-site coaching, modeling, and guidance to staff on strategies to support children with disabilities and developmental needs.
• Develops written recommendations and support plans and follows up on implementation at site level.
• Monitors service delivery for children with active IEPs and IFSPs and supports coordination between families, staff, and providers.
• Maintains and monitors disability files at assigned sites to ensure compliance with program and federal requirements.
• Completes data entry in COPA and internal data management and tracking systems related to referrals, evaluations, and service delivery.
• Maintains accurate, confidential, and up-to-date disability records across assigned sites.
• Provides monthly reports on referral status, evaluation outcomes, and service delivery to leadership.
• Attends bi-weekly CPS/Head Start Inclusion Subcommittee meetings, monthly EI CFC/CPS SESS Monthly Check In, quarterly CPS/Head Star and participates in cross-system collaboration.
• Attends all Education, Disabilities, and Mental Health (EDMH) meetings and other meetings as assigned.
• Attends monthly Parent Policy Council meetings
• Collaborates with site administrators, teachers, and EDMH staff to support inclusive practices and ensure children with disabilities are fully supported in the classroom.
• Collaborates with other Early Childhood Assessment Coordinators and provides coverage for evaluations and site visits as needed.
• Supports families by clearly communicating referral, evaluation, and service processes and next steps.
• Collaborates closely with the Disabilities and Mental Health Service Manager and participates in regular supervision to review cases, problem-solve, and support professional development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, Social Work, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2–3 years of experience working with young children (birth to five) required, including direct experience supporting children with disabilities.
• Experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) preferred.
• Experience navigating Early Intervention (EI) systems and Chicago Public Schools referral and evaluation processes strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of child development, developmental screening tools, and early intervention processes.
• Working knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards, IDEA, and inclusive early childhood practices.
• Experience with referral processes, IEP/IFSP coordination, and collaboration with external service providers.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple cases, timelines, and documentation requirements.
• Proficiency in COPA or similar data systems.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with staff, families, and external partners.
• Ability to provide coaching, modeling, and support to classroom staff.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to travel regularly between sites and work a hybrid schedule of office and field-based responsibilities.
• Regular access to a reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and vehicle insurance.
• Ability to pass required physical and TB testing per program policy.
• Ability to present a professional and positive image of the organization in the community.

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000