Early Intervention Manager - Head Start Program

Capital Area Community Services, inc.; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. is seeking a qualified leader to manage the Disability Services and Mental Health Services within Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

The role oversees referrals, interventions, and collaboration with school districts and community partners to ensure services align with IDEA requirements and least restrictive environments. The candidate will supervise staff, promote family involvement, and develop systems for screening, evaluation, and service delivery

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or Education field.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in managing others.
• Minimum 2 years' experience providing early childhood services.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct supervision and leadership to the Disability Services and Mental Health areas of the Program.
• Coordinates intervention services provided to Head Start and Early Head Start enrolled children.
• Initiates and monitors referrals for children in need of special education and early intervention evaluation.
• Assures that both internal and external referrals receive responses and are addressed timely.
• Collects and analyzes data to ensure systems and procedures are effective and efficient.
• Works collaboratively with other Managers to integrate screening data for individualized planning and further assessment.
• Advocates for children, parents, and the program to obtain appropriate services.
• Assists with parent involvement efforts and encourages family participation.

Skills

Supervision

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or Education

Job description

Job Summary

Manages and staffs the Disability Services and Mental Health Services of the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs. The Disability Services Department works to ensure that enrolled children with disabilities, including those who are eligible for services under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and their families receive all applicable program services delivered in the least restrictive possible environment. Oversees the referral process and tracks the implementation of early intervention services including Individualized Education Plans and behavior plans, ensuring that enrolled children with disabilities, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), fully participate in program activities. Develops agreements with local and intermediate school districts regarding the referral, evaluation, and provision of services for children enrolled through Head Start. Coordinates between CACS, Inc. and Local Education Agencies, the Intermediate School District, and community organizations. Promotes the capacity of staff and parents to advocate for and support the full and effective participation of all children with disabilities through training, support, and technical assistance.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in a Human Services or Education Field such as Child Development, Special Education, Mental Health, Early Childhood Education, Social Work, or related degree. Special Education degree and/or experience preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of 2 years' experience in managing others and 2 years' experience providing early childhood services.

Position Duties/Responsibilities

Provides direct supervision and leadership to the Disability Services and Mental Health areas of the Program, creating and supporting team systems, tools, and processes.

Coordinates intervention services provided to Head Start and Early Head Start enrolled children.

Initiates and monitors referrals for children in need of special education and early intervention evaluation.

Assures that both internal and external referrals receive responses and are addressed timely.

Collects and analyzes data to ensure systems and procedures are effective and efficient.

Works collaboratively with other Managers to develop a system to integrate screening data to identify enrolled children for whom individualized planning and/or further assessment is needed.

Advocates for children, parents, and the program in obtaining appropriate services for identified children and parents.

Assists with parent involvement efforts and activities and encourages family participation in the program.

Assures that minimally 10% of children enrolled in Head Start/Early Head Start are eligible for special education services or early intervention services with IFSP or IEP.

Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships and formal agreements with community agencies and LEA/ISD to provide services to identified Head Start children and parents.

Assures that the referrals to school districts include input from parents and Program Health & Mental Health, Education, PFCE, and Transportation (when appropriate).

Ensures that IDEA and Michigan Special Education laws are being followed and that children eligible for services receive all applicable program services delivered in the least restrictive possible environment and that they fully participate in all program activities.

Monitors the department processes and provides data to Head Start administrative team/community partners and/or governing body when requested. Provides reports to the governing body monthly or upon request.

Develops, facilitates, and/or sources training for staff and parents to meet individual children's and program's needs.

Coordinates with local colleges and universities to offer practicum experiences for students interested in pursuing careers in supporting young children.

Develops and monitors applicable policies and procedures that allows for effective and efficient systems.

Duties/Responsibilities of all Head Start Staff

Follow all Head Start Performance Standards, Michigan Child Care Licensing Regulations, and all other federal, state, and local regulations.

Adhere to CACS Personnel Policies and Procedures.

Communicate clearly and accurately when writing and speaking. Maintain professional confidentiality.

Share information with the administrative team, supervisor, and/or support staff regarding areas of success and/or concern.

Attend all required meetings, conferences, training, etc.

Participate in Program Quality Assurance and Self-Assessment efforts.

Work openly and cooperatively in a team effort approach. Work at any site with any staff. Contribute ideas and efforts towards common goals. Help build and maintain positive attitude, trust, and team spirit.

Personal appearance must be neat and appropriate.

Ensure children are actively supervised and engaged at all times including in the classroom, during transitions, on the playground, on the bus or any other agency provided transportation and any other time during the school day, conducting name to face checks accurately,countingthe children in and out, adhering to zoning and risk assessment, andfollowing all other active supervision procedures and child required ratios.

Physical Requirements

Properly stoop, bend, lift, climb stairs, and expend moderate physical exertion.

Always interact with children in an appropriate and safe manner.

Follow universal safety precautions.

The above describes the general nature and level of work performed by a person in this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed by such person. Other duties may be assigned.

Must satisfactorily pass federal criminal history check with fingerprinting, physical exam and TB assessment, and drug screen at the time of hire and periodically thereafter pursuant to federal and state laws, Head Start Performance Standards, and Agency Policy and Procedures.

Capital Area Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a drug free workplace (including marijuana), with pre-employment drug screening required. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigatio n.