Special Programs Coordinator - Upbring

Overview

About Upbring 

At Upbring, we are servants on a mission to break the cycle of child abuse. We are warriors, brave as the thousands of Texas Children and families we serve. We stand up for those who can’t speak for themselves. We are a family who values innovation, empathy, patience, understanding and trustworthiness.  

About Our Head Start Centers

Upbring Head Start Preschool provides a safe, inclusive place to learn, grow and thrive. The families receive support and services to complement the child’s education as the kindergarten transition nears.

What You'll Do

Under the supervision of the Special Program Director, the Special Programs Coordinator shall monitor, assess, and advise the program and its partner agencies in the application of, and compliance with local, state, and federal regulations in the delivery of educational services for children with disabilities and their families enrolled in the Head Start and Early Head Start Program. The SPS Coordinator is responsible for the ongoing supervision and evaluation of staff, administrative support as needed for specialized programs, and assistance with ensuring that students who require support and students with an identified disability have the academic and social-emotional support services they need to achieve their highest potential according to all applicable Head Start Program Performance Standards and state guidelines. The SPS Coordinator will also oversee the effectiveness and operational efficiency of Head Start/ Early Start disability service areas and programs. This position also coordinates, supports, guides, and oversees Special Programs Specialists who work with students with disabilities.

Our Upbring staff members are servant-leaders who are pursuing breaking the cycle of child abuse and empowering others to do the same through example. They embody our core values: We are Warriors, Servants, and Family.

*This position is year-round and scheduled accordingly

Responsibilities

We Are Warriors | We Set the Standards for Child Education

Work Standards 

• Coordinates, monitors, and evaluates the effectiveness and operational efficiency of Head Start/ Early Start disability service areas as related to children
• Helps develop and maintain strong working relationships with ISD’s and ECI staff to guarantee children's and family’s needs, program goals, and objectives are being met
• Ensure that all 504 Plans, IEP’s, IFSP’s, and internal IAP’s meet the needs and specific accommodations necessary for all children, in compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines.
• When necessary, consult with and assist campus-based 504 administrators, LSSPs, school nurses, regular class teachers, counselors, administrators, and parents to meet the educational needs of students eligible under Section 504.
• Comply with the company code of conduct and other applicable regulations and requirements, including Licensing Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), Upbring policies and procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements
• Staff must not use/impose corporal punishment or other forms of child maltreatment as a method to discipline children
• Represents the Upbring Head Start Special Programs Department as needed or assigned
• Develop training options and/or improvement plans to ensure the best operation in the area of special populations
• Contribute to the recommendation of sound policies directed toward program improvement
• Demonstrate awareness of district/community and parent needs and initiate activities to meet those needs
• Participate in the ongoing development and design of services for children with disabilities
• Designs, coordinates, and delivers professional development needs of parents and members of the special programs department.
• Assist the Special Programs Director in the evaluation and supervision of staff
• Be knowledgeable about the Student Information System adopted by Upbring Head Start and provide ongoing support to staff regarding the special education components of the system.
• Serves as a resource person for admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committees as needed
• Stay up-to-date with federal and state regulations regarding special education and assessment practices
• Serve as a resource to Special Programs Specialists, administrators, and staff on issues related to students with disabilities

Communication  

• Immediately communicate with the supervisor all concerns related to child health and safety
• Document all activities that relate to contact with families and specific program objectives
• Maintain up-to-date documentation by utilizing forms authorized by the Special Program Director and uploading all applicable documents related to students with a suspected or confirmed disability in the online database system in a timely manner
• Actively participate in two-way communication among co-workers to ensure all staff is informed of pertinent information regarding special program activities.
• Completion of documentation and recordkeeping in a timely and accurate manner and maintained as required by all applicable regulations.
• Works with ISD leadership staff to ensure that school-based services are being utilized via school counselor or social worker for children with reported maladaptive behaviors.
• Maintains and facilitates communication with and between the Special Programs Director and Special Programs Specialist.
• Coordinate with the Special Program Specialists to ensure all documents are completed in a timely manner and are prepared for Admission, Review, and Dismissal meetings.
• Consult with Special Program Specialist to develop educational strategies for students with disabilities
• Make recommendations to the Special Programs Director regarding campus/staff needs based on assessment
• Promotes communication and program development in Special education to provide a continuum of services for students with disabilities

