Education Special Services Coach

Company: Salisbury-Rowan Community Agency, Inc.

Position: Education Special Services Coach

Department: Head Start/Early Head Start

Status: Exempt

Reports To: Education & Special Services Manager

Schedule: Full-time/12 month

Position Summary

The Education/Special Services Mentor-Coach will provide support to the teaching staff in the implementation and coordination of quality teacher-child interactions and to ensure developmentally appropriate practices in the education and disability/mental health component of Head Start and Early Head Start. The mentor-coach will provide support to teachers with understanding of the IFSP and/or the IEP; selecting developmentally appropriate activities and materials; ongoing assessments; individualized lessons; and the referral process.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct classroom observations to monitor activities and provide support to teaching staff regarding children who have been identified as having a/suspected of having a developmental delay.
• Attends regular scheduled content area meetings regarding Head Start/Early Head Start.
• Responsible for analyzing data to determine the strengths and areas of improvement to assist with planning for services to children.
• Conduct classroom observations using Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) including debriefing sessions with teacher and center manager and follow-up in the classroom to ensure recommendations are implemented; maintain yearly reliability certification.
• Monitor center information related to disability services and mental health services and providing timely feedback and recommendations, to include announced and unannounced visits.
• Assisting with updating and/or creating policies and procedures based on Head Start Performance Standards, state licensing, best practices, and most recent updates.
• Responsible for utilizing Child Plus to maintain accurate records of children with diagnosed and/or suspected disabilities or mental health issues and reporting to Education & Special Services Manager.
• Responsible for providing supportive services to families of children with a disability or mental health needs.
• Responsible for ensuring the fidelity implementation of curriculum, lesson plans, screenings and assessments of all children.
• Assist with the screening process to identify children who have developmental concerns.
• Assist with screening results and utilize data for the purpose of monitoring children’s progress.
• Utilize technology to increase productivity.
• Responsible for acquiring additional knowledge related to federal, state and local requirements.
• Take the initiative to increase knowledge and enhance skills and strategies to be more effective and efficient.
• Responsible for any and all duties deemed necessary.

Disabilities Services

• Responsible for implementing, maintaining and evaluating disability program.
• Responsible for relaying diagnosis of children with disabilities to appropriate staff.
• Responsible for collaborating to ensure that all health needs are met for children with disabilities.
• Responsible for coordinating with other resource agencies serving children with disabilities.
• Responsible for working with teachers to identify children with disabilities and accurately completing the necessary documents.
• Responsible for working to help ensure that staff and families with disabilities receive appropriate training.
• Responsible for working toward a minimum enrollment of 10% of children with disabilities in program.

Mental Health Services

• Responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of the Mental Health Plan/Program.
• Responsible for referring families of children with Mental Health concerns to counseling.
• Responsible for coordinating with other Mental Health resource agencies.
• Responsible for ensuring that the appropriate training is provided for staff and parents as related to Mental Health.
• Responsible for assisting in the evaluation of Mental Health program.
• Responsible for assisting in locating and contracting a Mental Health professional.
• Responsible for tracking and monitoring Mental Health activities.
• Responsible to be an advocate for Mental Health within the Head Start/Early Head Start program.
• Responsible for attending functions for parents.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Technical Skills: Microsoft Office; data analysis. Knowledge of Child Plus Head Start software is a plus.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, time management, and leadership skills:
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks often simultaneously.
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines.
  • Ability to work with staff, parents, children and volunteers.
  • Strong problem solving and decision making skills.
  • Ability to keep timely and accurate records.
  • Ability to provide exceptional customer service.
  • Ability to handle stressful and sensitive situations in a professional manner.
  • Ability to interpret and implement complex policies and regulations.
  • Ability to work independently and maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
  • Ability to exercise tact and discretion in all employee interactions.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Valid North Carolina driver’s license and reliable transportation; able to periodically attend out of town conferences and training sessions.

Qualifications

Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education/Early Childhood Education or related field; at least 2 years of work experience in early childhood setting or child development and/or experience working in a day care or preschool classroom.

Preferred: Master’s Degree in Special Education/Early Childhood Education or related field, 5 years of work experience in early childhood setting or child development and/or experience working in a day care or preschool classroom; CLASS certified.

SRCAA is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.