Early Childhood Special Education Case Manager/Teacher

"The Early Childhood Special Education Case Manager/Teacher is responsible for delivering individualized, evidence-based instruction and comprehensive case management services for preschool-aged children (ages 3–5) with disabilities. This role supports students in district-based special purpose classrooms and may provide itinerant services in community settings, including child care centers, Head Start programs, and other natural environments. This position ensures the development and implementation of legally compliant Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), facilitates early identification through Child Find, and supports families through the transition from early intervention (Part C) to preschool special education services (Part B, Section 619). The role is central to ensuring Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and promoting inclusive, developmentally appropriate programming aligned with the Maine Early Learning and Development Standards (MELDS). Reports To: Special Education Preschool Coordinator and Building Principal(s) Qualifications Maine DOE Certification Endorsement 282 (Teacher of Children with Disabilities) or 282B (Early Childhood Special Education) required; dual certification preferred Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or Early Childhood Special Education required; Master’s degree preferred Maine DOE Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) required Demonstrated experience working with preschool-aged children across developmental domains (communication, cognitive, motor, social-emotional, adaptive) Training in evidence-based Early Childhood Special Education practices Knowledge of IDEA Part B (Section 619), MUSER Chapter 101, and Child Outcomes Summary (COS) process Experience collaborating with Child Development Services (CDS) and community partners preferred Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills Ability to travel within the district catchment area; valid driver’s license required Proficiency with IEP systems and student data platforms Essential Responsibilities and Duties Child Find, Referral, and Transition Implement Child Find procedures to identify and evaluate children with suspected disabilities Initiate referrals beginning at age 2 years and 3 months and ensure timely evaluations and IEP development by age 3 Coordinate transition planning with CDS, including required transition conferences Provide families with procedural safeguards and support throughout the referral and eligibility process Collaborate with community early childhood programs to support inclusive practices and outreach Evaluation and Eligibility Participate in multidisciplinary evaluations, including developmental assessments across required domains Contribute data, observations, and reports to eligibility determinations Complete Child Outcomes Summary (COS) reporting at entry and exit Ensure compliance with evaluation timelines and documentation requirements IEP Development and Case Management Develop, implement, and monitor individualized, data-driven IEPs Facilitate IEP meetings, annual reviews, and triennial evaluations in compliance with state and federal regulations Maintain accurate and compliant documentation, including service logs, progress reports, and evaluation records Provide regular written progress updates to families Coordinate related services and ensure cohesive service delivery Instruction and Program Implementation Deliver developmentally appropriate, evidence-based instruction Provide services in both special-purpose preschool classrooms and community-based settings Differentiate instruction to address diverse learning and developmental needs Implement and monitor behavior support plans using data-informed practices Supervise and support Educational Technicians in implementing IEPs and instructional strategies Family and Community Collaboration Establish collaborative partnerships with families as essential members of the IEP team Provide consultation and support to community providers on inclusive practices and IEP implementation Collaborate with external agencies (CDS, therapists, DHHS, etc.) to support student needs Connect families with community resources and supports Data, Compliance, and Program Improvement Collect and analyze student data to inform instruction and monitor progress Ensure compliance with IDEA, MUSER, and Maine DOE requirements Participate in required data reporting (e.g., Child Count, COS outcomes) Engage in professional development and contribute to program improvement efforts Attend team and department meetings Physical Demands and Safety Requirements To effectively perform this role, the employee must be able to: Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and sit on the floor to engage with students Maintain visual and auditory awareness to ensure student safety Occasionally lift, move, or assist students (up to 50 lbs.) Participate in required safety and crisis intervention training (e.g., Safety Care Training) Implement de-escalation strategies and respond to behavioral or safety concerns appropriately Manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic educational environment