Education Programs Coordinator II - Early Childhood Inclusion

Overview

The Education Programs Coordinator II will focus on Early Childhood Inclusion and will provide essential technical assistance, professional development, and strategic support to Vermont school districts serving children (ages 3 through 5) with developmental delays and disabilities in a variety of settings. Working in tandem with the State Early Childhood Special Education Program Manager, this role ensures statewide compliance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act IDEA (2004), guidance from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), Vermont special education law, Act 166 Prekindergarten, and other relevant state and federal laws. The Early Childhood Inclusion Coordinator assists in bridging the gap between school districts, Universal Prekindergarten programs, and state/federal agencies. The primary mission is to ensure that special education services are delivered inclusively within the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), fostering equity, belonging, and inclusion for each and every child in Vermont.

This position will:

• Partner with the ECSE Program Manager to implement and monitor federal (IDEA) and State requirements, ensuring alignment with Vermont Special Education Rules.
• Synthesize and analyze state and LEA-level data to complete federal reporting (SPP/APR) and performing root cause analysis to improve child outcomes and inclusive practices.
• Providing high-level, responsive TA to districts and families regarding special education services, the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS), transitions from early intervention (Part C), and the delivery of inclusive early childhood special education services.
• Design and deliver multi-modal trainings (onsite and web-based) for families and educators focusing on early childhood special education topics and evidence-based instructional practices.
• Promote high-quality inclusion by promoting the DEC Recommended Practices, implementing the National Inclusion Standards, and advancing the Early MTSS/pyramid model framework to support social-emotional competence and academic readiness.
• Participate in collaborative efforts with the Child Development Division (CDD), Head Start, and the Department of Health to streamline statewide initiatives and support the Universal PreK system.
• Collaborate with the Early Education Division ACIS Monitoring Team and the Special Education Monitoring Team to investigate compliance issues, conduct monitoring visits, address suspension/expulsion concerns, and ensure LEAs and UPKs meet strict state and federal standards.
• Representing the AOE in cross-agency stakeholder forums and interface with national TA centers to integrate emerging evidence-based trends into Vermont's service model.

To be successful in this specialized role, an ideal candidate needs a blend of:

• Deep regulatory knowledge on early childhood special education, especially least restrictive environment (LRE), free and appropriate public education (FAPE), Early MTSS/Pyramid Model, and transition from early intervention to early childhood special education.
• Strong writing, speaking, communication, and diplomatic skills.
• Proficiency in adult learning principles, facilitation, designing and delivering engaging professional development, both in-person and via web-based platforms, for a variety of audiences (teachers, administrators, and families).
• Robust data literacy.
• A strong belief and commitment to the inclusion of children with disabilities and developmental delays in early childhood education

Who May Apply

This position, Education Programs Coordinator II - Early Childhood Inclusion (Job Requisition #55522), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Katie.McCarthy@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.

Environmental Factors

Work is generally performed in a standard office setting, but significant travel may be anticipated for which private means of transportation must be available. Some work outside of normal work schedule may be required. There may be considerable interaction with a variety of publics and strong differences of opinion may be encountered.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in education, public administration, or related field AND five (5) years or more at a professional level education, program development, or leadership role in a public or private educational institution.
OR
Three (3) years or more as an Education Programs Coordinator I with the State of Vermont.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree.

Special Requirements

Some positions may have certification requirements or other special requirements.

Total Compensation

As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
• State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Low cost group life insurance
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.

Equal Opportunity Employer