Disability Services Specialist

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the guidance of the Education Services Manager, the Disability Services Specialist is responsible for ensuring high-quality early education experiences and a nurturing learning environment that promotes school readiness. This role involves monitoring, coaching, and providing technical assistance to staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting the implementation of comprehensive services for Head Start (HS) Preschool and Infant/Toddler programs. As the program Disability expert, the Disability Services Specialist will collaborate with staff to promote best practices in early childhood education, positive adult-child interactions, and developmentally appropriate practices primarily for children with disabilities and concerns. Partner and network with local agencies to ensure disability documents and referrals are completed in a timely manner.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain positive, respectful, and supportive relationships with staff.
• Ensure the health and safety of enrolled children when visiting sites.
• Conduct regular site visits, requiring driving across both Lake and Mendocino Counties.
• Promote best practices in early childhood education by teaching and demonstrating positive adult-child interactions and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Provide guidance in developmentally appropriate/adaptive activities and effective ways to work with and support school readiness goals.
• Ensure that children receive disability services offered both by the program and outside organizations.
  • Provide prevention and early identification on suspected disabilities and recommend next steps and activities to support concern or referral
  • Meet with classroom teams and staff to review observations, develop teaching strategies, and implement plans as needed to ensure that children with disabilities are accessing the curriculum to their fullest ability.
  • Monitor that individualized plans (activity matrix) are implemented across all classrooms.
  • Monitor the referral, tracking and follow-up systems for all children requiring disability services.
  • Monitor and support multidisciplinary team meetings and ensure timely follow up to meet family's comprehensive needs.
  • Ensure that the Multi-Disciplinary Team Intervention Plan and/or strategies are being implemented, and the progress is documented
  • Maintain accurate and timely records, data, and reports.
  • Coordinates with LEA, SELPA, special education staff and service providers.
  • Summarize information to provide written reports to the Education Services Manager.
• Provide training, technical support, and guidance to teaching staff.
  • Provide constructive feedback and support to teaching staff.
  • Train and support teaching staff as needed.
  • Provide guidance and effectively demonstrate proper use and application of curriculum, equipment, materials, and supplies.
  • Plan and present workshops/trainings on child development or disability topics.
  • Work close with staff, Site/Early Learning Supervisors, to identify staff training needs, make recommendations to the Education Services Manager, and help design training programs.
• Model Positive Behavior Supports when working with adults and children.
• Work to improve the consistency and effectiveness of collaboration between HS service areas.
• Participate in reflective supervision sessions for ongoing professional development.
• Ensure staff and family confidentiality by limiting access to records and following confidentiality policies.
• For bilingual employees, perform all job duties utilizing dual language ability as necessary to provide optimum support and services for clients and HSCDP staff.
• Actively participate in planning, decision-making, and problem-solving responsibilities with other staff to improve the consistency and effectiveness of and collaboration between HS service areas
• Generate, collect, and document Non-Federal Share Match (In-Kind).
• Must regularly drive or travel for work, attend classroom sites, meetings, and trainings.
• Attends scheduled meetings, training sessions and conferences as assigned/requested.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

ESSENTIAL WORK HABITS

• Align work behaviors in conformance with Head Start STRONG Culture and NCO’s Purpose, and Values.
• Report to work on time and obtain approval from supervisor for any changes in work schedule or absences.
• Maintain a strict commitment to confidentiality, in accordance with Agency and project policies and procedures.
• Follow NCO’s Injury Illness and Prevention Plan, as well as all Agency and program safety protocols, procedures, and policies.
• Maintain focus on the assigned tasks.
• Take pride in creating a positive, efficient work environment.
• Treat co-workers and clients with respect.
• Represent NCO and its programs to the community in a positive light.
• Dress appropriately according to assigned job duties and responsibilities.
• Adapt constructively to change.
• Be honest, reliable, and dependable.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in special education, early childhood education /child development (ECE/CDV) OR in a related field.
• At least 3 years of recent experience working with ECE teachers or directly with children aged 0-5 in a licensed setting.
• Must complete 15 hours of professional development annually.
• Professional experience in providing developmental observations, behavioral assessments, and curriculum modifications, is preferred.
• IEP development experience and supportive strategies for classroom teaching staff, is preferred.

License & Certifications

• Maintain a current Infant and Child CPR First Aid certification or complete requirement within (30) days of hire. Employee is responsible for renewing and maintaining a valid CPR/first aid certification at all times.
• Obtain and Maintain certification in Classroom Assessment Scoring System 2nd Edition (CLASS) and CLASS Environment.
• Maintain current driver’s license and insurance.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of adult learning theories.
• The developmental stages from birth to age 5.
• Principles and practices of effective interpersonal communications.
• Child development and early childhood education theories, principles, and practices for preschool, infant, and toddler-aged children.
• Developmentally appropriate activities, including literature, music and movement, multicultural and bilingual education, anti-bias curriculum, and other program content.
• Inclusive and effective teaching practices in relation to children with special needs and/or disabilities.
• Current early childhood best practices
• Understanding of Head Start Performance Standards (preferred).

Required Skills:

• Analyze data to inform coaching practices and improve educational outcomes.
• Must be proficient in the use of computers and a variety of software programs, including web-based platforms; must at a minimum be familiar with the use of word processing, email, and spreadsheet programs.

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and appropriately both verbally and in written English (required); bilingual ability (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Provide training and support for staff in early childhood education, including child growth and development, guidance techniques, child observation and assessment, diversity and inclusion, and individualized programming.
• Develop and implement age-appropriate curriculum for groups and individuals, some of whom are individuals with disabilities.
• Meet deadlines pertaining to required monitoring and coaching documents.
• Demonstrate emotional maturity, stability, tactfulness, and the ability to provide professional leadership.
• Motivate, engage with, and work effectively and appropriately with children, parents, and other adults from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds is required.
• Interact with others in a culturally and emotionally appropriate manner.
• Maintain professional relationships with staff and children.
• Understand and conduct oral and written instructions.
• Follow guidelines regarding the handling of confidential information and documents.
• Prepare and give presentations in various settings using audience-appropriate methods and technologies.
• Work a flexible schedule to accommodate attending scheduled work events and professional development opportunities as needed.

Necessary Special Skills & Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• For work-related driving, must have a valid California driver’s license, a verifiable good driving record, and access to a vehicle with insurance that covers the employee as a driver OR reliable transportation with proof of automobile insurance.
• Employment is contingent on completion of a pre-employment health screening, and meeting TB test and regulatory immunization requirements related to work in a Head Start Program and licensed childcare facility.
• Employment is contingent on receipt by program of a Criminal Record Clearance confirming eligibility to work in a licensed childcare facility.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, listen, and communicate clearly;
• The employee frequently is required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, use manual and automatic office equipment, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; bend; reach down and stretch overhead; walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds unassisted and may occasionally move and lift heavier materials with assistance using ergonomic guidelines.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The ability to travel during the day and/or night, sometimes long distance – possession of a valid California Driver’s License and access to an insured vehicle is required.
• Interaction and contact with outside agencies, vendors, funders, volunteers, donors, and contributors is a frequent aspect of this job.
• The employee will regularly use computers and computer printers, telephones, and other similar electronic office equipment.
• The employee may regularly use kitchen equipment and implements that can be heavy, hot, or sharp, as well as cleaning and sanitizing products.
• The environment can be noisy and includes the comings and goings of small children and their families.