Behavior Support Specialist

Job Summary Applies professional expertise in early childhood education and social-emotional development to provide support to children who are experiencing behavioral and academic difficulties in the general education classrooms. Applies professional expertise in Special Education to the Early Head Start/Head Start/Charter School program through a mentoring role. Works in cooperation with all content areas and is responsible for the delivery of mental wellness services to children and families, support to families and children with disabilities and compliance with content area Head Start Performance Standards in conjunction with all other Local, State, and Federal regulations

Core Duties and Responsibilities
1. Performs duties to ensure compliance of the Head Start Program Performance Standards for Mental Wellness in all program options in both EHS and Head Start.
2. Applies professional expertise in early childhood education and social-emotional development to provide support to children who are experiencing behavioral and academic difficulties in the general education classrooms.
3. Provides individual or small group instruction in the area of social-emotional skills and behavior functioning when needed.
4. Observes children referred to the department, works with interdisciplinary team of staff and parents to develop and implement Response to Intervention strategies and makes appropriate referrals for educational or behavioral evaluations within the prescribed time frame.
5. Provides support to the teachers and parents of children with disabilities and mental wellness concerns.
6. Provides support to center staff in the area of mental wellness. Provides staff development, conducts staff meetings, and serves on staff committees as requested.
7. Makes contact with the public in such a way as to ensure that 10% of Head Start enrollment is available to children with disabilities.
8. Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, agency policy, and administrative regulations. Writes clear concise case notes that conform to ethical, legal and agency guidelines and enters them into the agency’s tracking system in a timely manner.
9. Maintains compliance of the Head Start Program Performance Standards for Mental Wellness in all program options in both EHS and Head Start. Reviews written policies and procedures annually to ensure staff is putting into practice theories and sound principles of mental wellness.
10. Other duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Education and/or Experience Minimum Bachelor’s degree, Master’s preferred in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, or related field

Minimum three (3) years of Early Childhood experience

Experience with children with disabilities is preferred.

Experience implementing inclusion practices for children with disabilities is desirable.

Training in behavior management techniques for young children is highly desirable.
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