What are the responsibilities and job description for the Education Program Specialist position at Ohio Department of Children and Youth?
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth is seeking an Education Program Specialist to work in its Preschool Special Education section in Franklin County. The successful candidate will have experience analyzing and interpreting educated-related data, working with students with disabilities as well as their families, and/or working with school administrators. This position will provide the opportunity to improve the educational results and functional outcomes for young children with disabilities.
Major Responsibilities And Duties
As part of Ohio’s system of general supervision, monitors the implementation of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 by educational agencies, focusing on the provision of special education and related services for preschool children ages three through five ensuring access to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. In addition, provides guidance and technical support to educational agencies, parents, family members, advocates and state and local organizations regarding topics specific to preschool special education. Also, serves as a resource for policy development and implementation to ensure IDEA requirements are executed at the state and local levels.
Monitoring Duties Include
Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary will be step 1 of the salary range associated with this position. New hires advance to the next step in the range after 6 months and annually thereafter. Based on collective bargaining and legislative activity, there may be cost of living increases awarded annually. Additional longevity supplements begin after 5 years. The current wage progression for this position is in the table below.
Months of Employment
At Hire
6 months
18 months
30 months
42 months
54 Months
66 Months
78 Months
90 Months
Pay Range
OCSEA/ E3
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Step 9
Hourly
$34.28
$36.00
$37.79
$39.69
$41.65
$43.73
$45.96
$48.23
$50.65
Annual
$71,302
$74,880
$78,603
$82,555
$86,632
$90,958
$95,597
$100,318
$105,352
Background Check Information
The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
Status of posted positions
You can check the status of your application online be signing into your profile and clicking the “My Jobpage” tab to view completed submissions and submission details. If you have questions other than your applications status, please direct them to DCY.HumanResources@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov.
Education
Completion of a master’s degree in one of the following content areas which must include a focus, concentration, or certification in special education (i.e., early childhood education, elementary education, child development, special education, family studies, curriculum and instruction, education administration/leadership, public policy, psychology, assessment and evaluation); and 3 years of experience in one of the following:
Department of Children and Youth
Agency Contact Name and Information
Ashley.Sydebotham@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov
Unposting Date
Apr 24, 2026, 3:59:00 AM
Work Location
Children&Youth N. High Complex
Primary Location
United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus
Compensation
$34.28 per hour
Schedule
Full-time
Work Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Classified Indicator
Unclassified
Union
OCSEA
Primary Job Skill
Educational Support
Technical Skills
Education, Public Relations
Professional Skills
Problem Solving, Written Communication
Agency Overview
About us:
Our mission is to promote positive, lifelong outcomes for Ohio youth through early intervention, quality education, and family support programs. At DCY, we offer our employees a rewarding work experience in public service helping Ohioans achieve a sustainable lifestyle that includes generous benefit options and a flexible work life balance making our agency a great place to work! To learn more about DCY, please visit our website at Department of Children and Youth | Ohio.gov.
DCY’s core hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, however, daily start/end times may vary based on operational need across DCY divisions. Employees may begin as early as 7:00am and as late as 9:00am, based on supervisory approval. This position performs work on-site daily at DCY’s office space.
Major Responsibilities And Duties
As part of Ohio’s system of general supervision, monitors the implementation of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 by educational agencies, focusing on the provision of special education and related services for preschool children ages three through five ensuring access to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. In addition, provides guidance and technical support to educational agencies, parents, family members, advocates and state and local organizations regarding topics specific to preschool special education. Also, serves as a resource for policy development and implementation to ensure IDEA requirements are executed at the state and local levels.
Monitoring Duties Include
- Examining the local educational agency’s policies, procedures and evidence of implementation using a differentiated monitoring process.
- Reviewing the state’s educational data to verify and track local educational agencies’ compliance and performance with individualized education program (IEP), evaluation, and reevaluation timelines, child outcomes, least restrictive environment and transition from IDEA Part C (Early Intervention) to IDEA Part B (Preschool Special Education).
- Approving and tracking corrective actions that result from the monitoring process, and ensuring timely correction within required federal timelines.
