Special Education Consultant - Head Start

Overwhelmingly, people who decide they want to be a part of the Y in Central Maryland tell us they do so because it reflects their values and a conscious decision, they’ve made about how they choose to live their lives. The happiest and most fulfilled Y associates are those who are motivated to help others and who want to be a part of something larger than themselves.

If this speaks to your heart, then we invite you to join our team. Be a part of a charitable, mission-driven organization that works for individual and community well-being for all, for a better us.

At the Y in Central Maryland, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Enjoy flexible schedules, competitive pay, and generous paid time off, alongside medical, dental and vision benefits, as well as dependent care FSA. We offer a generous employer contribution to the Y retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement. Our commitment to fostering a positive work environment means you'll have access to training and development programs that align with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities.

Join us and bring your passion to a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference!

As a Special Education Consultant, you will help ensure children with developmental delays, disabilities, or individualized learning needs are welcomed, included, and supported within Head Start and Early Head Start.

Through classroom observations, consultation, assessment support, referrals, training, and collaboration, you will help families and classroom teams understand each child’s strengths and provide the individualized support they need to participate, learn, belong, and thrive.

• Experience supporting young children who receive special education, early intervention, or individualized developmental services.
• Working knowledge of IEPs, IFSPs, accommodations, and inclusive educational practices.
• Experience observing children and turning your findings into practical classroom strategies.
• The ability to build trusting, respectful relationships with families and engage them as active partners.
• Experience collaborating with teachers, specialists, local education agencies, and community providers.
• Strong consultation, training, communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to manage multiple cases, service timelines, priorities, and follow-up activities.
• A commitment to creating learning environments where every child feels included, capable, and supported.

• Conduct classroom observations and review screenings, evaluations, progress reports, IEPs, IFSPs, and other relevant records.
• Identify children’s strengths and needs and recommend strategies that support development, learning, participation, independence, and belonging.
• Observe children with suspected developmental, learning, behavioral, communication, or functional concerns after required authorization is obtained.
• Complete educational assessments when assigned and appropriately authorized, including preparing and submitting required reports.
• Collaborate with families and associates to coordinate referrals for special education, early intervention, therapy, behavioral services, and other supports.
• Assist families with accessing appropriate evaluations, services, resources, and follow-up support.
• Partner with classroom teams to understand and implement IEP and IFSP goals, accommodations, and individualized strategies.
• Help teachers incorporate individualized supports into lesson plans, classroom routines, transitions, and daily learning experiences.
• Recommend instructional strategies, environmental…