ESE Specialist

Position Summary: The ESE Specialist provides support for early childhood education objectives, including but not limited to curriculum and instruction, behavior management, therapy, service delivery and staff development to address the needs of students with disabilities. The ESE Specialist is responsible for facilitating eligibility determination, placement and Individual Plan (IP) meetings for students.

Areas of Responsibility:          

Monitors the curriculum of infant stimulation and preschool education to ensure that all children are receiving appropriate IP/IFSP services. 

1. Notifies Family Services Coordinator of enrollment of Medicaid eligible 0-2 year old students.
2. Ensures provision of appropriate therapies to all eligible students.
3. Coordinates Department of Education therapy services to 3-5 year old students. 
4. Ensures compliance with Department of Education recommended curriculum and assessments.
5. Maintains projection of annual admissions and discharges. 
6. Ensures completion of enrollment process for new students in a timely fashion. 
7. Ensures compliance with Department of Education standards for Teacher Certification.  

Conducts IP/IFSP meetings in a timely fashion to ensure continuity of services.

1. Ensures current IP/IFSP is part of student’s record.  
2. Schedules meetings to allow for family participation.  
3. Distributes copies of IP/IFSP to appropriate staff.   

Participates in IP staffing held at Pre-K Assessment team offices as necessary. .

1. Coordinates completion of electronic IP with Pre-K Assessment Team and/or other agency programs as appropriate.   
2. Attends scheduled meetings at Pre-K Assessment team offices as requested. 
3. Obtains information necessary to complete initial registration process.       
4. Provides all necessary documents to Preschool Coordinator for inclusion in Student Record.

Refers students as appropriate to School Board of Broward County or Early Intervention Program. 

1. Coordinates transition of services from Part C to Part B for all enrolled students beginning 6 months prior to third birthday.
2. Assists families in accessing services through Child Find for children not yet evaluated. 
3. Assists families in understanding educational services and program options available. 

Prepares and submits all necessary paperwork for FTE.

1. Ensures that all enrolled students have a current IP/IFSP. 
2. Completes all necessary documentation required by the School Board of Broward County.
3. Adheres to all guidelines and timeliness established by the School Board of Broward County. 
4. Prepares documentation for new students as required by The School Board of Broward County. 
5. Ensures adherence to FTE guidelines to maximize count of FTE eligible students. 

Secures and facilitates appropriate placement of graduating students in the least restrictive environment.

1. Schedules and conducts informational planning sessions with appropriate representatives of the School Board of Broward County.
2. Confers with families to discuss placement options and assists families in determining the most appropriate placement to meet the needs of the student and family. 
3. Assists families in accessing appropriate placement and services. 
4. Assists family in adjusting to transition to the public school system. 

Maintains community contacts to foster awareness of Ann Storck Center Preschool’s Mission Statement and service provision.

1. Establishes and maintains working relationships with Broward Early Intervention Program District 10 (AKA Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center). 
2. Establishes and maintains working relationships with The School Board of Broward County Pre-K Assessment Teams.
3. Establishes and maintains working relationships with other community agencies providing early intervention services.
4. Attends and participates in sponsored community awareness programs.  

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

1. Bachelor’s degree in elementary, early childhood or exceptional student education from an accredited college or university.
2. Valid Florida professional educator’s certification, Pre-K Certification and ESE Ceritication
3. DCF 45 Hours
4. Three (3) years teaching experience.
5. Excellent administrative, clerical and organizational skills.
6. Effective problem-solving, reasoning and critical thinking skills.
7. Must have ability to manage, create and lead programs and maintain professional working relationships.
8. Must understand diverse families and their needs and ways to support them; must demonstrate a reliable, punctual and stable working style and be able to work productively with independent initiative.
9. Computer literate (Microsoft Office).

WORKING CONDITIONS: Primary duties are in an office environment with moderate noise levels. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  ASC is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicant or employees with disabilities and will attempt to make reasonable accommodations when necessary. The following are abilities and physical requirements for this position at ASC:

1. 1. Able to lift 50 lbs. in a safe and appropriate manner utilizing standard orientation techniques.
   2. May be exposed to short, intermittent, and/or prolonged periods of sitting, standing and/or squatting in performance of job duties.
   3. Must be able to hear see, and communicate effectively in writing, using the English language, with or without reasonable accommodation. 
   4. Ability to work cooperatively with all levels of staff, exercising effective problem-solving, reasoning, and critical thinking skills