Preschool Disabilities Specialist (3586)

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$27 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is seeking a Preschool Disabilities Specialist to ensure children with disabilities receive the necessary services and support to succeed in the Early Education Program. This role involves assisting teaching staff in working with children with developmental disabilities, implementing accommodation plans, and collaborating with families and external agencies. The specialist will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and State Standards related to disability services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in special education, Early Child Development, Psychology, or related field, required.
Three years of experience as a disability specialist with an educational or social services agency involving social work, family, special education, or mental health counseling is required.
Experience performing developmental screenings.
Experience working with children with developmental delays preferred.
Experience in providing case management preferred.
Experience providing social service referrals.
Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
Experience advocating for parents and children.
Strong verbal and written communications skills.
Strong Empathy & Reflective Capacity.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, required.
Class “C” driver’s license, proof of insurance and access to reliable transportation required.
YMCA Approved Infant/Pediatric/Adult CPR/First Aid/AED Certification or willingness to obtain within 60 days of employment.
Successful completion of pre-employment physical.
PPD test/ risk assessment.
Proof of immunizations for pertussis (Tdap), measles (MMR), and influenza (can decline).
TB Test clearance.
Ability to lift 25-30lbs.
Physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

MA preferred.
Experience performing developmental screenings.
Experience working with children with developmental delays.
Experience in providing case management.

Responsibilities

Mentor teaching staff in early identification of developmental delays and the internal referral process.
Support teaching staff in the implementation of IFSP/IEP goals and individualization of services.
Conduct monthly classroom observations and provide feedback to Site Directors.
Provide support to YMCA teaching staff to ensure appropriate environmental accommodations.
Conduct classroom observations to monitor individualization of services and inclusion of children with special needs.
Provide training and technical assistance related to children's individualized needs, strategies, modeling, and recommendations to teaching staff and parents.
Support with conducting developmental screenings for children 0-5 agency-wide.
Monitor, track, and process completed developmental screenings.
Ensure YMCA teaching staff have access to children's current IFSP/IEP to facilitate lesson planning and individualization.
Ensure IFSP/IEP is reviewed with the child’s primary educator.
Maintain understanding of relevant State and Federal regulations and Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) GIMS.
Refer and connect children and families to community agencies and appropriate services.
Maintain electronic data and documentation (disabilities) in Child Plus for children enrolled in the Early Education program.
Participate in agency multidisciplinary team meetings, Response to Pre-Referral Intervention and/or interagency collaborative meetings.
Assist in developing and implementing tracking systems that monitor progress through IEP or IFSPs.
Evaluate the types of curriculums, instructional materials, and teaching methods being used.
Support parents with the IFSP/IEP process, including attending IFSP/IEP meetings and participating in goal setting.
Attend required meetings, weekly supervision, Multidisciplinary Team Meetings (MDT), training, and evaluation meetings.
Input data into Child Plus data system related to IFSP/IEP goals, maintain IFSP/IEP documents in child files and Child Plus, and collaborate with outside agencies to monitor progress towards goals.
Assist with recruiting children with disabilities into the program.
Collaborate with school districts or resource groups to set up agreements to provide disabilities services for incoming and transitional students.
Facilitate staff and parent trainings supporting Early Intervention.
Prepare and present reports related to disabilities services.
Assist program management in researching related questions and providing information regarding community resources.
Maintain confidentiality and obtain/maintain legal releases of information and consent documentation.
Comply with all applicable federal, state, and county regulations, policies, and procedures.
Perform other related essential functions as assigned.
Attend staff meetings and training as required.
Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management.
Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character and YMCA Core Values.