SPECIAL NEEDS COORDINATOR Head Start

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A Special Needs Coordinator in a Head Start program is responsible for identifying and addressing the special needs of enrolled children, including disabilities, learning needs, and emotional support. Their work involves coordinating services and resources to ensure that all children have access to quality education that meets their individual needs. Your contribution to the implementation of a quality program lies in ensuring the inclusion and appropriate support for each child, thus promoting an educational environment that encourages the comprehensive development of all participants.

TASKS AND ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support in the implementation of the Head Start program:

1. Collaborate with staff to ensure the integration of children with special needs in all program activities.

2. Develop and maintain individualized intervention plans for children with special needs.

3. Provide resources and technical support to staff to adapt the curriculum according to the individual needs of the children.

4. Promote the integration of all service areas: facilitate information, processes and a cooperative environment to guarantee the best services to the special needs population.

5. Support the implementation of initiatives that guarantee the sustainability of the program.

Care and supervision of children:

1. Monitor and support the integration of children with special needs into the classroom environment and during activities.

2. Coordinate with staff to ensure that children's medical, therapeutic, and behavioral needs are met.

3. Observe and document the progress of children with special needs and provide feedback to staff on effective intervention strategies.

Support for families:

1. Establish collaborative relationships with families to understand and address children's individual needs.

2. Provide information and resources to families about community services and support programs available for children with special needs.

3. Facilitate meetings and training sessions for parents on topics related to the special needs of their children.

4. Provide support and accompaniment in meetings and/or official procedures for the monitoring and achievement of services to our participants.

Administrative tasks:

1. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of children with special needs, including evaluations, intervention plans, and progress.

2. Coordinate with staff to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and administrative procedures related to children with special needs.

3. Maintain communication with relevant agencies to ensure services to our program participants such as but not limited to: Advancing Together and Department of Education.

4. Participate in team meetings and collaborate with other coordinators and staff to ensure the effectiveness of the overall program.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

Bachelor's degree with at least one year of experience in the area of special education OR master's degree in Special Education. Infant and toddler education/training preferred for Early Head Start. Principal's Academy is preferred for district collaborating centers.

? Previous experience teaching in an early childhood setting; experience with supervision, management or coaching preferred.

? Experience managing an infant/toddler and preschool program

? Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred

? Knowledge of infant/toddler health and safety licensing requirements (if applicable)

? Experience with collaborations and community partnerships (if applicable)

? Experience in Fiscal management/budget preparations (if applicable)

? Physical exam and background checks are required for this position.

? Travel required locally or long-distance up to 10% of the time for work-related meetings and functions.

? Must have a valid drivers license and reliable transportation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

? Ability to sit most of the time with some bending and reaching.

? Ability to stand, walk, and bend periodically.

? Ability to engage in repetitive movement of wrists, hands, and fingers typing and/or writing.

? Ability to work frequently at close visual range (i.e. preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal, extensive reading).

? Ability to receive and respond to oral communication.

? Ability to exert up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.

? Work is generally performed in an office environment.

? Noise level in the work environment is moderate to occasionally loud (examples: business office with computers and printers, light to moderate traffic, human voices).

? Standard office equipment generally used includes:

? Telephone

? Personal Computer (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) or Tablet

? Printer/Photocopy Machine

? Calculator

? May be required to operate a motor vehicle during the course of duties.