What are the responsibilities and job description for the Disabilities Assistant position at Holyoke Headstart?
A STRONG COMMITMENT TO QUALITY EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Celebrating over 50 years of quality services for children and families!
SIGN ON BONUS = $3,000.00
Deadline for Applications: January 31, 2026 or until position is filled.
Disabilities Assistant
This position operates within the Disabilities Program area. It supports the implementation of child observations, Special Education referrals, IEP/IFSP meetings, classroom and child support services, and collaboration with outside agencies. The Disabilities Assistant must have working knowledge of relevant federal and state laws governing early intervention and special education services for children from birth through age five (including IDEA Part C and Part B, Section 619) to ensure compliance and high-quality support for children and families.
Education Requirements
- Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or a related field required
- Strongly Preferred Certifications- Inclusion/Disability-related trainings (IEP/IFSP understanding, Autism support, and Trauma-informed care.
Skills and Experience
- Demonstrate knowledge of federal and state laws related to early intervention and special education (IDEA Part C and Part B, section 619) for ages birth through five
- Minimum of three years of experience working with young children with special education needs for children from birth through 5 years old
- Ability to coach and model strategies with Early Childhood Educators
- Experience supporting children with disabilities or developmental delays.
- Experience with IEP/IFSP processes.
- Experience collaborating with therapists, LEAs, or early intervention providers.
- Strong communication skills, verbally and in writing, and effective problem-solving skills
- Ability and willingness to work as a team member
Starting Pay: $28 per hour
Full Time: 40 hours per week
Full Year: 52 weeks per year
Competitive Benefits for Full-Time Employees (30 hours per week)
- Birthday off with pay
- 13 paid holidays
- Paid sick, personal, vacation days
- 403b retirement plan with maximum 3% Agency match
- Education reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
- Health & dental insurance
- Employer-paid life insurance
- Employer-paid long-term disability insurance
- Unique in-classroom and in-agency support
- Embedded Professional Development
- Career-Growth Coaching & Support
- In-house Comprehensive Support Team helps teachers in all aspects of their work
EOE/AA
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.