Special Education Manager at Youth Development, Inc.

Exempt : No

Type : Regular Full-Time

Department : ECE

Location : 121

SPECIAL EDUCATION MANAGER

Provides classroom, center, and program level support to all YDI Early Childhood programs in working with children with diagnosed and suspected disabilities and developmental delays. Transitions new and transferring students with diagnosed or suspected disabilities and/or developmental delays into classrooms and supports families and staff in developing individualized plans to support the needs of children in the classrooms, home, and community. Provides support to program staff in working with children through observation and consultation, child, and family meetings, and conducting small and large group trainings. Responsible for monitoring and tracking of data relating to disabilities, in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and community partnership agreements, including referral, screening, evaluation, and implementation of special education services in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Coordinates transition to kindergarten services and related planning and training activities. Works closely with other content area managers to ensure high quality program services through ongoing monitoring and innovation. Supports families/caregivers in their understanding of special education and early intervention laws and parent rights.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

· Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Early Intervention or related field of study preferred, or BA Degree in Early Childhood Development. Special Education or related field of study plus three (3) years of experience working with children 3 to 5 years and/or birth to 3 years.

· Must have working knowledge of IDEA ADA, NM FIT, and NM Child Find.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with community providers, professional staff, and parents.

· Ability to exhibit emotional maturity and good judgment, to include high standards of morals and speech.

· Must be dependable and flexible regarding working hours.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES (Not Inclusive)

· Responsible for tracking and ensuring that all children with special needs receive high quality services through Head Start and, early intervention and/or public schools.

· Responsible for training and coaching staff on the YDI Head Start Inclusion Policy and to ensure that teachers individualize lesson plans for children with special needs.

· Provides or arranges for specialized training and follow up for Head Start Staff at the program and cluster level, as well as on an individual classroom basis.

· Monitors and follows up on children identified by parents or staff as having suspected or diagnosed disability or developmental delay.

· Participates as a member on children’s multi-disciplinary team.

· Facilitates and assists in the writing of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for children with diagnosed disabilities, as requested by families and community partners.

· Maintains accurate and thorough records for each special needs child’s treatment, progress, parent involvement and community contact.

· Works with Center Staff to recruit children with disabling conditions to insure a minimum enrollment of 10% in each program area.

· Completes regular on-going monitoring to ensure content area compliance.

· Collaborates with Early Intervention providers and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to ensure Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) are current and upheld.

· Provides training and information to staff and families regarding transitions to kindergarten for all enrolled children.

· Monitors transitioning kindergarten children and ensures consent to exchange information is signed for transitioning children to support collaboration with public school.

· Provides a monthly report to Senior Associates and Division VP with information re: enrollment.

· Assists parents of special needs children with referrals.

· Provides training and technical assistance to parents re: their rights and the rights of their children with identified disabilities.

· Other duties assigned.

JOB CHARACTERISTICS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position is exempt from overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. This is a professional position, which requires organizational and communication skills, as well as judgment, tact and diplomacy in contacts with Head Start employees, community residents, parents and local government agencies. Strict adherence is required to all regulations concerning confidentiality.

Good general health and ability to lift and carry 55 lbs. are essential.

TB skin test and physical are required at offer to hire. Physical may be required every five years.

Background investigation to include fingerprinting is required.

Frequent travel is required. Proof of valid driver’s license and car insurance is required.

Must be able to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Youth Development, Inc. is an at-will employer. Employment is by mutual consent of the company and employee, and either may terminate the relationship at any time with or without cause or advance notice. This job is contingent upon funding; however, availability of funding is not a guarantee of continued employment, nor does it imply any specific term of employment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Associate Director.