Education & Disabilities Manager

Job Description

Job Description : \n\nJOB SUMMARY : The Education & Disabilities Manager / Coach is responsible for directing the planning, organizing and implementation of education and disability services. This includes monitoring the implementation of adopted curricula in classrooms and ensuring assessments, curriculum elements and individualization are effectively provided to all children, in accordance with HS, federal, state and local regulations. It also includes providing comprehensive services for children with disabilities, which encompasses prompt referrals and follow-up. This position will also serve as the Education Coach, which is responsible for providing and implementing a research practice-based high quality coaching model for all EHS / HS staff to include reflective and technical assistance training and supporting teaching staff with the use of effective teaching practices that lead to positive outcomes for children in alignment with Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF). This position directly supervises the Center Directors. This is a year-round position. ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education ServicesDirects the planning, organizing and implementation of education and disabilities services.Schedules regular bi-weekly or monthly meetings with Center Directors ensure education services strengths or needs are discussed and met.Reviews ongoing children's assessments and screening data to plan and prepare school readiness goals.Monitors the implementation of the adopted curricula with fidelity in all classrooms and virtual services when applicable.Ensures the education and child development services are supported by staff / consultants with training and experience in areas that include the theories and principles of child growth and development, early childhood education and family support.Ensures assessments, curriculum elements and individualization are effectively provided to all children, in accordance with HS, federal, state and local regulations.Works closely with Center Directors to assess EHS / HS staff's ability to implement a research-based early learning curriculum to provide effective instructional strategies.Works closely with Family Services Specialists on parent education plans.Maintains a strong understanding of the HSPPS, ELOF, child care licensing minimum standards, health and safety regulations, and thorough knowledge of Developmentally Appropriate Practices.Familiarizes self with Infant, Toddler and PreK CLASS and Practice-Based Coaching and provides assistance to EHS / HS staff on CLASS and Practice Based Coaching. Enrolls in and begins Infant, Toddler and Pre-K CLASS reliability certification within six months after date of hire and completes before end of first year. Maintains reliability on an annual basis as required to conduct classroom observations that measure effective teacher-child interactions as per HSPPSObtains and shares knowledge, techniques, and best practices within the field of Early Childhood Education and monitors the implementation within the classroom curriculum and practices.Observes classrooms using agency approved observation tools based on annual schedule and deadlines.Makes random visits to group socializations.Develops training and educational programs for EHS / HS staff and parents.Randomly monitors, reviews and runs monthly reports from Child Plus to ensure all PIT requirements are met in compliance with timelines-45 / 90 day screenings and assessments. Disabilities ServicesManages, implements and evaluates comprehensive programs and services for children with disabilities.Ensures enrollment opportunities for children with disabilities exists at the beginning and during the program year to achieve and maintain 10% funded enrollment as per HSPPS.Develops outreach and recruitment activities with other program staff to ensure a successful recruitment effort of children with disabilities and at-risk infants, toddlers and preschoolers.Maintains regular communication with program staff to identify children who may have a disability and ensure prompt referral and follow-up; assures appropriate intervention and services of children.Develops and ensures that the disabilities service area plan addresses all of the required EHS / HS Performance Standards and ensures this plan is a working document that is updated annually.Monitors disabilities services and timelines.Ensures that each child meets the eligibility criteria as defined in the 1302 sub part C, has a current Individual Education Plan (IEP) and / or Individual Family Services Plan (IFSP).Ensures that all children requiring special education services are connected to the Local Education Agency (LEA) or Regional Center and has a current Individual Education Plan (IEP) and / or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) in place.Offers training and technical support for staff and parents in the area of education and disabilities services. Ensures that meetings with parents take place when necessary to explain or interpret any aspect of the program's disabilities services or concerns parents may have regarding their child's special needs.Works with staff to provide an environment that is inclusive for all children and families.Consults with Program Areas Managers, Center staff and Family Services Specialists as needed for disabilities services.Ensures appropriate recordkeeping and program monitoring for IEP / IFSP goal implementation for all children who are enrolled and have an IEP / IFSP in place.Works with Providers, Local Education Agencies, Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), parents and staff to transition children with IEPs / IFSPs and children from Head Start into the most appropriate placement.Participates in the development of, maintains and updates Interagency Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding with school districts, Local Education Agencies, Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) services and Regional Centers. Education CoachDevelops and implements a practice-based coaching model of professional development which includes shared goals and action planning, focused observation and reflection and feedback.Promotes excellence in daily classroom operations that support the provision of quality services for children and families and a learning environment where all staff can thrive.Provides in-classroom guidance for teachers utilizing research-based techniques, approaches and interactions to successfully facilitate the learning process for children.Engages in role modeling, coaching and theoretical instruction that complements the teacher's learning style and capabilities.Familiarizes self with Infant, Toddler, PreK CLASS and Practice-Based Coaching and provides assistance to EHS / HS staff on CLASS and Practice-Based Coaching as needed.Enrolls in and begins Infant, Toddler and Pre-K CLASS reliability certification within six months after date of hire and completes before end of first year. Maintains reliability on an annual basis as required to conduct classroom observations that measure effective teacher-child interactions as per HSPPS. Obtains and shares knowledge, techniques, and best