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Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is one of the largest school districts in the United States, serving over 320,000 students in 600+ schools and employing approximately 40,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life.  In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Office of Diverse Learner Supports Services (ODLSS) is responsible for student evaluations, creating and monitoring Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and working with schools, staff, and families to fulfill these plans towards greater student development and achievement. ODLSS uses a data-driven approach to best support the needs of each individual student and does so in compliance with federal and state regulations regarding special education, including the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. 

Illinois STAR NET Region V is operated under an early childhood special education grant awarded by the Illinois State Board of Education to Chicago Public Schools District 299. STAR NET offers training, intensive technical assistance, and communities of practice to families of young children with disabilities and to the teachers, administrators, and support staff who serve children ages 3-5 with disabilities. 

Job Summary: 

Reporting to the ODLSS Program Manager, the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Resource Specialist will work as part of ODLSS’ dedicated team of Illinois STAR NET professionals to provide training, consultation, and technical assistance to educators and families of children ages 3-5 with  disabilities.

The ECSE Resource Specialist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Develop, conduct, and facilitate training events throughout Illinois (primarily in Chicago); 
• Attend project and statewide meetings as well as conferences; 
• Provide on-site consultations with teachers and support staff;
• Provide ongoing virtual and on-site technical assistance and intensive technical assistance, resources and library services to teachers and support staff in early childhood programs as related to best practices, professional staff development, needs assessment, conflict resolution, and outcomes evaluation;
• Lead communities of practice (COP) cohort groups for teachers, administrators and support staff around identified areas of need, including but not limited to early childhood outcomes, transition, inclusive practices, and the Pyramid Model of Social/Emotional Development;
• Collaborate with other STAR NET regions in the development of statewide trainings/events such as the statewide STAR NET Professional Development Networking Opportunity, Sharing A Vision Conference, IRC conferences, and other conferences as determined by the ISBE liaison for the STAR NET project;
• Collaborate, coordinate and maintain communication with other entities and professional development organizations when appropriate;
• Serve on statewide committees and ad hoc groups as assigned by the project director and ISBE Principal Consultant;
• Focus on the School Performance Plan Indicators: Least Restrictive Environment, Transition, and Early Childhood  Outcomes and the Division of Early Childhood Recommended Practices;
• Assist in upkeep and  maintenance of the STAR NET Chicago website and registration platforms;
• Other duties as assigned 

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the ECSE Resource Specialist must possess the following qualifications: 

Education Required: 

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, required. Concentration in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special  Education, or related field, preferred 
• Professional Educators License (PEL) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), highly preferred

Experience Required: 

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience teaching or providing services to children or families of children with IEPs, ages 3-5, required 
• Experience working with community organizations, working with families, and/or consulting with teachers and other early childhood staff

Other Requirements: 

• Overnight stays are occasionally required.
• Ability to lift 10 pounds to transport presentation materials and resources to recipients.
• Access to reliable transportation to travel between work sites is required.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel with a reliable vehicle preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Understanding of early childhood best practices as recommended by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Division of Early Childhood  (DEC); 
• Understanding of adult learning theory;
• Motivated self-starter with excellent time management skills;
• Ability to work collaboratively with team members to achieve common goals; 
• Familiarity with Illinois’ special education rules and regulations;
• Excellent verbal and written skills; 
• Public speaking and/or training experience; 
• Computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Google Suites, and Zoom
• Knowledge of culturally and racially responsive practices

Conditions of Employment

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

• Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency -Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
• Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 -Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. “Up-to-date” on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.