Head Start Education and Disabilities Specialist

Head Start Education and Disabilities Specialist

Job  –

Location:

Greater Hartford

Since 1966, the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) has been dedicated to providing innovative, high‑quality, and cost‑effective educational programs and services to meet the diverse needs of children and adults in Greater Hartford. CREC supports approximately 12,000 students annually through more than 120 educational programs.

The Education and Disabilities Specialist supervises the planning, organizing, and implementation of education services for children and supports the coordination and implementation of curriculum, assessment systems, training and professional development initiatives, and classroom operation. The specialist ensures compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and all federal, state, and local entities.

• Oversee implementation of Creative Curriculum, CT Early Learning and Development Standards, Head Start Early Learning Framework, and OEC regulations; monitor compliance.
• Train, supervise, and evaluate Education Coordinators; assist with recruitment and hiring of education staff.
• Develop systems for monitoring lesson plan implementation, teacher‑child interactions, CLASS, active supervision, behavior management, and transitions.
• Coordinate with local agencies and Education Coordinators to align IFSP/IEP with curriculum and ensure accommodations per IDEA.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director to develop program‑wide School Readiness Goals and report outcome data.
• Work with Early Childhood Clinicians to integrate mental health and implement behavior management plans.
• Create an annual training and technical assistance plan based on child outcomes and coach needs.
• Maintain classroom supply inventory and coordinate orders.
• Participate in meetings to address parent concerns related to child progress and special needs.
• Implement a Practice‑Based Coaching model and maintain positive community presence.
• Prepare for federal monitoring visits and compile required data.
• Maintain training records in Child Plus database.
• Support early education and family service best practices and confidentiality.
• Carry out content‑relevant MOUs and foster a positive culture aligned with CREC mission.
• Ensure compliance with all Head Start Performance Standards and other entities.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood or related field and two years of supervisory experience.
• Experience supervising staff and implementing curriculum.
• Experience in special education and working directly with children with special needs (preferred).
• Knowledge of Head Start, Child Care licensing, and/or NAEYC accreditation (preferred).
• Experience with Child Plus and/or Smart Teach tools (preferred).

Valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s License required; reliable personal vehicle necessary for on‑site supervision, meetings, trainings, and professional learning opportunities.

Prolonged standing/movement, frequent bending, lifting up to 50 lbs, fine motor skills for small objects, strong verbal communication, and ability to work in varied noise levels.

• Health Insurance, Life Insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Comprehensive time off, Employee Assistance Program, Bereavement leave.
• Credit Union Access, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Network Groups.
• Professional learning opportunities through CREC University.
• 15% partnership tuition discount with Springfield College.

CREC strives to confront racism and prejudice, ensuring respect for people of all identifiers.

Statement describes general job content and does not exhaust all duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.