practices within the field of Early Childhood Education and monitors their implementation within the classroom curriculum and practices.Joins EHS / HS teaching staff on home visits / parent-teacher conferences as needed; supports teachers as they work with families.Observes classroom staff using agency approved observation tools based on schedule and deadlines; uses results from observation to provide coaching with focus on teaching staff with the greatest need for improvement, creates an action development plan with each individual teacher to meet goals and enhances their abilities to provide children with developmentally appropriate classroom / center lessons / activities.Familiarizes self with and participates in the planning and implementation of school readiness goals based on an analysis of the data from children's screening and assessments to align with ELOF.Collaborates with Family Service Specialists regarding parent training and progress for children receiving behavior support intervention planning.Positively impacts the results of Child Assessments in teacher's classrooms.Evaluates and analyzes the impact of the mentoring process with the teacher on child outcome results.Maintains individual records for each teacher to track progress on a regular basis as well as accomplishments toward mastery of CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) domains. OtherCollaborates and communicates with all community partners in the service area to assure comprehensive services to families.Assures all files are in compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards.Acts as a liaison for the agency, participating in community boards, councils and advisory groups and serves as a resource for teachers.Makes regular site visits for monitoring, support and training of all teaching and center staff.Serves as a resource for teachers and other Head Start staff in providing information on education and disabilities services.Schedules staff professional development trainings and establishes and individual plan of action for improvement as needed.Assists EHS / HS Program Director and Content Area Managers with updating and implementing related program policies and procedures.Assists in ensuring parents and community meet the non-federal match (in-kind); collects and records incoming in-kind documentation.Reports all suspected child abuse to the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or to an immediate supervisor.Follows CCSCT Policies and Procedures and maintains confidentiality in all phases of agency operations.Familiarizes self with the agency's Strategic Plan and gains an overall understanding of how position contributes to the accomplishment of goals within that plan.Attends and participates in staff meetings and related activities; attends conferences, workshops, and trainings to increase professional knowledge; serves on committees as assigned.Performs other related duties as assigned or required. Hill Country Community Action Association https : / / hccaa.applicantpro.com Top of Form SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES : This position supervises employees and will carry out responsibilities in accordance with the agency's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include : recruiting, interviewing and making recommendations regarding hiring and termination of employees; planning, assigning and directing the work of employees; setting and communicating job expectations; monitoring the safety of the work area; disseminating information to staff as requested from upper management and conducting staff meetings on a regular basis for planning, management and review purposes; training and developing staff; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing and resolving problems and complaints. JOB REQUIREMENTS : Education and Experience RequirementsBachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or a closely related field.Minimum of three (3) years' experience working with children age birth to five.Minimum of six (6) months experience in a management or supervisory role.Demonstrated experience working with low-income families in a non-profit or social service organization.Must earn CLASS reliability certification within 1 year of hire date and maintain on an annual basis.Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred. Other RequirementsMust successfully complete a pre-employment criminal background check, initial health screening, TB test, drug test and motor vehicle records check. Must be able to pass regular criminal background checks and submit to TB tests as required. Must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record and have access to a reliable vehicle with current vehicle liability insurance; must be willing to travel within service area. Must be able to work Monday through Friday between the hours of 7 : 00am-6 : 00pm. Schedules may vary based on business needs.Must be able to work year round as this is a year round position. Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of disability regulations.Knowledge of federally funded Child Care programs associated with serving low-income clients (i.e. Child Care Services, Head Start) preferred.Knowledge of Texas Minimum Standards for licensing, Head Start Act and Head Start Program Performance Standards preferred.Knowledge of case management principles and counseling and interviewing techniques.Knowledge of cultural differences and sensitivity to the implications of culture for service delivery. Working knowledge of computers and intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); able to operate office machines such as fax, scanner, printer, copier, and telephone.Effective communication skills with an ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, with persons from varied ethnic, socioeconomic, educational and cultural backgrounds.Ability to read, comprehend and follow oral and written instructions.Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, and plan, organize, and manage multiple priorities.Ability to interpret and convey complex policies and procedures to families and present information to individuals and staff. Ability to meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced work environment with constant interruptions.Ability to work well in a team environment, collaborating with others to accomplish business objectives.Ability to use sound judgment and make timely decisions based on careful, objective review and analysis of available considerations and factors. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, management, program participants, and others encountered in the course of work. Ability to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events and adapt to changes accordingly in the workplace. TRAVEL : Regular travel to and from various sites throughout the CCSCT service area will be required to meet with families, providers, children and staff. Occasional out-of-state and overnight travel may be required to attend conferences. PHYSICAL DEMANDS : While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, hear, see, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and rarely required to climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Thi