Disabilities Program Coordinator (Head Start/Early Head Start) - YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles

Job Description

Job Description

Join our team as a full time Head Start Disabilities Program Coordinator!

The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is not only the premiere non-profit in Los Angeles, it is also a great place to work, make a difference in your community and meet like-minded individuals. With twenty-eight centers, three camps and over fifty child care sites, the LA Y is a highly-collaborative, rewarding and fun environment where you will discover your passion, grow your career and make an impact!

We believe in the four Core Values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility and understand that our staff are our biggest asset! We strive to create high-performing, strong teams in each of our centers and are looking for passionate and enthusiastic staff who will help us to strengthen our impact, empower our community and deliver incredible programming!

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under the supervision of the Operations Executive Director of Early Education, the Disabilities Coordinator ensures that children with disabilities receive the services and support necessary to succeed in the Early Education Program. This individual will collaborate with staff, families, and external agencies to identify needs, coordinate services, and support compliance with Head Start Performance Standards and State Standards related to disability services.

In addition, the Disability Coordinator will oversee and coordinate the provision of direct services for children with disabilities and will serve as the liaison between YMCALA Head Start and the Regional Centers and LEAs. The Disability Coordinator is responsible for maintaining MOUs with Regional Center and LEAs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree or higher in special education, early childhood development, behavioral science, health, or a related field from a regionally accredited institution
• Experience in early childhood education and/or working with children with disabilities
• Knowledge of IDEA, ADA, State Preschool Regulations, and Head Start Performance Standards
• Knowledge of health and safety-related California Community Care Licensing Division regulations
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• TB test clearance to be renewed every two years
• Current CPR, First Aid, AED certification
• Comply with immunization, background check standards and other required screenings
• Valid Class C California driver's license (depending upon position assignment)
• English proficiency supporting professional-level verbal and written communication to children, parents and other staff members
• This position requires the final candidate to successfully pass an E-Verify check. For more information about E-Verify, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/employees/e-verify-overview

WORK ENVIRONMENT/MINIMUM PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• You must have physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Observe, see, hear, and respond to children's needs, emergencies, and conflicts that may occur in the early education center or on the playground.
• Lift 30 pounds from the floor to a waist-high table when necessary.
  Reach a child 20- 30 feet away within 30 seconds without endangering the staff person's health.
• Crouch to a child's height, maintain eye contact at the child's level, sit on the floor and stand tall enough to reach children on the highest piece of equipment.
• Be aware of the cognitive, social, and physical needs of children

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Carry out Head Start Performance Standards; requirements of the Head Start Act and the requirements of the LACOE contract and the requirements of the California Department of Education (CDE) and including program information reporting and data entry.
• Always Adheres to professional conduct (e.g., proper tone and language use in the classroom, with parents and with peers).
• Per program requirements or as directed by leadership, attends/participates in professional development activities and supervision.
• Remain current on child development practices through classes, workshops, and membership in professional organizations.
• Provide basic support and monitoring of children having or who are at risk for specific disabilities.
• Coordinate disability services for enrolled children, including screenings, referrals, and follow-up.
• Identify and coordinate services for children with disabilities in partnership with families and service providers.
• Ensure timely evaluation, diagnosis, and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) implementation.
• Monitor referral process, implementation of IEPs/IFSPs, and supporting documentation and progress tracking.
• Collaborate with education staff, families, and external specialists to develop and monitor children's IEP or IFSP's are implemented appropriately, individualized activities and instructional materials.
• Provide training and technical assistance to staff and families on disability issues and inclusion practices.
• Support teachers in implementing inclusive curriculum and classroom strategies.
• Develop and deliver training to improve instructional quality and understanding of disability services.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide coaching using evidence-based practices to support developmental outcomes.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with Head Start standards and state regulations.
• Participates in the review of ASQ-3 scores and provides follow-up in accordance with the LACOE GIMs and YMCALA Head Start Policies and Procedures.
• Partner with parents to assist the family with needs related to an identified or potential disability. Meets with parents regarding their child's behavior, development to them better understand disability related issues. Provides information to families about community resources and assists families in accessing those resources.
• Conducts home visits, as needed.
• Build partnerships with local educational and early intervention agencies by establishing Memoranda of Understanding (MOU).
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case reviews.
• Participate in recruitment efforts agency wide and LACOE recruitment requirements.
• Provide parent training.
• Responsible for tracking services and referrals into LACOE's ChildPlus database.
• Responsible for observations children as needed and referring the children for assessment and evaluation.
• Follow Up on referrals.
• Attend Coordinator meetings at LACOE and any other LACOE meetings as needed.
• Based on Head Start Performance Standards and LACOE GIM, disabilities coordinators must participate in IFSP/IEPs to help with placement.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management.
• Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Fairness) as well as the YMCA Core Values of caring, respect, honesty and responsibility in all dealings with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff.
• Demonstrate competencies in and willingness to develop in the Cause Driven Leadership areas of mission advancement, collaboration, operational effectiveness and personal growth.
• All other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

What's in it for you?