Intervention Specialist - Head Start

Clayton Early Learning•Denver, CO

19d•$63,000 - $68,000

About The Position

Intervention Specialist - Head Start Position Summary This position coordinates and supports all disability services for students ages 3-5. Oversees the assessment, implementation, and facilitation of referral services and Individual Education Plans (IEP). Serves as a liaison for all internal and external stakeholders related to IEP service provision and related resources and ensures compliance with all Head Start requirements. Who We Are Clayton Early Learning is a leading nonprofit dedicated to providing children from birth to five with an exceptional start and empowering families for lifelong success. We directly serve 500 children annually through our school, home-based programs, and community partnership sites. As a proud member of the Educare Learning Network, we are deeply committed to the whole-child, whole-family approach and to high quality early childhood education. Our unique location on a 20-acre historic campus in Denver is the foundation for our strategic vision to become a thriving neighborhood center to serve the community more fully, addressing needs including food security and health care access. We know that our future rests in the hands of the youngest generation and that the experiences of inclusion and belonging they have in early childhood make a lasting impression that remains well into their adult lives. Our team of over 125 dedicated professionals works in a supportive environment of collaboration, innovation, and personal growth. The atmosphere is not just about work; it's about building a community where individuals are valued, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential. At Clayton, we believe that a great place to work isn't just about the job but the people who create success together.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Services, Early Childhood Education, Special Education or related field
CPR Certification
Pediatric First Aid Certification
Universal Precautions Certification
Valid driver's license with evidence of auto insurance
3 years of experience in Early Childhood Education with a focus on working with children with disabilities
Current PPD-TB and physical examination
Successfully pass a Colorado Bureau of Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background checks
Pass a National Sex Offender Registry Check
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Head Start requirements
Ability to manage external agency relationships with organizations serving needs of students
Maintains comprehensive knowledge of Individual Education Plans
Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to interpret and understand information received and prepare and transmit it
Ability to build relationships, influence others with strong customer service and interpersonal skills; can relate to others from a variety of backgrounds
Leadership skills with the ability to build effective and credible relationships
Attention to detail with the ability to maintain and organize documents and files
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite with the ability to learn a variety of software and systems
Ability to understand and perform basic mathematical computations; can apply basic analytical skills
Experience with office equipment with the ability to troubleshoot
Ability to work independently or as part of a team; can remain calm in stressful situations

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Psychology, Social Services, Early Childhood Education, Special Education or related field
Knowledge of economic, cultural and societal challenges of ethnically diverse communities preferred
Bilingual in Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

SUPPORT & CO ORDINATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Oversees and coordinates all disability assessments and support services for students; ensures all services are available and meet criteria and requirements, including Head Start requirements.
Ensures that the Local Education Agency (LEA) is responsible for the identification, evaluation, and provision of free and appropriate education for Head Start students in need of special education and support services; coordinates initial and ongoing evaluations for all Head Start programs.
Initiates referral process for all disability and mental health services, including, but not limited to the MTSS process, IEP referrals, and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation services.
Provides and supports students transitioning to Head Start and out of Head Start into other educational settings or Kindergarten.
Coordinates all steps to ensure the student and their families understand the referral process, obtain the necessary referral paperwork, and attend all related meetings.
Facilitates on-going communication with agencies (DGKHS, Part B and Part C agencies, etc.), consultants and management to maintain an interdisciplinary approach that supports effective early intervention services and positive outcomes for students and families.
Acts as a liaison for all internal and external stakeholders around disability and referral services for Head Start Programs.
Ensures Educare Learning Network core features are implemented in programs.
Supports the implementation of inclusive classroom practices, social emotional curriculum, and other features of the educational environment and teaching practices as needed.
Responds to classrooms to provide support to children and teachers
INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN (IEP) IMPLEMENTATION Interacts with referral specialists and families to obtain IEP and documentation to understand student needs within their program
Supports internal stakeholders to implement IEP; ensures goals are integrated into lesson plans, and the classroom environment is set up for student success; provides ideas and strategies for internal stakeholders when they have students with IEPs.
Educates parents and families on the IEP.
Provides parents and families with their rights and responsibilities and information on the plan and services; assists the family with arranging additional services if needed and informs the family of appropriate community resources.
Monitors the goals in the IEP and meets with all stakeholders to discuss progress and recommendations, reviews goals and transition plans; ensures work plans are reviewed updated on an annual basis or as needed to effectively support the student.
Completes and maintains all required documentation and enters required information into relevant systems; documentation includes student files, IEP forms, reports, logs, service information, etc., maintains compliance to meet all requirements and regulations.