Primary Purpose:

To ensure that students who require additional support and students with an identified disability have the academic and social-emotional support services they need in order to achieve their highest potential according to all applicable Head Start Program Performance Standards and state guidelines. To train, mentor and support parents and Early Head Start and Head Start staff to achieve goals.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Early Childhood Education, Special Education or a related field
• Texas Teacher Certificate with endorsement in Special Education

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Significant 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
• Minimum of two year of experience working with children with identified disabilities
• 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.