Disabilities Coordinator

Job Title: Hourly Disabilities Coordinator (Head Start)

Status: Contract. This is a 1099-Consultant position

Reports To: Director

Hourly Rate: $100 - $150

Position Overview

The Disabilities Coordinator manages the identification, referral, evaluation, and service coordination processes for children enrolled in the Head Start program who have suspected or diagnosed developmental delays or disabilities. This role serves as the primary liaison between the program, families, local school districts, and service providers, with a strong emphasis on navigating the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) process.

Key Responsibilities

• CPSE Navigation/Management: Guide families through the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) process, including referrals, evaluations, Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and transition planning.
• Family Engagement & Support: Meet with families to explain the CPSE process, discuss developmental concerns, address questions, and advocate for appropriate services and accommodations.
• Service Coordination: Coordinate and track related services (e.g., Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Counseling) with service providers to ensure full implementation of each child's IEP..
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with classroom teachers, family advocates, and specialists to develop classroom accommodations, behavioral strategies, and inclusive practices aligned with Head Start Program Performance Standards.
• Compliance & Documentation: Maintain accurate, confidential child files; track service delivery minutes; and ensure full compliance with federal Head Start standards, IDEA, and local educational agency mandates.

Qualifications

• Education & Credentials (Must hold at least ONE of the following):
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Special Education
• Experience Requirements:
• Direct hands-on experience navigating the CPSE process from referral through IEP development and implementation.
• Proven experience conducting family meetings and explaining complex special education processes in a culturally responsive manner.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of early childhood development, federal/state special education laws (IDEA), and Head Start Performance Standards; exceptional communication and organizational skills.

Bank Street is a leader in education, a pioneer in improving the quality of classroom practice, and a national advocate for children and their families.

Since its beginnings in 1916, Bank Street has been at the forefront of understanding how children learn and grow. From early childhood centers and schools to hospitals and museums, Bank Street has built a national reputation on the simple fact that our graduates know how to do the work that is right for children.

At Bank Street's Graduate School of Education, students are trained in a model that combines the study of human development, learning theory, and sustained clinical placement to promote significant development as a teacher prior to graduation. Our children's programs-Bank Street School for Children, Family Center, Bank Street Head Start, and Liberty LEADS-foster children's development in the broadest sense by providing diverse opportunities for social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. The Bank Street Education Center disrupts inequity through system-level change to help design better educational experiences for both children and adults. The College further supports and influences positive outcomes for children every day through professional development programs, research projects, and other key efforts engaging educators, intermediary organizations, and government officials at the district, state, and federal levels.