CCA Fort Lauderdale - ESE Support Specialist

Position: 2026-27 CCA Fort Lauderdale - ESE Support Specialist
POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:

ESE Support Specialist

DEPARTMENT:
Calvary Christian Academy

REPORTS TO:

ESE Director and Principal

STATUS: 10-month, Salary Exempt

At Calvary Christian Academy, a ministry of Calvary Chapel, we are a community of Christian believers who exist to make disciples of Jesus Christ through a biblical school environment that prepares students to glorify God spiritually, academically, and socially. Our vision is to reach our community and change our world. As a Minister and staff member, it is not only what we do, it is also who we are

Purpose Statement:

ESE Support Specialist is to partner with the ESE Director, teachers, and families to ensure students with exceptional needs receive the support, strategies, and interventions necessary for success.

Scope:

This multifaceted position includes responsibilities in child study assessments, learning profile development, teacher support, student tutoring, family communication, and administrative collaboration.

Specific Responsibilities:

Student Support & Assessment

* Assist with the Child Study process, including the administration and coordination of student screenings and progress monitoring tools.

* Observe students in the classroom setting and provide recommendations based on behavior, engagement, and academic performance.

* Tutor students individually or in small groups to reinforce targeted academic skills.

* Track and document student progress related to interventions and support services.

* Communicate student progress or lack of progress to ESE Administrator.

* Establish and maintain communication with parents of the student you tutor.

* Communicate on a regular basis with tutoring students' classroom teachers.

* Create and update daily schedules on a regular basis.

* Motivate and encourage students.

* Keep accurate attendance and report to ESE Administrator on a monthly basis for billing purposes.

* Evaluate and document student progress on an ongoing basis to ensure their needs are being met.

* Maintain records on Student Support students.

* Develop and implement a behavior plan that is appropriate for each age level.

Learning Plan Development

* Support the ESE Director by reviewing psychological evaluations and medical documentation to develop the Learning Profile and accommodation plans.

* Assist in translating recommendations into practical classroom strategies and accommodations by equipping teachers with tools and resources.

* Monitor the implementation of support plans through classroom observations and collaboration with instructional staff, and document relevant feedback for internal planning.

* Ensure plans are tailored to student needs and aligned with best practices and school guidelines.

Teacher Collaboration & Support

* Provide strategies, resources, and coaching to teachers to help them meet the diverse needs of students in their classrooms.

* Assist teachers with understanding and applying accommodations and instructional supports outlined in the students Learning Profile.

* Participate in classroom walk-throughs or observations to help monitor implementation of strategies and student progress.

Administrative Support

* Support the ESE Director with department needs such as organizing records, preparing documentation, scheduling assessments, tracking services, and responding to department needs as requested by the director.

* Complete timely and organized reports, observation summaries, and data collection as requested.

* Participate in Child Study meetings as a support staff member, offering observations and insights to the team.

* Meet with the ESE Director and team to pray and plan for students' needs.

* Read CCA e-mails/ staff communications upon arrival, mid-day, and before departure, and respond if requested to do so.

* Participate in professional development to enhance job skills.

* Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.

* Able to lift 40 pound

Qualifications:

* A strong personal commitment to Jesus Christ

* Evidence of the working of the Holy Spirit in words and actions

* A strong commitment to the philosophy and mission of Calvary Chapel, as well as the educational philosophies of Calvary Christian Academy

* The call of God to serve Him at Calvary Christian Academy

* Bachelor's degree in Special Education (Master's preferred)

* Valid teaching certification (ESE certification preferred)

* Minimum of 2 years experience in special education or support services

* Familiarity with Response to Intervention (RtI) and Child Study Team processes

* Experience with tutoring or instructional coaching

* Strong knowledge of learning differences, intervention strategies, and accommodations

* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

* Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively in a team environment

* Computer skills

* Organizational skills