Hybrid Disabilities Specialist presso Greater Bergen Community Action

Every Child Deserves a Head Start

Greater Bergen Community Action’s (GBCA) Head Start program is a rewarding environment for professionals to advance their careers while making a meaningful difference. Our goal is not only to prepare children for kindergarten but also to equip the entire family for life beyond the program. Our extensive services and resources encompass a wide range, from early childhood education to health, nutrition, parental education, family counseling, financial counseling, and more.

At GBCA’s Head Start, Disability Specialists play a vital role in supporting the educational needs and development of children aged 0 to 5. Disability Specialists work closely with teachers in the classroom to identify potential developmental delays and offer suggestions to promote growth.  Disability Specialists teach parents how to advocate for their children and serve as liaisons to local education agencies and early childhood collaboration.   

A strong candidate for the position will have a background in early childhood education or special education, with experience working directly with young children and families in a licensed setting. Experience with developmental observations, behavioral assessments, and creating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) is highly desirable.   This position will work with children and families who attend Head Start programs in all of our component areas.  These areas include Jersey City, Paterson, and Bergen County, New Jersey. 

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in early childhood education or related field
• Preferred: master’s degree in education or related field 
• Preferred: NJ Certifications as Teacher of Students with Disabilities or Teacher of the Handicapped.
• Experience working with a culturally diverse community.
• Excellent Communication skills – oral and written.
• Must demonstrate English proficiency - both oral and written
• Good computer skills – Microsoft applications
• Preferred: Bilingual fluency in Spanish
• Valid NJ driver’s license preferred and use of own vehicle for self-transportation; local travel is required.

Responsibilities:  

• Learns and adheres to the philosophy and mandates of Head Start and Early Head Start (HS/EHS) as outlined in the Performance Standards, licensing requirements, and the Policies and Procedures of Greater Bergen Community Action (GBCA).
• Works closely with all content areas to ensure integration of all services provided for children with disabilities enrolled in Head Start/Early Head Start programs.
• Conducts classroom observations and arranges assessments for children suspected of/or diagnosed as having disabilities or leaving challenges.
• Provides and maintains supportive communication with parents regarding any suspected developmental concerns, including providing ways to transition strategies and interventions from school into the home.
• Works closely with the Mental Health Specialist when appropriate to ensure child/family needs are being addressed.
• Serves as Head Start/Early Head Start’s liaison person to all community agencies servicing families of children with any special needs.
• Serves as a vital resource person for all staff and plans training for parents and staff to provide more information and discussion on the special needs of children 0-5 years old.  Topics may include building relationships with children, understanding behavior, developmental stages, speech and language skills, learning the evaluation process (Child Study Team/Early Intervention), advocacy, and transitioning to kindergarten.
• Provides concrete strategies for classroom teachers to implement to support a child’s success in the classroom.  In addition, providing in-class/hands-on support to the child/teacher by modeling suggested strategies. 
• Provides copies/documentation of IEP and IFSP goals to teachers to ensure goals are included in the child’s curriculum planning.
• Conducts informal meetings with individual teachers or teams to discuss the progress of children with disabilities.   Reviews reports and anecdotal records, shares and discusses classroom observations and referrals on the children.
• Serves as a vital link to ensure disability content plans and procedures are put into place for the children and their families. 
• Works with Family Services in the recruitment of children with disabilities and their families and participates in recruitment events to promote our inclusion program.
• Attends training sessions and other meetings as required including School District Individual Education Plan (IEP), transition meetings, and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) when requested.
• Participates in Head Start/Early Head Start meetings that include other program specialists.
• Works closely with both the classified children and their parents throughout the evaluation process, providing support and guidance.
• Maintains documentation of parent, staff, and service providers’ communications in our Child Plus system.

• Creates a learning community in which individual differences are respected.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Mandated Reporting: 

As per New Jersey mandated reporting guidelines, any person having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been subjected to abuse or acts of abuse should immediately report this information to the State Central Registry (SCR). If the child is in immediate danger, call 911 as well as 1-877 NJ ABUSE (1-877-652-2873).”