Disabilities Coordinator

Start Early (formerly known as the Ounce) is an energized, future-focused organization devoted to providing quality early learning and care across the country.

Our desire to close the opportunity gap and build more equitable early learning experiences for our youngest learners guides everything we do. As a leader in early learning and care, we scale our deep expertise across program, policy and research through partnerships across the country.

We are recruiting individuals who want to join us in this mission and share a commitment to our core values of appreciation & respect, empowerment, diversity, excellence, learning and communication.

Become part of our rewarding, mission-driven culture! We want our employees to feel empowered, motivated, energized, and passionate about the work they do.

The Disabilities Coordinator ensures Head Start/Early Head Start programs are developed with adherence to the Head Start Performance Standards and the state and local requirements for Disability Services for young children. Implements systems and procedures, develops training, and provides technical assistance for the delivery of quality services to young children with diverse needs within Grantee Disability Services component area.

This position will ensure all Disability services across center and home-base programs are implemented within the Grantee.

Reporting to the Disabilities Manager, you will:

• Ensure Head Start/Early Head Start programs actively track program effectiveness with meeting the 10% enrollment performance standard of children with disabilities in the Grantee Head Start/Early Head Start Programs.
• Monitor the quality of services provided by the Grantee Head Start/Early Head Start programs with the assurance programs are implementing disability services as indicated in the Performance Standards. Develop trainings, resources and procedures and provide technical support to ensure cohesive and quality service.
• Ensure ongoing monitoring of developmental screenings are taking place within 45 calendar days of a child’s enrollment into each Head Start/Early Head Start program. In addition, ensure any children failing any screenings will result in additional observations, annotated documentation, and up to an evaluation for service for those children.
• Schedule and conduct monitoring visits to review disability documents and plans, including Part C and LEA agreements. Support programs when identified, to coordinate the referral process of children to LEA when the need emerges, to ensure children with suspected delays, disabilities, and/or behavioral concerns are evaluated for potential services.
• Promote coordination and integration of education, disabilities, and health services and systems for the most cohesive and beneficial service delivery.
• Work collectively with Part C and LEA partners to create collaborative agreements to access services and support children with suspected and/or identified disabilities. Ensure programs have procedural safeguards in place that assures parents have been notified and understand their rights and due process procedures prior to an IEP meeting.
• Conduct monitoring visits where disabilities folders, plans, Part C & LEA agreements, and mental health service provider contracts are reviewed. Ensure the programs have a written Disabilities Service plan and is actively following the plan, assessing its success, and revising it as needed.
• With Disabilities Manager's assistance, provide trainings for Head Start/Early Head Start staff and parents on topics related to children’s special needs, typical and atypical development, disability awareness, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and IDEA. Will conduct in service trainings at the sites and on-site training and technical assistance.
• In collaboration with the Disabilities Manager, assist with developing memorandums of understanding with Local Education Agencies to ensure the timely evaluation and services of all children identified as benefitting from further evaluation.
• Performs other job-related duties as requested.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education (or related field). Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ experience in program development/program management. Prior experience working with children with disabilities preferred.
• Knowledgeable of theories and principles of child growth, development, and early childhood education.
• Knowledge of local and federal regulations and referral procedures for children with disabilities.
• Knowledge of Part B & C of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Familiarity with various preschool curriculums and assessment systems.
• Communicate effectively and function well with parents, staff and various professional community groups.
• Experience in working with culturally diverse populations.
• Strong analytical, communication (both written and verbal), interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Must understand Head Start/Early Head Start Performance Standards and local licensing requirements.
• Bilingual preferred, but not required.
• Deep commitment in advancing diversity, racial equity, and inclusion into organizational routines and practice.
• Effectively establish and maintain effective relationships with customers and gain their trust and respect.
• Comfort and experiences in handling risk and uncertainty to move work forward.

Salary: $60,000 - $65,000

Our generous benefit plan includes:

Comprehensive Health Plans, Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Holistic Wellness Program, Professional Development Program, 401k Contribution, Paid Volunteer Days, 6 months paid parental leave and much more.

Start Early is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to our core values by creating an inclusive environment for all staff.