What are the responsibilities and job description for the Early Childhood AAC Communication Consultant position at Special Services?
Reports To:
Early Childhood Special Education Administrator
Location of Work:
Special Services Building
701 South Paw Paw Street
Lawrence, MI 49079
Job Goal(s):
The primary job goal of the Early Childhood AAC Communication Consultant is to focus on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) needs for Early On and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). The consultant will provide professional support and technical assistance for the implementation of universal, targeted, or individualized AAC support access to learning in the Least Restrictive Environment for students with disabilities. Additionally, the consultant will provide critical support for our inclusion teams in the areas of AAC and assistive technology (AT) to ensure all students have access to the tools and strategies necessary for successful communication and learning.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Master’s Degree in speech/language pathology required
Certification: Michigan speech and language pathologist license required
Work Experience:
A minimum of five years as an early childhood and school-based Speech & Language Pathologist is required. Previous experience working with students who use augmentative and alternative forms of communication is highly preferred.
Skills:
- Possess the philosophy that all children can learn when provided with individualized programming to meet their unique needs
- Enthusiasm and flexibility to work collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and administrators.
- Expertise and working knowledge of operating systems and accessibility features within Apple iOS and ChromeOS.
- Ability to provide guidance and ongoing support to Individualized Education Programs (IEP) teams on the implementation of the AAC/AT decision-making framework to support students’ educational goals and progress in the school curriculum.
- Ability to support IEP teams in the ongoing use of data to monitor the use of student performance and AAC/AT effectiveness.
- Ability to serve as a liaison to local PreK, community agencies and district personnel, collaborating to support and implement AAC devices & systems, technology tools, and materials at the ISD level.
- Ability to develops, present, and facilitate effective professional learning for a variety of audiences
- Ability to collaborate with regional and statewide AAC & AT committees.
- Ability to advise school district personnel on consideration and inclusion of AAC and assistive technology (AT) on students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Ability to train and support students, parents, and school personnel in AAC and assistive technology tools and workflows using non-technical language.
- Ability to provide ongoing technical assistance regarding student communication plans..
- Able to show evidence of professional growth, including leadership and participation in a wide range of significant professional development activities.
- Possess strong knowledge of high-leverage practices and differentiated instruction.
- Ability to accept feedback and direction from the team
- Ability to collect and use data to make decisions
- Presents with a high level of kindness and professionalism.
- General professional skills, including a willingness to:
- Make child-centered decisions.
- Assume positive intentions when working with others.
- Adhere to federal, state and VBISD policies and procedures.
- Model VBISD guidelines: Respect, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence.
- Complete assigned responsibilities within agreed upon timelines.
- Seek ongoing professional learning and accept feedback in a professional way.
- Perform additional tasks, responsibilities and duties as assigned by the Director of Early Childhood and the Superintendent.
Essential Job Functions:
- Valid driver's license required
- Ability to travel across the county to provide service
- Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time
- Ability to travel to other areas across the state to access professional learning and collaboration
Terms of Employment: As per master agreement and provisions established by the Van Buren Board of Education.
This posting and our online application can be found on the Van Buren ISD’s website at www.vbisd.org under Employment. If you do not have access to a computer with internet access, you may use a computer at VBISD by calling 269-539-5218.
Position is open until filled.
In-house staff must fill out the online internal application.