- Collaborating with the Department of Education and Workforce to verify, analyze and prepare the state education data to meet both state and federal reporting requirements (e.g., the Special Education Profile, Annual Performance Report/State Performance Plan, Special Education Ratings).
- Providing early resolution strategies to parents, families, educators and administrators regarding IDEA Part B compliance concerns.
- Provides guidance to state support teams, local educational agencies, educational service centers, county boards of developmental disabilities, families, advocates and state and local organizations that support and/or serve young children with disabilities and their families.
- Provides targeted technical assistance, professional development and coaching on preschool special education topics for preschool special education professionals, which includes:
- Planning, scheduling and coordinating professional development opportunities, both synchronous and asynchronous.
- Directing, coordinating and providing training for regional professional development providers (i.e., state support teams) and/or education agencies.
- Collaborating with the Department of Education and Workforce to provide technical assistance, develop training, and review and revise the Education Management Information System (EMIS) Manual to support educational agencies in reporting data related to the education of children with disabilities.
- Coordinating with state and local agencies responsible for the birth through age 21 special education system in accordance with the regulations for IDEA Part B.
- Collaborating with the Department of Education and Workforce to produce policy and procedural guidance, communications, tools and resources specific for the preschool special education professionals.
- Collaborating with the Department of Education and Workforce in reviewing and facilitating changes to statutes and regulations for the Education of Students with Special Needs (i.e., Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3301-51).
Unless required by legislation or union contract, starting salary will be step 1 of the salary range associated with this position. New hires advance to the next step in the range after 6 months and annually thereafter. Based on collective bargaining and legislative activity, there may be cost of living increases awarded annually. Additional longevity supplements begin after 5 years. The current wage progression for this position is in the table below.
Months of Employment
At Hire
6 months
18 months
30 months
42 months
54 Months
66 Months
78 Months
90 Months
Pay Range
OCSEA/ E3
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 7
Step 8
Step 9
Hourly
$34.28
$36.00
$37.79
$39.69
$41.65
$43.73
$45.96
$48.23
$50.65
Annual
$71,302
$74,880
$78,603
$82,555
$86,632
$90,958
$95,597
$100,318
$105,352
Background Check Information
The final candidate selected for the position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
Status of posted positions
You can check the status of your application online be signing into your profile and clicking the “My Jobpage” tab to view completed submissions and submission details. If you have questions other than your applications status, please direct them to DCY.HumanResources@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov.
Education
Completion of a master’s degree in one of the following content areas which must include a focus, concentration, or certification in special education (i.e., early childhood education, elementary education, child development, special education, family studies, curriculum and instruction, education administration/leadership, public policy, psychology, assessment and evaluation); and 3 years of experience in one of the following:
- Working with young children with disabilities in one of the following capacities (i.e., teacher, administrator, professional development provider, monitoring, licensing, technical assistance provider, family and community engagement provider, teacher mentor, related services provider).
- Providing support and/or services to those who work with young children with disabilities working in one of the following capacities (i.e., teacher, administrator, professional development provider, monitoring, licensing, technical assistance provider, family and community engagement provider, teacher mentor, related services provider).
Department of Children and Youth
Agency Contact Name and Information
Ashley.Sydebotham@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov
Unposting Date
Apr 24, 2026, 3:59:00 AM
Work Location
Children&Youth N. High Complex
Primary Location
United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus
Compensation
$34.28 per hour
Schedule
Full-time
Work Hours
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Classified Indicator
Unclassified
Union
OCSEA
Primary Job Skill
Educational Support
Technical Skills
Education, Public Relations
Professional Skills
Problem Solving, Written Communication
Agency Overview
About us:
Our mission is to promote positive, lifelong outcomes for Ohio youth through early intervention, quality education, and family support programs. At DCY, we offer our employees a rewarding work experience in public service helping Ohioans achieve a sustainable lifestyle that includes generous benefit options and a flexible work life balance making our agency a great place to work! To learn more about DCY, please visit our website at Department of Children and Youth | Ohio.gov.
DCY’s core hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm, however, daily start/end times may vary based on operational need across DCY divisions. Employees may begin as early as 7:00am and as late as 9:00am, based on supervisory approval. This position performs work on-site daily at DCY’s office space.
Salary : $51 - $71,302