What are the responsibilities and job description for the Early Childhood Special Needs Consultant position at Child Care Council, Inc.?
Primary goal: To serve a childcare consultant for licensed or registered childcare providers who are caring for children with behavioral/developmental disabilities through technical assistance and training while supporting parents and children.
Job Summary: To provide training and consultation, coaching, mentoring to child care providers, teaching staff, directors, and parents to promote responsive and positive relationships and social emotional behavioral health through developmentally appropriate practices within childcare and home settings. The Early Childhood Special Needs Consultant/Coach will also help children and parents transition to a new program if current placement is not working for the child/family. This is a prevention-based service that pairs a consultant/coach with expertise in behavioral/developmental disabilities with people who work with young children and their families. It does not involve direct services to children.
Qualifications and Skills:
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in early childhood or related field with a concentration in Special Education, Early Intervention, Psychology or related field
• 2-4 years of experience working with children and/or families preferred.
• Knowledge of early childhood development and emotional and behavioral health, family systems, and evidenced-based curricula to promote healthy social emotional development of young children.
• Knowledge of New York State Day Care Regulations preferred.
• Knowledge of Pyramid Model preferred.
• Work independently within a flexible schedule.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation is needed. Willing to travel in Monroe, Livingston, and Wayne counties in all weather conditions.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
Responsibilities and Duties:
• Provide individualized, customized, accurate, and timely responses to individuals (parents, guardians, agencies etc.) who are seeking to arrange for the care of children with special needs.
• Create individualized, customized coaching action plans for children who are exhibiting challenging behaviors based on direct observations and collecting appropriate data.
• Attend and participate in special needs committees as appropriate.
• Provide support to programs implementing the Pyramid Model project for those who have children with special needs.
• Analyze and monitor the rate of expulsions and suspensions among children with special needs and children of color.
• Model the implementation of individualized coaching plans for staff who are caring for children with developmental disabilities, as aligned with the action plans.
• Work collaboratively with directors and related service providers to ensure consistency.
• Offer coaching/consultation that reflects and respects the philosophy of the assigned program and that is culturally responsive to the child, family, and provider.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with providers and families in assigned learning sites by maintaining a consistent schedule.
• Provide and/or guide the use of assessments to develop consultation plans with sites.
• Provide continuous support to childcare providers regarding implementation of evidenced-based strategies related to classroom management and social emotional skill development and to referred parents regarding the child’s behaviors and skill development.
• Make the necessary referrals for more intensive or additional services, as needed.
• Develop and conduct training and workshops for providers, parents, community members.
• Collaborate closely with supervisor to achieve positive program outcomes, develop appropriate goals and review to ensure quality and effectiveness of services.
• Demonstrate professionalism, competence, and expertise when representing the agency in the community.
• Actively participate in department and staff meetings, monthly meetings with Early Intervention, LEICC, and other community-based meetings that support the childcare needs of children with disabilities and their parents.
• Participate in external committees, task forces, community meetings, visibility events, media as requested to promote the program.
• Attend regular individual and group supervision sessions, required and recommended training.
• Complete all required documentation timely and accurately.
• Other duties as assigned.
