Primary Purpose:
To develop, implement, monitor and coordinate the Education, Disabilities and Mental Health Services areas in accordance with all applicable guidelines and to train, mentor and support staff to achieve program goals.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in or relating to early childhood education, special education or a related field
Special Knowledge/Skills:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to interact with diverse populations
- Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
- Ability to identify and solve problems
- Ability to work cohesively on an interdisciplinary team
- Proficiency with a variety of software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher and Access
- Must complete training, obtain certification in Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS), and recertify annually
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) oral and written communication skills preferred
Experience:
- Minimum of three years experience providing a full range of services to preschool children and their families, inclusive of children with disabilities or behavior concerns
- Experience working in a Head Start program preferred
Major Responsibilities and Duties:
- Model HCDE and Head Start's mission, vision, and values.
- Work with interdisciplinary teams to ensure integration and consistent delivery of all Head Start and Early Head Start services.
- Develop a written plan and procedures for implementing the disabilities, and education and mental wellness components (Education and Special Services) of the program.
- Ensure the implementation of disabilities services that provide a full range of inclusive experiences and services to meet the needs of children with disabilities and their families.
- Ensure the timely referral for disabilities or mental health services to meet the needs of children with disabilities or behavioral concerns and their families.
- Support teaching staff in the implementation of effective teaching practices through training, mentoring, and monitoring of classroom instruction.
- Implement CLASS observations and a plan to provide feedback to teaching staff to support improved practice.
- Regularly review and analyze program reports to monitor compliance, measure student progress and make adjustments to instructional practice.
- Participate in the development of the Ongoing Child Assessment Plan and the analysis of outcome data to adjust practice and school readiness goals.
- Support quarterly meetings of the Education and Special Services Advisory Committee.
- Perform other duties as assigned.