Special Education Coordinator

Primary Purpose:

To support teachers who serve students with suspected or identified disabilities in creating inclusive, accessible, and effective classrooms where all students can fully participate and to ensure that all students referred to local LEAs and Part C agencies are properly submitted to the district or agency. To train, mentor, and guide teaching staff and parents to strengthen their capacity to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in Early Childhood Education, Special Education or a related field

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Experience in Special Education
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to interact with diverse populations
• Strong critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Ability to work cohesively on an interdisciplinary team
• Familiarity with relevant special education laws, regulations, and guidelines
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) oral and written communication skills preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of three year of experience providing a full range of services for infants, toddlers, and preschool age students and their families, inclusive of children with disabilities
• Two year of experience working with children with identified disabilities preferred.
• Experience working in an Early Head Start program preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Model HCDE and Head Start's mission, vision, and values.
• Work with interdisciplinary teams to ensure integration and consistent delivery of services that are inclusive of all students.
• Participate in the ongoing development and design of services for children with disabilities.
• Ensure the implementation of disabilities services that provide a full range of inclusive experiences and services to meet the needs of children with disabilities and their families.
• Ensure the timely referral for disabilities services to meet the needs of children with disabilities or behavioral concerns and their families.
• Support teaching staff in the implementation of effective teaching practices through training, mentoring, and monitoring of classroom instruction.
• Attend Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings representing HCDE Head Start.
• Participate in the development of specialized plans to support student success.
• Assist parents with accessing programs and community resources for students requiring additional supports.
• Develop partnerships with agencies in the community and in special education departments in various school districts
• Support quarterly meetings of the Education and Special Services Advisory Committee.
• Perform other duties as assigned.