POSITION SUMMARY
Oversees the coordination, and delivery of services to children with special needs/disabilities and their families in accordance with federal, state and program guidelines. Assist the health team to develop/create health policies and procedures and support the implementation of them. The Health/Disability & Special Needs Coordinator works in collaboration with early intervention service systems to ensure the receipt of all services due to children and families are delivered in a timely and family-centered manner. Identifies, develops, and connects families with relevant resources to support children with special needs/disabilities. Provides on-going professional development and education to EHS staff in support of children with special needs/disabilities and their families.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in the coordination, implementation and development of EHS daily activities, program goals and procedures aimed to achieve maximum program participation, effectiveness and efficiency for children, families and staff.
- Organize the screening, referral, assessment and evaluation processes for children birth to three years old with or suspected disabilities.
- Oversee on-going assessment for children with IFSP’s and Participate in IFSP or IEP meetings, as required.
- Supports families of children with special needs upon initial screening and through the development of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Provide initial and on-going training and technical support for EHS, especially EC Educators, on health, child development and education issues surrounding screening, assessment and the development of children with special needs, including individualization of the program curriculum and the integration of IFSPs and IEPs.
- Support best practices for including families with children with special needs into all aspect of the EHS program.
- Provide in-home support for families with young children 0-3 years old with special needs/disabilities, as needed.
- Assist with and advocate for, in partnership with the family: coordination of evaluations to determine eligibility for services; development of an IFSP with local Part B & C partners; coordination of services; and smooth transitions between service providers and service delivery systems.
- Ensure that transition services begin six months before the child’s third birthday.
- Ensure there is a transition plan for each family with an infant or toddler with a disability and that services are provided accordingly.
- Develop strong collaborative relationships with schools, communities and service agencies to coordinate referral processes and service delivery for program families, including meetings with partner agencies. Help collaborative partners to schedule services and assist in service logistics as needed.
- Work flexible hours in order to meet the needs of families (e.g., evenings or Saturdays).
- In collaboration with Director, Early Childhood Education Manager Program Quality & Data Manager, develop outreach and information strategy about EHS, services & resources for families with children with special needs/disabilities.
- Identify and bring in new resources for families, new opportunities and partnerships.
- Provide and maintain appropriate data and files of the children and families in accordance with EHS and LAEP policies, rules, regulations, and program procedures.
- Document services, time and expenses in accordance with EHS, and LAEP policies, rules, regulations, and program procedures.
- Arrange transportation assistance for families to attend meetings, socializations, and other EHS events, as needed.
- Participate in EHS and Early Childhood & Family Engagement staff meetings, trainings and other department and staff programs.
- Represent LAEP and EHS at community meetings as requested.
- Maintain a professional attitude, confidentiality, and respect cultural differences.
- Participate in reflective supervision meetings with the EHS team.
- Attend and participate in meetings and trainings, including evening meetings and out-of-town travel.
- Facilitate Special Needs Parent Support Group.
- Maintain up to date ChildPlus reports regarding clients with concerns or with disabilities
- Assist in program evaluation as required by Early Head Start.
- Collaborate with the health team to develop, review, and update health-related policies and procedures in alignment with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS).
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local health regulations, including immunization and health screening requirements.
- Track and ensure follow-up care for identified health concerns, including referrals and treatment plans.
- Provide health education to families and staff on topics such as nutrition, hygiene, oral health, and preventive care.
- Promote wellness initiatives and healthy practices in classroom and home environments.
- Maintain accurate health records in ChildPlus or other data systems. Monitor health-related data for compliance and quality improvement purposes.
- Partner with local health departments, clinics, and community health organizations to expand services for families.
- Serve on the Early Head Start Health Advisory Committee and other related committees.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
