EHS CCP Disability & Education Specialist

Position Summary

The Early Head Start (EHS) Disability and Education Specialist is responsible for supporting the implementation of high-quality disability and education services for infants and toddlers enrolled in the Early Head Start Child Care Partnership (EHS CCP) program. This dual-role position ensures compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) by monitoring developmental and behavioral screeners, coordinating IFSP services, supporting individualized practices, and coaching providers to deliver effective, individualized education strategies to support IFSP goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Disability Services Coordination:

• Ensure that developmental and behavioral screenings (e.g., ASQ-3, eDECA) are completed timely and accurate manner for all enrolled children.
• Track and analyze screening results and work with families and providers to coordinate referrals for further evaluation when necessary.
• Collaborate with LEAs and early intervention agencies to support the development, implementation, and review of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs).
• Monitor service delivery and ensure accommodations and modifications are integrated into classroom routines.
• Maintain all disability-related documentation and reporting in compliance with HSPPS and agency requirements.
• Monitoring developmental concerns, coordinate referrals, tracking evaluation timelines, and support the program's disability enrollment goals.
• Coordinate transition planning for children entering Early Head Start and transitioning to Preschool Early Intervention or other educational settings.

Education Support & Monitoring:

• Monitor and support the implementation of high-quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum and lesson planning aligned with IFSP goals.
• Conduct classroom and FCCH observations to assess the learning environment, instructional strategies, and child outcomes.
• Provide coaching and professional development to EHS CCP partners on inclusive practices, child development, and intentional teaching.
• Collaborate with the Education Services Manager to ensure teaching staff meet individual child goals and developmental milestones.
• Provide individualized practice-based coaching and technical assistance to providers related to inclusive practices, embedded interventions, classroom accommodations, and implementation of IFSP outcomes.
• Participate in educational home visits and parent-teacher conferences involving children with disabilities or suspected developmental delays, as appropriate.

Data & Compliance:

• Enter and track developmental screening data, referrals, and service coordination in the child data system (e.g., ChildPlus).
• Generate reports on screening completion rates, referral outcomes, and IFSP service delivery.
• Participate in self-assessments, federal reviews, and continuous quality improvement planning related to education and disability services.
• Monitor compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), IDEA Part C requirements, and District 1199C policies related to disability services.
• Analyze disability service data, identify trends, and develop recommendations to support Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), School Readiness, and program goals.
• Participate in Self-Assessment, Community Needs Assessment, federal monitoring preparation, and corrective action planning.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with the Education, Mental Health, Family empowerment Advocate, Health & Nutrition Specialist, and other team members to support a holistic approach to child and family services.
• Communicate with families regarding educational goals, developmental progress, and resources to support learning at home.
• Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and other program activities to ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Serve as the primary liaison with Early Intervention agencies and community partners to ensure timely coordination of evaluations, IFSP implementation, and transition services.
• Prepare reports and present disability service updates, as assigned, for leadership, Policy Council, Governing Board, and other stakeholders

Leadership & Continuous Quality Improvement:

• Lead ongoing monitoring of disability services to ensure compliance with HSPPS, IDEA Part C, and District 1199C policies.
• Conduct routine classroom monitoring and follow-up to support implementation of inclusive practices and individualized supports.
• Participate in interdisciplinary planning, program self-assessment, community needs assessment, and strategic planning activities.
• Identify compliance concerns, recommend corrective actions, and monitor implementation of improvement plans.
• Support federal monitoring, program reporting, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Human Development or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in early childhood education, including work with infants and toddlers with disabilities.
• Familiarity with IDEA Part C, IFSPs, early intervention systems, and inclusive education.
• Strong knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and early childhood screening tools (ASQ-3, eDECA, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to coach and support educators in applying inclusive and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Excellent communication, organization, and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and child data systems (e.g., ChildPlus) preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Must pass background checks as required by federal and state regulations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with diverse communities.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record with access to reliable transportation.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Standard office environment with frequent off-site meetings and site visits.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and computer use.
• Ability to travel within the Greater Philadelphia region for partner site visits.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and participate in classroom activities as needed.
• Flexible schedule, including evening and weekend work as necessary.

• Pension plan participation
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Paid time off, including flexible time off, sick leave, and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Hybrid schedule
• Supportive, mission-driven work environment