Job Description

Overview Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator oversight and leadership for development, implementation, and evaluation of special education programs for children in grades prek-2. Focus on equity-driven practices to reduce over-identification of minority students and promote inclusive education in early childhood settings. Collaborates with district leaders, school-based staff, families, and community partners to ensure culturally responsive support in the least restrictive environment. Responsibilities Equity & Identification Analyze district- and school-level data to monitor patterns of special education referrals and placements, particularly among racially and linguistically diverse students. Develop and implement processes that ensure culturally and linguistically appropriate screening and evaluation practices. Attend all change of placement meetings in preschool sites to ensure consistency and equitable access to general education. Lead professional development focused on bias-aware assessment and developmentally appropriate interventions prior to referral. Collaborate with MTSS/RTI teams to strengthen early intervention efforts that reduce unnecessary referrals. Review data and consult with IEP teams on all initial evaluations. Inclusion & Instruction Champion and oversee the expansion of inclusive early childhood classrooms, co-teaching models, and collaborative instructional planning. Provide materials, instructional assistance, and in-service activities to assist teachers in strengthening instruction and assessment practices at the building and district level. Ensure individualized education programs (IEPs) support meaningful access to the general education curriculum. Provide guidance and resources to ensure general and special educators receive training on inclusive practices and best practices in inclusive education. Monitor fidelity of inclusive service delivery and support continuous improvement. Leadership & Collaboration Supervise and support ECSE staff, including assessment team, preschool resource itinerants and therapists at the Early Learner First Steps Office. Provide instructional leadership, vision and goal setting, for all preschool special education staff. Build collaborative relationships with preschool program principals, network special education administrators, general education teachers, family engagement specialists, and community-based providers. Participate in district equity and inclusion initiatives and contribute to policy development addressing disproportionality and inclusive education. Compliance & Program Management Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and state/local regulations governing early childhood special education. Oversee budget, staffing, and resource allocation for ECSE programs. Conduct program evaluations and use data to inform improvements and communicate progress to stakeholders. Submit all ISBE required early childhood data as required for early childhood special education: transition and outcome data. Education Professional Educator License with General Administrative or Principal endorsement, or Educator License with Stipulations with a Provisional General Administrative or Principal endorsement preferred. Master’s degree or higher in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field. Experience / Knowledge At least five (5) years of building or program leadership experience with direct preschool special education supervision. Knowledge of the ISBE PFA/PFAE Implementation requirements and the monitoring process. Knowledge of early childhood development, preschool curriculum, authentic assessment, and inclusive preschool education best practices. Experience with culturally responsive practices and addressing disproportionality in special education. Knowledge of child development, early childhood education, social work or related fields. Ability to maximize district-wide systems for overall program growth and success. Effective communication skills; well-organized with time-management, problem solving, and reflective capabilities. Demonstrates professionalism by engaging with stakeholders and continuous learning; familiarity with the district and communities served. Physical Demands Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and on a computer for major portions of the work day. Occasionally requires physical exertion to move, lift, carry, pull, or push objects up to 30 lbs. with proper technique. Must have own vehicle to facilitate travel within the district. Terms of Employment This is a twelve-month work year position. Salary and benefits as established by the Board of Education. The full salary range for this position is $100,716.00 - (base information not provided in source). Miscellaneous Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Full-time Job function: Education and Training Industries: Primary and Secondary Education #J-18808-Ljbffr School District U-46

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