Special Needs Coordinator (Early Childhood)

Description:

Position Summary:  Children’s Aid’s Early Childhood (EC) Division is founded on the belief that strong communities are built by children and families who have the access and skills and choice to create pathways to their success. 

The Special Needs Coordinator works collaboratively with site based leadership to provide support for children who have been identified as having developmental and/or behavioral concerns.  This position oversees Disabilities Services across the EC Division.  As an expert in child development (typical and a-typical development and behavior), the Special Needs Coordinator assumes the role of specialist in relation to the disabilities system.  Specific tasks and ongoing monitoring are included in “Responsibilities”.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities: With the support of division and program leaders and under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director of Education, the Special Needs Coordinator is responsible for the following across the division;

School Readiness
•Manage a case load of EC children to ensure services are received and communication is effective between teachers, specialists, and parents
•Review all completed screenings where developmental concerns are identified and follow up with center staff and families as needed

Program, Design and Management
•Collaborate with Education Leadership team to develop effective systems to deliver high quality early childhood education programs across the division
•Maintain consistent communication with program leaders related to the education system and other comprehensive services
•Participate in ongoing monitoring and other annual tasks
•Strengthen and maintain data management system for tracking disabilities services
•Provide leadership and expertise to all centers related to disabilities services

Family and Community Engagement
•Support parents of children with special needs and support advocacy for services (accompany families at meetings/evaluations, etc.
•Participate in case conferences as needed
•Maintain a welcoming and professional environment across the division
•Develop and maintain community partnerships with social agencies and service providers to meet the needs of families and children (CPSE/EI)
•Coordinate and/or facilitate workshops for families with a focus on disabilities services and special needs

Professional Development
•Collaborate with program leaders in planning, coordinating, and implementing a wide range of diverse, applicable, and creative professional development opportunities for all      staff
•Participate in offered trainings,workshops, in-service days, and/or conferences
•Support the growth of the division including participating in program-wide goal setting and individual and program self-assessment

Health and Safety
•Adhere to all state and city licensing requirements, teacher child/ratios, and CPR/first aid certification.
•Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children, families and staff.

And other duties as assigned, at the discretion of the Deputy Director of Education and Children’s Aid.

Qualifications: