EC Program Specialist (ECS)

POSITION: Exceptional Children Program Specialist, Extended Content Standards

REPORTS TO:  Director of Exceptional Children

SALARY GRADE: State Salary Schedule commensurate with degree, certification and experience

POSITION SUMMARY: The Extended Content Standards Program Specialist is a 12-month position responsible for supporting and strengthening special education programs and services for K-12 students with disabilities following the ECS course of study. The ECS Program Specialist will observe, consult with, and support special education staff in implementing research-based programs, instructional strategies, and specially designed instruction. Responsibilities include supporting teachers in the effective use of data to inform instruction and monitor student progress, coordinating curricular resources, evaluating program effectiveness, and assisting with curriculum and instruction initiatives. 

The Extended Content Standards Program Specialist will collaborate with other Program Specialists and the district EC team to design and deliver professional development. They will also support staff and program development related to specialized approaches for providing special education services, with the goal of improving outcomes for students with disabilities. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Serve as the Extended Content Standards program specialist for special education programs including program planning, training, implementation, and evaluation. 

• Support teachers in implementing curriculum, research-based instructional strategies, direct instruction programs, and interventions for students with disabilities
• Provide coaching on data collection, progress monitoring, fidelity checks, data analysis, and data-driven instructional decision-making
• Assist teachers in developing quality IEPs and interpreting formal and informal assessment data
• Collaborate with EC district teams, teachers, administrators, parents, and staff to strengthen instructional practices and special education programs
• Design, deliver, and support professional development and parent education related to special education programs, instructional practices, and district initiatives
• Support district and school improvement efforts through monitoring, data collection, subgroup analysis, and program evaluation
• Serve as a resource regarding special education laws, regulations, procedures, compliance requirements, and EC timeline management
• Prepare and maintain required documentation, reports, and communications to ensure district, state, and federal compliance
• Participate in required meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional learning, including completion of trainer requirements for district-approved programs and initiatives
• Demonstrate professionalism, maintain confidentiality, manage time effectively, and respond to stakeholder inquiries regarding special education services
• Support implementation of district and school-based systems and initiatives aligned to instructional improvement efforts
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear; frequently required to walk and use hands for tools or controls; and occasionally required to stand and reach. The role requires close, color, and depth vision with the ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally lift up to 50 pounds (e.g., files, books, supplies).

COGNITIVE DEMANDS:
The role requires the ability to compare, evaluate, and interpret data, people, and materials; apply logical reasoning to define problems, analyze data, and draw conclusions; and interpret technical, mathematical, and diagrammatic information with multiple variables.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
Requires the ability to clearly speak, listen, and exchange information; follow and provide oral and written directions; and communicate effectively with staff, administrators, and other stakeholders. The employee must be able to read and respond to a variety of professional documents and produce clear written materials using standard grammar and formatting.

LANGUAGE ABILITY:
Requires proficiency in reading and interpreting correspondence, reports, manuals, data, and technical materials, as well as preparing written documents such as reports, forms, and charts. The employee must communicate effectively using professional and technical terminology, including educational and data-related language.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a school and office setting with a moderate to loud noise level. The employee regularly interacts with staff, students, and the public. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This specification has been designated to represent the general nature and level of work found in positions in this class. As such, it is not intended to contain all of the duties and qualifications required of an employee in a single position (job). Consequently, it is not to be perceived as a position (job) description or as identification of essential functions as required by ADA. 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:  

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university
• Minimum of 5 years of successful teaching experience with students with disabilities (ECS experience preferred)
• Current NC teaching license in special education 
• Successful teaching experience and implementation of direct instruction programs in literacy and math
• Experience with creating and implementing professional development to staff  and supporting systems implementation. 
• Completion of either Reading Research to Classroom Practice or LETRS; Foundations of Math or Effective Math Strategies is preferred

EVALUATION: 

Performance in this position will be evaluated regularly by the supervisor in accordance with Board Policy.

CONTACT:

Christy Grant

Executive Director Student Support Services and Special Education

Nash County Public School System

252-937-9077 (office)