Education & Disabilities Coordinator

Southern Seven Health Department•Cobden, IL

23h•$24 - $25

About The Position

The Education & Disabilities Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation, coordination, and compliance of all education and disabilities services within the Migrant Head Start program. This position ensures that curriculum, school readiness goals, inclusion practices, and individualized services for children with disabilities are implemented in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. This position provides leadership, oversight, training, and technical assistance to education and disabilities staff to ensure high-quality instruction, effective inclusion practices, timely screenings, and appropriate intervention services. The Education & Disabilities Coordinator works collaboratively with families, community agencies, local education agencies, Child and Family Connections, and other service providers to ensure integrated and comprehensive services for all children.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor degree in Early Childhood, Child Development or approved related field AND
Minimum of two courses in Special Education & two courses in Case Management or Human Services required
Effective oral and written communication skills
Excellent organizational and leadership skills
Knowledge and use of modern office practices and procedures, including basic computer skills.
Knowledge and use of English language and grammar.
Knowledge and use of appropriate telephone etiquette.
Ability to carry detailed oral and written instructions.
Ability to plan, organize, and supervise work of others and encourage problem solving.
DCFS background/criminal check, DCFS Physical, Mandated Reporter, valid driver’s license & auto liability insurance, and DCFS Licensing required courses

Nice To Haves

Experience working with infants, toddlers, or preschool-aged children and families preferred
Hepatitis B Vaccine, CPR/First Aide, and CLASS Reliable

Responsibilities

Provides leadership and guidance to education and disabilities staff to ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, IDEA, ADA, and other applicable laws and regulations.
Ensures all developmental screenings are completed within required timelines and that referrals to LEA and CFC are made promptly when concerns arise.
Oversees implementation of curriculum, school readiness goals, child assessment systems, and inclusion practices across all classrooms.
Assures appropriate accommodations, modifications, and supports are implemented for children with disabilities, including classroom, transportation, and facility adaptations as needed.
Participates in the annual program self-assessment, federal monitoring reviews, and Community Assessment process, and ensures corrective action for any identified areas of non-compliance.
Ensures required education and disabilities documentation, reports, and data tracking are completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner.
Assists in developing policies, procedures, and service area plans related to education and disabilities services.
Coordinates referrals, evaluations, and participation in IEP/IFSP meetings in collaboration with LEA, CFC, and families.
Ensures that children who meet eligibility criteria receive appropriate services and that children not meeting state eligibility but qualifying under Head Start receive timely internal support services.
Negotiates and maintains interagency agreements with LEA, CFC, and other service providers.
Ensures smooth transitions for children with disabilities into and out of the program.
Assists the Head Start Director in ensuring agency compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Maintains updated disabilities resources and ensures they are included in the program’s Resource Directory.
Provides coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance to education staff to promote developmentally appropriate practices and effective classroom management.
Monitors lesson plans, classroom environments, child assessments, and data to ensure alignment with curriculum and school readiness goals.
Collaborates with Site Supervisors to ensure classrooms and playgrounds are well-equipped and meet quality standards.
Analyzes child outcome data to identify trends, areas for improvement, and training needs.
Supports implementation of ongoing child assessment systems and ensures reliability in assessment practices.
Plans and delivers training for staff and parents related to child development, inclusion, disabilities services, and instructional best practices.
Secures external training or technical assistance when needed to strengthen program quality.
Remains current on legislation, regulations, and research related to early childhood education and disabilities services.
Works closely with Family Services, Health, ERSEA, and other service areas to ensure integrated services for children and families.
Supports recruitment efforts to ensure full enrollment, including enrollment of children with disabilities.
Develops partnerships with community agencies, advocacy groups, and school districts to strengthen services for children and families.
Encourages full parental participation in the IEP/IFSP process and in their child’s educational experience.
Maintains strict confidentiality of child and family information in accordance with agency policy and HIPAA requirements.