JOB
Keeping in mind that all special education students are general education students first, the Special Education Specialist for Early Childhood serves as part of the Special Education Department and Early Childhood teams and is responsible for bringing evidence-based specialized practices into the classroom for students with exceptionalities while providing the least restrictive environment (LRE). Specialist will execute this purpose by working with and supporting teachers, IAs, related service providers, instructional coaches, campus administration and district academic services staff with the goal of increasing student engagement, improving student achievement, and building teacher capacity to ensure GISD meets all annual federal Special Education Performance Indicators.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.Comply with the Code of Ethics of the Education Profession; upholds and enforces rules, administrative directives, regulations, GISD school board policies, as well as local, state and federal regulations.Ability to develop standards-based goals and objectives using NM Early Learning Guidelines; Essential Indicators, and implementation of specially designed instruction into everyday early childhood instructional practice and routines to increase student achievement and meaningful participation in the least restrictive environment within the framework of federal and state mandates ensuring IEP compliance.Work collaboratively with special education teachers, instructional assistants, related service providers, and early childhood and special education leadership to improve early childhood outcomes for students with disabilities. This collaboration includes but is not limited to classroom visits, observations, recommendations for individual student support, analyzing Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) data, and reviewing EERs, IEPs, FBAs/BIPs, accommodations, modifications and goals for individual students to enhance instruction and progress monitoring.Provide training and support for teachers in IEP process and development, conducting functional behavior assessments, developing behavior intervention plans, the Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) process, and case management responsibilities to meet the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and required timelines.Mentor and provide leadership to the early childhood special education case manager/teachers to support the teacher in performing his/her duties and responsibilities.Ensure maintenance and completion of records for Office of Special Education Program (OSEP) reporting of State Performance Plan Indicator 7 Early Childhood Outcomes, as required by District policy and state and federal requirements.Demonstrate knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, and procedures for state and federal special education performance indicators. Consult with early childhood staff on special education compliance requirements as it relates to students enrolled in early childhood special education programs.Assist in development and monitoring of a continuum of placement options to ensure the provision of FAPE for each preschool student with an IEP.Participate in special education staff development activities to stay currenton compliance requirements for the education of students with disabilities.Participate in early childhood staff development activities as required by the Early Childhood Department.Participate as part of the Early Childhood Leadership Team. Collaborate with Early Childhood Leadership to analyze, plan, and set program goals.Attending training, conferences, workshops, etc., as appropriate, to enhance job knowledge and skills.Supports PLC development and process for special education teachers and staff.Attend staffing and IEP meetings as necessary.Attend meetings and participate in committees within the area of responsibility.Other tasks related to area of responsibilities with requests or as assigned by immediate supervisor.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS?The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.?While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.?Maintains emotional control under stress.?WORK ENVIRONMENTThe work environment characteristics described her are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.