"Helping our community's most vulnerable with solutions that permanently improve lives."

JOB SUMMARY: The Early Childhood Behavior Specialist (BHS) provides classroom behavior support to ensure compliance of Head Start Performance Standards in an environment of continuous program improvement. The BHS provides hands-on support to teachers for children with behaviors that interfere with their ability to participate comfortably and appropriately in classroom routines and special events or pose a safety or health risk to themselves or others. The BHS conducts classroom observations to make individual observations of children referred for suspected behavior and assists in developing Behavior Intervention Plans when appropriate. Utilizes parental information, observation, and teacher feedback to determine strategies and models and guides teachers to implement approved behavior techniques within the classroom. The BHS develops classroom management practices, support plans and procedures, and shares strategies and expectations with appropriate staff and family members for implementation. The BHS may complete additional child assessments, communicate findings, and help determine the next steps when appropriate. Utilizes referral information for children needing further evaluation for services and provides family support through the referral process. Classroom support includes assistance with teacher skill building, one-on-one safety intervention staff consultation, small group instruction, and classroom management/environmental interventions that support social-emotional well-being of the child.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Develop relationship-based collaborations with teachers that build on their strengths and provide intensive differentiated support to improve teaching practice.

2. Offer support to teaching staff for behavior management, which may include de-escalation and crisis management training, behavior intervention, modeling appropriate behavior strategies and conducting student observations.

3. Assist instructional staff in identifying inappropriate behaviors and developing better behavior alternatives.

4. Complete individual observations, write reports and communicate with teachers, team members, and the family plans to implement including classroom strategies and support needed, behavioral plans, and follow-up.

5. Meet with teachers and families to develop individual intervention plans for behavior, share resources to support family with managing behaviors.

6. Plan, conduct and provide staff training regarding early childhood behavior health and behavior strategies.

7. Actively communicate with teaching staff regarding progress and regressions.

8. Review, monitor and complete classroom observations.

9. Monitor and follow-up on child strategy plans and implementation.

10. Maintain records of children's progress, services provided and behavioral data.

11. Produce requested reports.

12. Collaborate with team members and outside agencies and families for referral and consultation services.

13. Participates in the process of ongoing professional and personal development which specifically targets behavior focused de-escalation strategies to utilize with young children.

14. Researches and stays informed about evidence-based practice relative to the behavioral support process as it relates to children with behavioral challenges

15. Provides individual support and role modeling to teachers by observing in the classroom and helping them in reaching specific plan goals.

16. Educate and coordinate with parents to carry-out plans at home, when applicable.

17. Ensures opportunities are provided for all children to practice appropriate social skills in a structured setting.

18. Collects, analyzes, and interprets behavioral data to assist staff in the classroom.

19. Participates in program planning, budget development, and analysis of community trends within the area of expertise.

20. Models professional standards and ethics in accordance with agency philosophy

21. In accordance with our "one team" philosophy, the person filling this position may occasionally be required to carry out or assist with other tasks in addition to the duties listed on this job description.

22. Promote ongoing commitment to excellence and continual quality improvement to ensure the highest quality of services to our staff and clients.

23. Other duties as assigned.

OTHER RELATED DUTIES:

1. Works alternative hours as required, including nights and weekends.

2. Prepares, and attends all meetings, trainings, and conferences as assigned.

3. Maintains self and functional work environment.

4. Performs other tasks as may be required for the efficient comprehensive, integrated program.