Child Development Specialist -Disabilities Coordinator

Description

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for planning, developing, and evaluating the ECKAN Head Start Disabilities Component within the ECKAN Head Start service area. Child Development Specialist is responsible for ensuring compliance with the education, disabilities, mental health, and transition services components of the program throughout the assigned service area. Supervise Family Educators and Childcare Partnership Specialist staff in the designated area as assigned. Collaborate with the Management Team to ensure an integrated balance of Head Start services. Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. Reports to the Head Start Director.

Duties And Responsibilities:

• 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 disabilities practice, services, and interventions.
• Act as a resource for home-based and childcare partnerships throughout the assigned area.
• Develop strategies to effectively recruit and support childcare partnerships within designated area.
• Develop evaluations and professional development plans for designated employees.
• 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 assigned area.
• Coach identified staff using Practice Based Coaching Curriculum.
• Coordinate with Management Team to provide orientation and training for staff.
• Supervise Family Educators and Childcare Partnership Specialists within designated area as assigned.
• 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 assigned area.
• Ensure policy, procedure, 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 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 per policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• 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.