Disabilities Services Specialist

Summary

Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) recognizes and appreciates the strengths of our workforce. We strive to provide a professional and supportive environment where employees can achieve their career goals. The WACOG workforce is encouraged to focus on their strengths and abilities to reach their full potential. WACOG is the Head Start Grantee for Mohave, La Paz and Yuma Counties. Our programs focus on school readiness for all children and families.

As a leader in quality early childhood programs in the area, WACOG is a champion of developmentally appropriate practices.

Under direction, plan, coordinate, train, implement, monitor, evaluate and support the Disabilities content area for WACOG Head Start in Yuma, La Paz and Mohave Counties.

• Implement and manage the Disabilities content in conjunction with other Specialists to ensure the full range of Head Start services are provided to all children with disabilities or, developmental delays enrolled in the program, in accordance with department procedures, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and Federal and State compliance standards.
• Ensure the timely recruitment and enrollment of children with disabilities, including children with severe disabilities. Responsible for ensuring all LEA referrals for diagnosed children are processed in accordance with Head Start/LEA timelines.
• Implement and manage disabilities services by coordinating activities with Center Managers, Family Development Advocates, teaching staff and parents. Ensure the scheduling of required diagnostic evaluations with LEAs or appropriate consultants and coordinating Eligibility/IEP Meetings with school district personnel, staff and parents.
• Consult with Mental Health Consultant when need arises for additional classroom supports, for possible Classroom Engagement Aide placement as available.
• Ensure all paperwork and other documentation related to the provision of disabilities services are in compliance with regulations.
• Ensures Head Start special education referrals, parental consents, IEP/IFSP development and multidisciplinary team meetings are accomplished according to Head Start timelines. Collaborate with local LEAs to share data for children with disabilities, recruit children, and develop/promote shared trainings per formal Memorandums of Agreements with each LEA.
• Ensure that all child data for children with disabilities is properly entered in Child Plus and MTS systems.
• Ensures most appropriate placement of children with special needs in least restrictive environments within the program.
• Regularly schedule classroom observations and review children's files and IEP/IFSP documents to ensure specific goals, objectives and activities are being implemented; ensure children’s progress is accurately documented.
• Ensure integration of typical and special education IEP/IFSP goals and objectives in Head Start classrooms.
• Provide direction and support to the multidisciplinary team in developing a Section 504 Accommodation Plan when a child is determined eligible.
• Ensure a functional transition process is in place and is implemented for children with disabilities entering and leaving the Early Head Start or Head Start program.
• Ensure Head Start facilities are accessible and compliant for individuals with disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 Rehabilitation Act.
• Maintain the confidentiality of all children, staff and parents in accordance with the Head Start Confidentiality Policy.
• Identify and establish collaborative networks and working relationships with LEAs, local community agencies and other programs providing special education and mental health services to children ages 0-5 years.
• Plan, coordinate, and provide in-service training activities, including trainings specific to:
  Head Start diagnostic criteria, agency adopted data systems, disability law, special education process, inclusion, classroom accommodations, and behavioral issues & support techniques for children identified or suspected of disabilities.
• Review and process monthly billing and activity reports of contracted Speech/Language Pathologist and Occupational…