Ess, Early Childhood Special Education Program Specialist

Arizona Department of Education is a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents.

Job Location:

Early Childhood Special Education Unit. Tucson.

Posting Details:
Salary: $66,000 - $71,500. Grade: 21. Closing Date: 01/10/26.

• The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Program Specialist will work to make sure the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is implemented with fidelity and in complete compliance with federal and state laws to implement the IDEA's General Supervision requirements.
• Occasional in-state and rare out-of-state travel may be required for this position.

The Arizona Department of Education currently utilizes a hybrid work environment, with up to two days of remote work (contingent upon business needs). Candidates should apply with an ability and willingness to work in-office up to five days per week as business needs necessitate.

• Conduct individual Public Education Agency (PEA) and regional meetings to convey information regarding performance of Indicators 6 – Preschool Environments, 7 – Preschool Child Outcomes, and 12 – Transition to Preschool and other statistics, answer questions and create and supportive action plans to achieve best practices in school district early childhood special education instructional programs.
• Serve as statewide consultants to PEAs, other state agencies, community service providers, and parent organizations, offering technical assistance and training when requested in the area of preschool special education services to help achieve effective program services for children.
• Use research and professional journals to create and deliver professional development and technical assistance.
• Engage in statewide delivery of best practices content to improve child outcomes including presenting at local, regional, state, and national conferences in addition to regional and school meetings.
• Collaborate with Early Childhood partners such as Head Start, First Things First, Dept of Economic Security (AzEIP) and internal Exceptional Student Services (ESS) Units such as Early Childhood, Program Support and Monitoring, and Data Management.
• Assist in the development and implementation of SPP‑APR improvement activities related to Indicators 6, 7, 12.
• Work within internal supportive teams to provide specialized support to Public Education Agencies related to these indicators.

• Adult learning styles
• All Arizona statutes and regulations pertaining to Early Childhood/Special Education
• Child development and early childhood learning theory
• Early Childhood pedagogy, curriculum and quality learning environments
• Early Childhood Assessment including screening, formative and summative assessment practices and methodologies
• Quality standards including AZ Early Learning
• Standards (infant/toddler, preschool, K‑3), AZ program guidelines for High Quality Early Childhood Programs Birth through Kindergarten, and Quality First;
  Council for Exceptional Children/Division of Early Childhood positions statements and resources
• Early childhood/early childhood special education professional and advocacy organizations
• Knowledge and experience implementing Individuals with Disabilities Education law and regulations to support inclusion practices of all children
• Expertise in professional development best practices for adult learners
• Competence in research methods, data analysis, assessment and evaluation
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating early childhood programs for program effectiveness
• A bachelor’s degree in early childhood special education or special education with an ECE Endorsement or related field, or equivalent experience to substitute for the degree, is required.

• Experience in providing professional development and/or technical assistance
• Administering or teaching in Early Childhood Special Education Program preferably within a school district

• Public speaking, effective writing, and oral communication
• Organization, time management, and ability to attend to multiple tasks
• Develop and deliver professional…