Assistant Developmental Specialist

CENTRO DE LA FAMILIA • Holladay, UT

4d • $16 - $19 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Disabilities Manager, this role assists Developmental Specialists in delivering special needs services at the center for children and families. The position serves as the case manager for children needing special services and as the team lead for children requiring mental health services. It involves collaboration with the Education Specialist, Mental Health Specialist, and the Education team to support children with challenging behaviors. Key duties include tracking behaviors, gathering data for functional behavior assessments, and developing behavior support plans. The role ensures the implementation of IEPs/IFSPs in the classroom through ongoing observations and individualization, and works with teaching staff to promote children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Additionally, the position assists in completing and submitting referrals to community agencies for necessary services.

Requirements

• Two years experience within Head Start programs in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Development, or related field, with emphasis in special education, social work, and/or psychology.
• Comfort with extended periods of sitting or standing.
• Ability to lift to 50 lbs.
• Readiness to perform various activities associated with caring for young children, including stooping, bending, and crawling.
• Willingness to visit families in agricultural settings.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual Proficiency in both English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Assist Developmental Specialist to manage all aspects of the disability’s component area for the center in accordance with the Head Start Act, Head Start Performance Standards, developmentally appropriate practices, and special education best practices.
• Assist Developmental Specialist to provide disabilities and mental health services and resources to special needs children in the center.
• Routinely conduct and document classroom observations of children with special needs and collaborate with teachers to ensure that lesson plan activities are tailored to meet developmentally appropriate IEP/IFSP goals.
• Assist Developmental Specialist to follow up with all developmental and socio emotional screenings resulting in concerns or monitoring range.
• Work with teachers to ensure developmental re-screenings are conducted for each child in a timely manner.
• Under the guidance of the Behavioral Specialist, support teachers with challenging behaviors, understand the function of behavior, and collect ABC data.
• Ensure that children identified with disabilities, delays, and/or concerns have effective Individual Education Plans/Individual Family Service Plans (IEPs/IFSPs) that include collaboration between parents, school districts, early intervention agencies, and applicable specialists.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and updated information using the approved child and family information database for children in need of special services.
• Maintain records of mental health services.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for special needs and mental health database information.
• Assist in transitions of children with special needs, including transitions between Head Start centers, transitions to and from early intervention programs, transitions to and from school district programs, and transitions between classrooms within the center.
• Assist Developmental Specialist to attend IEP/IFSP eligibility meetings when Developmental Specialist cannot make it.
• Attend outside agency evaluations of children upon parent request.
• Serve as interpreter as required.
• Assist Developmental Specialist with Home Visits when the caseload surpasses 23 children with special needs.
• Provide parents with information regarding their legal rights throughout the special education process, obtain their permission for further evaluation or mental health services, give suggestions for home activities, and follow up on recommendations.
• Maintain confidentiality in matters pertaining to parents and children.
• Participate in case reviews and collaborate with other staff to develop plans to meet IEP/IFSP goals as assigned or directed by Developmental Specialist.
• Submit written and/or database reports as required.
• Stay current with early childhood disabilities in the field of knowledge.
• Understand and support the implementation of the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE) Framework.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Passionate about work and supporting children and families.
• Dedicated to Community and Family Engagement since 1975.
• Operating Head Start Programs since 1991.
• Experience managing programs in challenging, isolated, and underserved areas.
• Curricula and programs rooted in science.
• Commitment to the professional growth of minority communities.
• Team includes bilingual and bicultural staff for inclusive and culturally sensitive care.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed