Educational Disability Specialist

Self Help Inc•Brockton, MA

4d•$25 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

Self Help Inc. is currently looking for an experienced Educational Disability Specialist to join our team. Self Help, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Action Agency (CAA) created to help families and individuals stabilize and secure their lives through education, strategic assistance, and building opportunities in their communities. We provide a range of services for families and households across Southeastern Massachusetts. The Educational Disabilities Specialist plays a vital role in ensuring that children with disabilities enrolled in our Head Start program receive high-quality, inclusive educational services. This position involves collaborating with teaching staff, families, and external partners to identify children with disabilities, develop individualized education programs (IEPs), and provide ongoing support to promote their learning and development within the classroom setting. The Educational Disabilities Specialist champions an inclusive environment where all children can thrive.

Requirements

Must pass a criminal background check and other required clearances
Must have or be willing to obtain CPR and First Aid certification
Must meet the physical requirements of the position, including the ability to lift and carry young children, bend, stoop, and actively engage with children
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation is required
Ability to lift and carry young children and materials
Ability to sit, stand, bend, and move around the classroom and other program environments
Ability to interact with children at their eye level
Knowledge of child development, early childhood special education principles, assessment methods, and IEP development
Familiarity with Head Start Performance Standards and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
Excellent organizational and record-keeping skills
Sensitivity to the needs of low-income families and diverse cultural backgrounds
Valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation
Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or a related field.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with young children with disabilities in an educational setting.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred
Certification or licensure in Special Education or Early Intervention preferred (as required by state regulations)
Head Start experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Supervise Lead Teachers
Collaborate with program staff and families to implement child find activities and screening procedures to identify children who may have disabilities
Participate in multidisciplinary teams to conduct developmental assessments and gather information relevant to potential disabilities
Interpret assessment results and contribute to the determination of eligibility for special education services in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and relevant state and federal regulations (e.g., IDEA)
Actively participate in IEP meetings, working collaboratively with parents, teachers, related service providers, and other relevant professionals
Contribute to the development of individualized goals, objectives, and strategies that are developmentally appropriate and aligned with the child's strengths and needs
Support classroom staff in implementing IEPs effectively within the daily classroom routine, providing guidance and resources as needed
Monitor children's progress on IEP goals and objectives, collecting data and participating in periodic reviews and revisions of the IEP
Serve as a resource to classroom teachers and other program staff on best practices for inclusive education and supporting children with disabilities
Provide training and technical assistance to staff on topics related to child development, disabilities, and effective instructional strategies
Establish and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with families, providing support and resources related to their child's disability and educational needs
Liaise with external agencies and service providers (e.g., early intervention programs, school districts, therapists) to coordinate services and ensure a smooth transition for children
Assist in adapting curriculum, materials, and activities to meet the diverse learning needs of children with disabilities
Maintain accurate and confidential records in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, agency policies, and relevant regulations
Stay current on research, best practices, and relevant legislation related to early childhood education and disabilities
Participate in ongoing professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills