Education Program Specialist

The Ohio Department of Children and Youth is seeking an Education Program Specialist to work in its Preschool Special Education section in Franklin County. The successful candidate will have experience analyzing and interpreting educated-related data, working with students with disabilities as well as their families, and/or working with school administrators. This position will provide the opportunity to improve the educational results and functional outcomes for young children with disabilities.

Major Responsibilities And Duties

As part of Ohio’s system of general supervision, monitors the implementation of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 by educational agencies, focusing on the provision of special education and related services for preschool children ages three through five ensuring access to a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. In addition, provides guidance and technical support to educational agencies, parents, family members, advocates and state and local organizations regarding topics specific to preschool special education. Also, serves as a resource for policy development and implementation to ensure IDEA requirements are executed at the state and local levels.

Monitoring Duties Include

• Examining the local educational agency’s policies, procedures and evidence of implementation using a differentiated monitoring process.
• Reviewing the state’s educational data to verify and track local educational agencies’ compliance and performance with individualized education program (IEP), evaluation, and reevaluation timelines, child outcomes, least restrictive environment and transition from IDEA Part C (Early Intervention) to IDEA Part B (Preschool Special Education).
• Approving and tracking corrective actions that result from the monitoring process, and ensuring timely correction within required federal timelines.
• Collaborating with the Department of Education and Workforce to verify, analyze and prepare the state education data to meet both state and federal reporting requirements (e.g., the Special Education Profile, Annual Performance Report/State Performance Plan, Special Education Ratings).
  
  

Technical Assistance Duties Include

• Providing early resolution strategies to parents, families, educators and administrators regarding IDEA Part B compliance concerns.
• Provides guidance to state support teams, local educational agencies, educational service centers, county boards of developmental disabilities, families, advocates and state and local organizations that support and/or serve young children with disabilities and their families.
• Provides targeted technical assistance, professional development and coaching on preschool special education topics for preschool special education professionals, which includes:
• Planning, scheduling and coordinating professional development opportunities, both synchronous and asynchronous.
• Directing, coordinating and providing training for regional professional development providers (i.e., state support teams) and/or education agencies.
• Collaborating with the Department of Education and Workforce to provide technical assistance, develop training, and review and revise the Education Management Information System (EMIS) Manual to support educational agencies in reporting data related to the education of children with disabilities.
  

Policy Duties Include

• Coordinating with state and local agencies responsible for the birth through age 21 special education system in accordance with the regulations for IDEA Part B.
• Collaborating with the Department of Education and Workforce to produce policy and procedural guidance, communications, tools and resources specific for the preschool special education professionals.
• Collaborating with the Department of Education and Workforce in reviewing and facilitating changes to statutes and regulations for the Education of Students with Special Needs (i.e., Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3301-51).
  
  

Education

Completion of a master’s degree in one of the following content areas which must include a focus, concentration, or certification in special education (i.e., early childhood education, elementary education, child development, special education, family studies, curriculum and instruction, education administration/leadership, public policy, psychology, assessment and evaluation); and 3 years of experience in one of the following:

• Working with young children with disabilities in one of the following capacities (i.e., teacher, administrator, professional development provider, monitoring, licensing, technical assistance provider, family and community engagement provider, teacher mentor, related services provider).
• Providing support and/or services to those who work with young children with disabilities working in one of the following capacities (i.e., teacher, administrator, professional development provider, monitoring, licensing, technical assistance provider, family and community engagement provider, teacher mentor, related services provider).
  
  

Organization

Department of Children and Youth

Agency Contact Name and Information

Ashley.Sydebotham@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov

Unposting Date

Ongoing

Work Location

Children&Youth N. High Complex

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation

$32.80

Schedule

Full-time

Work Hours

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Classified Indicator

Unclassified

Union

OCSEA

Primary Job Skill

Educational Support

Technical Skills

Education, Public Relations

Professional Skills

Problem Solving, Written Communication

Agency Overview

About us:

Our mission is to promote positive, lifelong outcomes for Ohio youth through early intervention, quality education, and family support programs. At DCY, we offer our employees a rewarding work experience in public service helping Ohioans achieve a sustainable lifestyle that includes generous benefit options and a flexible work life balance making our agency a great place to work!

To learn more about DCY, please visit our website at  Department of Children and Youth | Ohio.gov.