Developmental Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY : Responsible for providing training and technical assistance to Education staff regardingchildren's development and special needs and ensures appropriate implementation of strategies and interventions in the classroom for children with suspected or diagnosed disabilities, including children receiving Tier Services and children with an LEA IEP. Responsible for providing support to the Mental Health Manager, Education Manager, Senior Program Manager.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm

Please apply online at

Only completed and signed applications will be considered.

Full Time Position- Benefits Eligible: Vacation, Sick, PTO, Employer paid health benefits, Vision & Dental Plans, 403B retirement, 14 company paid holidays, Pet Insurance, Basic $30,000 Life Insurance Policy, Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD) and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance (AD&D). Public Service Loan Forgiveness Qualified Employer.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinates and participates in the screening process, including early screening and throughout the school year based on Head Start Performance Standard timelines. Accurately scores and enters screening result data into ChildPlus.net.
• Arranges for parent conferences to discuss screening results and requests consent for a referral to be made to Child Find / FDLRS / LEA for further evaluations to be completed.
• Participates in case review meetings to discuss children with concerns, screening results, and to determine if support services and / or a referral to Child Find/FDLRS is appropriate.
• Provides information to parents regarding parents' rights under due process, procedural safeguards, Child Find / FDLRS, school district ESE continuum of services and offers resources and materials regarding developmental services.
• Provides parent support and offers written strategies and / or interventions for home.
• Maintains detailed case notes in ChildPlus.net.
• Submits reports, documents, and files as directed.
• Initiates and completes referral packet for Child Find / FDLRS / LEA referrals.
• Attends Project Spotlights, staff / parent conferences, service area meetings, and MDAT's as needed.
• Delivers, picks up and maintains accurate records for the Lending Library to enhance children's development in all areas for children receiving developmental services.

• Collaborates and consults with teaching staff, conducts classroom observations, monitoring, modeling, and tracks progress for children receiving inclusion services.

• Conduct home visits as needed and assists classroom teacher in providing home activities for parents to stimulate children's development as needed.
• Reviews individualization plans in the classrooms for children receiving developmental services to ensureplans are appropriate and adequate and assists classroom teacher with implementation of Support Services and LEA IEP's and develops appropriate activities to supplement lesson plans to meet children's needs.
• Inform Mental Health Manager when supplies, materials and / or equipment is needed to meet the special needs of children.
• Assists in or leads parent and staff trainings and actively participates in center / classroom activities, parent meetings and annual parent activities as requested.
• Acts as an advocate and role model for Head Start families. Assists in the recruitment children for the program.
• Assists in the development and implementation of the annual training plan, including pre- service, in-service, T/TA, and ongoing training requirements.
• Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of client, staff and agency information.
• Maintains effective working interaction with coworkers and outside contacts that will enhance the operation of the Head Start program.
• Organizes and prioritizes all assignments as directed.
• Participates in community activities that enhance Head Start programs as directed.
• Participates in ongoing monitoring, Community Assessment and Self-Assessment and performs reasonable related functions.
• Participates in regular safety, storm and fire drills.
• Uses and follows the policies / procedures of Head Start, federal, state and local regulations / laws, andfederal regulations / laws including the Head Start Performance Standards, applicable transmittal notices, and other administrative orders/directions.
• Uses and follows the policies/procedures of You Thrive Florida, including but not limited to Personnel Policies, Occupational Health and Safety policies, payroll policies/practices, etc.

NON-ESSENTIAL/SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

Performs any additional duties as directed or assigned by supervisor, management staff, program director or You Thrive Florida management staff. This description is intended to convey information essential to understanding thescope of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with the position.

JOB STANDARDS:

Education: Bachelor degree in Special Education, varying exceptionalities or related field.

Experience: Three years of experience in special education programs working with children with special needs, preferably in preschool or primary settings.

Licenses & Certifications: Valid Florida driver's license and be insurable by Company's current carrier. Subject to Federal, State and Local legal requirements/background checks/clearance for working with children. First Aid and CPR certified.
CRITICAL SKILLS, ABILITIES, & EXPERTISE:

Physical Requirements: These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Sitting, standing for long periods of time, use of fingers, arms, hands and legs and voice/talking are constant. Good eyesight (correctable) and hearing (correctable) are essential. Squatting, walking, handling, grasping, stretching/reaching, bending at the waist, driving and light lifting and/or carrying (up to 15 lbs.) are frequent. Pushing, pulling, kneeling, balancing, turning, feeling, medium lifting and/or carrying (up to 50 lbs.) are occasional. Playing with children, which may include hopping, skipping, jumping, dancing, and twisting are occasional. Must have ability to get up from a seated position on the floor or a low chair without hesitation.

Equipment: Computer, facsimile, copy machine, calculator, multi-line phone and other small office and instructional equipment, playground equipment and vehicle.

Skills & Expertise: Ability to arrive to work daily and on time. Ability to work with limited direction. Knowledge of organization methods. Skill in completing work with a high degree of accuracy. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing. Ability to establish effective working relationships with people, particularly parents and children.Ability to analyze and interpret data and human/family needs. Ability to use and operate a personal computer.Ability to work with children. Knowledge of early childhood issues. Ability to maintain child and parent confidentiality. Ability to be reliable, responsible and accountable to job requirements. Knowledge of community and community programs/resources.

ENVIRONMENTAL JOB FACTORS:

Job Location: Primary location is the Head Start facilities in Hernando, Sumter and/or Volusia counties. Occasional travel to other counties.

Work Environment: While performing the responsibilities of the position, these work environment characteristics are representative of the environment the employee will encounter. Office environment and working alone and with others frequently. Working with office equipment is frequent. Occasionally outdoors and operates a vehicle.

Please see the link below to the new Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website. This site was implemented under the directive of HB 531 (2025). As part of these requirements, each specified agency must include a clear and conspicuous link to the webpage on its website and provide the link in all job vacancy advertisements and posts by the qualified entity.