Disabilities Specialist

Disabilities Specialist

Grade: 123

Terms of Employment: 216 Days (11 months)

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Location: RPS Head Start Locations – Head Start Manager

Starting Date: Immediately

Salary: $71,756 to $110,353 per year

• Oversees the Disability Service area component of the EHS/HS Program
• Collaborates with staff to ensure completion of all developmental screenings (speech, hearing, and vision) in accordance with the Head Start Federal Performance Standards
• Reviews developmental screenings to determine next course of action for children who meet the developmental screening cut-off (i.e. follow-up, educational intervention services, additional screenings, etc.)
• Organizes and coordinates the program’s disability services effort, including recruitment, enrollment, screenings and coordination of specialized services
• Coordinates and processes pre‑referrals and referrals for special education using the HS diagnostic criteria checklist to determine the appropriateness for a child participation in the special education process; works in collaboration with the child’s parents, EHS Specialist or Head Start Child Development Specialist, and teaching staff to provide intervention strategies for children not eligible for special education services
• Serves as administrator/designee of the multidisciplinary team for HS children going through the special education process (child study, assessment, eligibility, IEPs, 504 plans, etc.) and ensures all aspects of the process are being followed in accordance with the Head Start Federal Performance Standards, local, state, and other federal regulations
• Schedules and coordinates child study, eligibility, Individual Education Plan (IEP) and IEP review meetings, ensuring parental consent and permission forms are signed and evaluators are informed of the required evaluations and timelines
• Participates in the development of an IEP in conjunction with other qualified professionals of the multidisciplinary team; enters all aspects of the special education process into the schools’ IEP online system
• Develops and maintains a system for tracking and monitoring all activities of EHS/HS children with disabilities to ensure that program procedures, state and federal guidelines and mandates are being followed
• Submits required monthly program reports to the Program Manager
• Develops, monitors and coordinates the Disabilities services plan
• Develops and monitors interagency agreements with the Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and the city’s local early intervention agency in partnership with the Program Manager
• Works with teaching staff to develop, implement and document the transition of children from special education programs and conducts end‑of‑year Individual Family Service Plan/Individual Education Plan (IFSP/IEP) reviews for children transitioning to preschool or Kindergarten
• Provides guidance and developmentally appropriate strategies to maximize successful inclusion and continuity of care for children with disabilities
• Plans and conducts or coordinates training for EHS/HS staff and parents
• Participates in the program’s self‑assessment and community needs assessment
• Attends training and/or conferences to keep staff abreast of all EHS/HS mandates and special education laws
• Works in collaboration with ECE leadership to create and support annual professional development plans for teaching staff and development of annual program goals
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Minimum of a Baccalaureate Degree in special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, child development, or related field required;
  Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum of three years related experience working with children with special needs and their families
• One year of experience as a grade level chairperson, lead teacher, or school‑based compliance coordinator preferred
• Knowledge of the Early Head Start (EHS)/Head Start Program and the special education process
• Experience in adult learning and ability to model best practices in an early childhood setting for diverse adult learners with different knowledge levels and skill sets
• Ability to analyze data and coach teaching…