We Are Servants | We Help Others

Teamwork

• Engage in comprehensive integrated planning with the Special Programs Director and other Head Start leaders
• Oversees the special education inventory of equipment/materials
• Oversees, monitors, and participates as necessary in IAPs for students with suspected disabilities based on data and screeners. Seek guidance and support from the supervisor for mitigating concerns: inclusive but not limited to classroom management, behavior management, child health and safety, child development, and any other concerns requiring intervention
• Conducts observations of Special Program Specialists and provides ongoing feedback and support
• Participates in ARD meetings when appropriate
• Assist in the identification of needs for the Special Programs Department, and assist in prioritizing topics for professional development
• Designs, develops, implements, and conducts training and staff development activities for faculty and administrators concerning assigned subject areas and programs as directed; oversees staff development activities conducted by others.
• Collaborate in developing, compiling, and updating annual department handbooks and operating guidelines
• Assist in monitoring and determining special education caseloads and schedules
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships and partnerships with ISD and ECI staff to guarantee children and family’s needs and program goals and objectives are being met
• Work closely with the Special Program Director, Mental Health Director, Regional Director, Ed Coaches, and Center Director to ensure Head Start regulations, licensing standards, and Agency policies and practices are managed and administered properly and efficiently and support the needs of Head Start
• Engage in comprehensive, integrated planning with the management team such as Directors, Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, and other Head Start leaders
• Develops a working relationship with the ISD special education evaluation team and the ECI evaluation team, serves as a liaison to assure evaluation timelines are being followed, and updates parents/guardians of progress.

We Are Family | We Are Passionate & Compassionate

Building Relationships

• Work as a team player and exhibit professional behavior and a positive attitude with both internal and external clients that reflects positively on the Agency and is consistent with Agency policies and practices
• Actively participate in exhibiting cultural awareness and sensitivity when interacting with youth, parent(s)/guardian(s), staff, and the community

Developing & Engaging Others

• Coach and support staff to ensure they have the necessary tools and resources needed to optimize performance, ensure established program goals, and achieve operational excellence.
• Communicate with direct reports in periodic one-on-one meetings
• Organize and deliver regularly scheduled staff meetings to communicate present, ongoing, and future updates of pertinent information, projects, and initiatives
• Work closely with the management team to interview, hire, and onboard new employees who are strong cultural fits for Upbring
• Work in collaboration with leadership and the People and Culture Team to arrange training; when needed, coordinate and/or provide in-service training for staff development
• Regularly review employee performance, including goals and progress, to provide developmental feedback: use applicable agency development tools to facilitate growth and development in staff
• Draft and issue the 90-day and annual evaluations, along with supporting documentation, as per established procedures; work in collaboration with staff to set goals during evaluation periods
• Maintain the daily functions of the Special Programs office in the absence of the director
• Supervises Special Programs Specialists in conjunction with the Special Programs Director

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Early Childhood Education, Special Education or related field
• Texas Teacher Certificate with endorsement in Special Education
• Three or more years of professional experience in special education, education, or related experience
• Working knowledge of Special Education processes and law (Child Find, FIE, REED, ARD, Procedural Safeguards, FAPE, etc.)
• Experience in an Early Childhood setting
• Two or more years of supervisory experience
• Working knowledge of 504 plans
• Working knowledge in the Special Education referral process and evaluation systems
• Experience coaching/mentoring teachers and/or providing professional development
• Campus leadership experience in Special Education

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Education, Special Education, or a related field
• Four or more years working as a special education teacher
• Experience in Applied Behavioral Analysis

Perks at Upbring

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more! 
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted Gym Memberships 

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. Belonging  

We are a diverse and inclusive Organization that recognizes our strength is in the efforts of our selfless warriors. Honoring and recognizing the value and dignity of all individuals is the cornerstone of our agency. The more diverse the individuals, thought processes and lived experiences, the greater the opportunity is to combine unique perspectives to make a greater impact. Our trust, respect, and appreciation for one another is demonstrated through our communication, celebration of progress and relentless effort to be at our best TO FULLFILL OUR MISSION OF BREAKING THE CYCLE OF CHILD ABUSE.

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status.