Job Description

Are you dedicated to improving the lives of children and families?

If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you! Join our team as a Education and Developmental Specialist, working under the guidance of our Disabilities and Education Manager. In this distinctive role, you will serve as a case manager for children in need of specialized services and lead a dedicated team focusing on children's mental health services. You will collaborate with our Education Specialist, Mental Health Specialist, and the entire Education team to empower children facing behavioral challenges. The role is pivotal in ensuring comprehensive, culturally relevant, and developmentally appropriate services that foster each child's holistic growth.

Your Responsibilities:

• Behavior Management: Offer expert guidance to teachers in managing challenging behaviors, including utilizing ABC data analysis to comprehend behavioral functions. Maintain vigilant oversight of children's behaviors, collecting valuable data for comprehensive functional behavior assessments and behavior support plans. You will be responsible for keeping meticulous and up-to-date records in our approved child and family information database, taking on the role of guardian for mental health information.
• Special Education Coordination: Attend IEP/IFSP eligibility meetings, offering interpretation as needed, and participating in evaluations by outside agencies as requested by parents. Collaborate in the development of Individual Education Plans/Individual Family Service Plans (IEPs/IFSPs) in partnership with local school districts and early intervention agencies. Perform classroom observations, closely aligned with teachers, to ensure lesson plans are in harmony with IEP/IFSP objectives and ensure timely screening and assessment for disabilities.
• Family Involvement: Build and nurture strong relationships with parents, actively involving them in the special education journey and encouraging their participation. Collaboration with community partners is vital to support children with disabilities and mental health needs. Furthermore, you'll conduct home visits for children with special needs, providing parents with essential information about their rights in the special education process, gathering their input for evaluations and mental health services, and guiding them on home activities.
• Mental Health Services: Manage mental health assessments and coordinate professional visits for children. Work closely with Family Service Specialists to deliver mental health services to children and families. Ensuring seamless transitions for children with special needs as they move between educational programs is essential.
• Education and Training: Contribute your expertise to training teaching staff and parents on topics related to mental wellness, child development, and working with children who have disabilities. Stay updated on developments in the early childhood disabilities field and actively support the implementation of the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework.
• Child Development & Assessment: Collaborate with developmental specialists to ensure timely and accurate screening of all children, with proper documentation and follow-up. Conduct and analyze data from three assessments each season and present findings at parent meetings. Integrate IEP/IFSP/Behavior Plan goals into classroom curriculum in collaboration with specialists. Coordinate child transitions with the center team.
• Staff Supervision & Development: Provide continuous training, mentoring, and technical assistance to teachers, assistants, and aides, and develop in-service training plans based on identified needs. Develop and update staff development plans quarterly and conduct annual performance evaluations. Collaborate with the center manager and HR to ensure education staff meet Head Start credentialing requirements.

Requirements

Educational Background:

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Early Childhood Education/Child Development or related field.

Emphasis or experience in special education, social work, or psychology.

Three years of management and/or group process experience.

Bilingual Proficiency: Being proficient in both English and Spanish is an advantage.

Physical Capabilities: Comfort with extended periods of sitting or standing, the ability to lift to 50 lbs., and a readiness to perform various activities associated with caring for young children, including stooping, bending, and crawling. You may also be visiting families in agricultural settings.

Why You'll Love It Here:

We are passionate about our work and the incredible children and families we have the privilege to support. We have been dedicated to Community and Family Engagement since 1975, have been operating Head Start Programs since 1991, and have experience managing programs in challenging, isolated, and underserved areas. Our curricula and programs are rooted in science, and we are committed to the professional growth of minority communities. Plus, our team includes bilingual and bicultural staff to ensure inclusive and culturally sensitive care.

If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families, we want to hear from you. Apply Today!