EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Arizona Department of Administration • Tucson, AZ

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Early Childhood Special Education Program (ECSE) Specialist will work to ensure the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is implemented with fidelity and in complete compliance with federal and state laws to implement the IDEA's General Supervision requirements. This position supports Public Education Agency (PEA) administrators and their staff to improve outcomes for preschool aged children with disabilities through coaching, training, and technical assistance on best practices. The position also supports programs to achieve best practices through inter-agency coordination and collaboration to support early childhood education (e.g., Department of Economic Security, Department of Health, First Things First) by participating on committees, task forces, and work groups. Occasional in-state and rare out-of-state travel is required for this position. The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

Requirements

• Adult learning styles
• All Arizona statutes and regulations pertaining to Early Childhood/Special Education
• Child development and early childhood learning theory
• Early Childhood pedagogy, curriculum and quality learning environments
• Early Childhood Assessment including screening, formative and summative assessment practices and methodologies
• Quality standards including AZ Early Learning Standards (infant/toddler, preschool, K-3), AZ program guidelines for High Quality Early Childhood Programs Birth through Kindergarten, and Quality First; Council for Exceptional Children/Division of Early Childhood positions statements and resources
• Early childhood/early childhood special education professional and advocacy organizations
• Knowledge and experience implementing Individuals with Disabilities Education law and regulations to support inclusion practices of all children
• Expertise in professional development best practices for adult learners
• Competence in research methods, data analysis, assessment and evaluation
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating early childhood programs for program effectiveness
• Experience in providing professional development and/or technical assistance
• Administering or teaching in Early Childhood Special Education Program preferably within a school district
• A bachelor’s degree in early childhood special education or special education with an ECE Endorsement or related field, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree.
• Current Special Education Certification
• Public speaking, effective writing and oral communication
• Organization, time management, and attend to multiple tasks
• Develop and deliver professional development utilizing web-based technology
• Intermediate skill in using Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Establish and maintain interpersonal relationships in in-person and hybrid work environments
• Competence in research methods, data analysis, assessment, and evaluation
• Develop and deliver professional development utilizing web-based technology
• Organize others and bring together diverse groups of people
• Read, analyze, synthesize, and utilize current research and policy briefs
• Use early childhood standards and state and federal regulations to support improvement efforts
• Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card or the ability to obtain one prior to employment start date.

Nice To Haves

• Arizona Certification in Early Childhood Special Education, Early Childhood Education or related field
• Master's or Doctorate Degree in Early Childhood Special Education or related field
• Experience in PK-3 settings

Responsibilities

• Conduct individual PEA and regional meetings to convey information regarding performance of Indicators 6 -Preschool Environments, 7 - Preschool Child Outcomes, and 12 -Transition to Preschool and other statistics, and answer questions and create and supportive action plans to achieve best practices in school district early childhood special education instructional programs
• Serve as statewide consultant to PEAs, other state agencies, community service providers, and parent organizations, offering technical assistance and training when requested in the area of preschool special education services to help achieve effective program services for children
• Use research and professional journals to create and deliver professional development and technical assistance
• Engage in statewide delivery of best practices content to improve child outcomes including presenting at local, regional, state, and national conferences in addition to regional and school meetings
• Collaborate with Early Childhood partners such as Head Start, First Things First, Dept of Economic Security (AzEIP and CCA) and internal Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Units such as Early Childhood, Program Support and Monitoring, and Data Management
• Assist in the development and implementation of SPP-APR improvement activities related to Indicators 4, 6,7, 12
• Work within internal supportive teams to provide specialized support to PEAs related to these indicators
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
• Ten paid holidays per year
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Deferred compensation plan
• Wellness plans

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level