The Role
Supports Head Start education and special-needs services by monitoring screenings, assessments, referrals, curriculum fidelity, records, reporting, and regulatory compliance. Provides technical assistance to staff, coordinates services with managers and center directors, maintains confidentiality, addresses concerns, and travels throughout the service area. Requires an associate degree or higher, relevant experience working with children and families, bilingual ability, background clearance, health screening, coursework in mandated topics, and a valid driver’s license.
Summary Generated by Built In
POSITION: EDUCATION SPECIAL NEEDS SPECIALIST
REPORTS TO: ECUATION SPECIAL NEEDS MANAGER
PAY RANGE LEVEL: 16.0
PROGRAM FUNDS: GAA N/A WIC N/A HS 60% MHS 40%
FLSA STATUS: NON-EXEMPT
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: NONE
SCHEDULE: FULL-TIME
REVISION DATE: 09/12/2025
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Education Special Needs Manager, this position will follow Head Start Performance Standards, all Agency and Program policies and procedures and applicable Federal and State regulations to successfully accomplish Agency and Program goals and objectives. Participate fully and work cooperatively as a team member; under management guidance address complaints and resolve problems effectively and efficiently.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensures program compliance with all applicable laws and regulations on areas of responsibility described above
- Updates and develops plans, systems, policies and procedures and forms that support program services in education and special needs
- Monitors timely screenings and assessments for education and special needs. Ensures referrals and follow-ups and identifies needs, including support as needed to meet program requirements
- Monitors classroom curriculum fidelity and other support services related to education and special needs
- Monitors collection and maintenance of records and data pertinent to education and special needs. Support the preparation and submission for all reports as required, including the annual Program Information Report (PIR)
- Provides support and technical assistance to center staff and others related to the assigned area.
- Communicates and works cooperatively with managers, center directors and other coordinators to ensure successful integration of services
- Participates fully and works cooperatively as a team member within the Child & Family Support department, the program and the agency: addresses complaints and works to resolve problems effectively and efficiently
- Maintain confidentiality with information and records concerning children, families and staff
- Travel frequently within program service area including possible overnight stays, as required
- Other duties as assigned within the scope of position classification
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Associates Degree or higher in Sociology, Early Childhood Education, Human Development or related field.
- Three or more years of experience working with children and families in an education, health or social services setting.
Other Requirements
- State regulations require a physical examination, current tuberculosis test, and verified fingerprint and criminal records clearance before beginning work.
- Bilingual, bi-literate, English/Spanish, English/Punjabi, English/Hmong, and/or other language ability based on program needs is required.
- Education must have previously included or must be able to successfully complete course work in child abuse, substance abuse and domestic violence within one year of date of hire.
- Possession of a valid drivers' license; current personal vehicle insurance, or safe driving record sufficient to ensure insurability through Agency policy. Must be able to drive to conduct agency business.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to read and comprehend documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
- Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Possess and maintains the necessary skill level in technology systems and software required to perform individual job duties.
- Ability to speak effectively before groups of parents or employees of organization.
- Ability to add, subtracts, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compare rate, ratio and percent.
- Ability to understand and use a variety of computer applications and appropriate software, including spreadsheets, word processing; and workplace electronic technology, including internet access and email.
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form.
- Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized or not standardized situation.
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to diversity and understanding the needs of families from different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Awareness of community resources and services.
- Effective organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to problem solve and be proactive.
- Ability to work and communicate effectively and professionally with coworkers, parents, children and members of the community.
- Ability to travel occasionally within and outside the Head Start service area.
- Ability to learn and comply with Head Start Performance Standards, Federal, State and local laws concerning the operation of child care centers.
This job description is not a contract for employment. Duties may be changed at the Administration’s discretion. The employee is expected to do other duties as assigned, which obviously fall within the scope of this job. E Center is an “At Will” employer.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Associates Degree or higher in Sociology, Early Childhood Education, Human Development or related field.
- Three or more years of experience working with children and families in an education, health or social services setting.
Skills Required
- Associate degree or higher in Sociology, Early Childhood Education, Human Development, or a related field
- Three or more years of experience working with children and families in an education, health, or social services setting
- Bilingual and biliterate ability, such as English/Spanish, English/Punjabi, English/Hmong, or another program-needed language
- Physical examination and current tuberculosis test before beginning work
- Verified fingerprint and criminal records clearance before beginning work
- Completion of coursework in child abuse, substance abuse, and domestic violence, or ability to complete it within one year of hire
- Valid driver’s license, current personal vehicle insurance, and safe driving record sufficient for agency insurability
- Ability to travel within and outside the Head Start service area, including possible overnight stays
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The Company
What We Do
E Center is a non-profit agency dedicated to building healthy communities through education, employment, and environmental awareness. They provide a range of services including Early Head Start, Head Start, and WIC programs for low-income families with children aged 0-5 in Northern California, and support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness through their CalAIM program.
