Special Needs Coordinator

School-District-of-Philadelphi; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The School District of Philadelphia seeks a Special Needs Coordinator to plan and develop treatment programs for preschool children in Head Start and Comprehensive Day Care programs. The role supervises staff, collaborates with psychologists and educators, and ensures continuity of care for families.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree in psychology or related field and at least three years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, special education or a related field.
• Three years of full-time, paid experience developing treatment programs for children.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and coordinate screenings and referrals for handicapped conditions.
• Participate in IEP development for children with special needs.
• Assist in curriculum selection and staff training on individualized plans.
• Observe centers, support staff in implementing plans and communicate with families.
• Maintain confidential child records and track training sessions.

Skills

Child development

Special education

Plan development

Team coordination

Communication skills

Assessment tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in psychology or related field

Job description

Special Needs Coordinator - (50032008)DescriptionTitle: Special Needs CoordinatorDepartment: Comprehensive Day Care/ Pre-K Head StartReports To: PreK Education Field AdministratorThis is a full-time 10-month, PFT represented position. The salary grade is (Teacher Scale) which starts at $55,771 for new PFT members.Job SummaryPlans and develops treatment programs for children with various psychological, physical and learning handicaps enrolled in the Prekindergarten Head start or Comprehensive Day Care programs. Works with psychologists, and other diagnostics, develops individual treatment plans for those children with suspected or confirmed special needs. Oversees staff and children in the Prekindergarten Head Start or Comprehensive Day Care programs to identify special needs children and assess the effectiveness of individual plans currently being implemented.Essential Functions• Plans, develops and coordinates a program involving the screening and referral of children for the detection of handicapped conditions and the treatment of confirmed cases.• Participates in the development of individualized education plans for those children found to have special needs• Assist in the selection of curriculum materials for staff who teach children with handicapped conditions; identifies and makes recommendations regarding the purchase of appropriate equipment and supplies.• Visits centers to observe the teaching staff and handicapped children; works with staff in the implementation of individual education plans for children with handicaps.• Works extensively with parents of special needs children to ensure continuity of care beyond the center setting.• Explains and demonstrates treatment techniques and procedures to teachers and their assistants; explains and demonstrates classroom and home treatment procedures to parents.• Plans and conducts in-service training and staff development sessions for instructional coordinators, teachers, parents and other staff regarding the detection, definition, evaluation and treatment of handicapped conditions among preschool children.• Fosters communication and cooperation among parents, teachers, social workers and diagnosticians.• Maintains confidential files for each child which includes test results and individualized education plans.• Maintains records of training sessions with teachers, parents, and other center staff.QualificationsMinimum Requirements• Bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in psychology, special education or a related field.• Three years of full-time, paid experience in a setting which has involved planning and developing treatment programs for children.Certificates/Licenses• Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Supervisor of Elementary Education certificate.OR• Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Administrative certificate for Elementary School Principal.The candidate must ensure that all of their relevant work experience is reflected on their resume prior to the submission of their application for District employment.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesDemonstrated knowledge of:o child growth and development.o psychological and physical handicaps and how they affect the learning process.o diagnostic instruments, measures and tests used to detect handicapping conditions in children.o the available resources in the diagnosis and treatment of handicapped conditions.o the current materials and equipment available for use in instructing children with handicapped conditions.Demonstrated ability to:o make initial assessments of children with special needs.o participate with other professionals in the development of individualized plans based on observations and test results.o train others in the principles and techniques of the treatment of psychological and physical disabilities with the educational process.o present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.o establish and maintain working relationships.DisclaimerThe above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.NondiscriminationThe School District of Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 348 for further information regarding the District's commitment to Nondiscrimination in Employment Practices.Primary Location: Head Start Partnership Support (9391)Job: Central OfficeOrganization: The School District of Philadelphia RegularEmployee Status: Non-ManagementJob Posting: Aug 10, 2026, 9:59:45 AMUnion Affiliation: Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT)Unposting Date: Aug 31, 2026, 10:59:00 PM