Child Development Specialist (Education/Disabilities)

Description

SUPERVISOR: Head Start Director

SUPERVISES: None

EXEMPTION STATUS: Non-exempt

WORK PERIOD: 10.5 months per yr

The Child Development Specialist plays an important role in helping children and families succeed through high-quality Head Start services. This position leads Education and Disabilities services across the assigned service area while supporting education, disabilities, mental health, and transition services. Working closely with the Head Start Management Team and program staff, the Child Development Specialist ensures services are coordinated, effective, and compliant with Head Start Performance Standards, with all local, state, and federal regulations. Reports to the Head Start Director.

What You’ll Do

• Coordinate, direct, and ensure implementation of the Disabilities Component of the Head Start program and maintain compliance with Performance Standards and program written plans.
• Act as a resource for disability practice, services, and interventions.
• Actively support managers to develop and/or conduct evaluations for other education staff.
• Ensure accuracy of time sheets and leave requests for designated staff.
• Collect required data and report as requested.
• Oversee education, disabilities, mental health, and transition services within the assigned area.
• Coach identified staff using the Practice-Based Coaching Curriculum.
• Coordinate with the Management Team to provide staff orientation and training.
• Ensure designated staff follow through with required certifications and professional development.
• Ensure parents receive appropriate support to fully participate in their child’s education.
• Support staff in effectively utilizing the assessment process.
• Monitor child development records and reports for the assigned area.
• Ensure that policies, procedures, agreements, and contracts are reviewed and updated annually.
• Initiate an environment of acceptance that supports & respects gender, culture, language, ethnicity & family composition.
• Establish and actively maintain working relationships with community partners (i.e., ICC, community meetings, MOU’s, contracts) to ensure positive outcomes for children and families.
• Support the recruitment of volunteers and the development of “in-kind”.
• Attend staff meetings, workshops, and in-service training to meet professional development goals.
• Help to develop a good working environment, morale, and communications between staff members.
• Support the ECKAN code of ethical conduct.
• Provide support, crisis intervention, and referrals to local resources to meet family needs.
• Maintain confidentiality of all agency information.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Act as a resource for teaching and child development practices in early childhood.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in special education, Early Childhood, or a closely related field required.
• General knowledge of Head Start programming and federal/state regulations.
• Requires commuting within ECKAN’s seven-county service area.
• Employment is contingent on successfully passing required background checks and health assessments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in using technology to enhance data and information management.
• Must be able to participate in daily kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor, and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds, and be able to sit and or stand for long periods of time.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and comply with ECKAN insurance standards, as applicable.
• Training and experience in areas that include: The theories and principles of child growth and development.