Fy25: Instructional Specialist, Child Find, 1.0 Fte

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
Under direction of the supervisor of the Child Find/Early Childhood Disabilities Unit, supports implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regarding evaluation and Child Find duties. Major program responsibilities include coordinating Child Find clinics; chairing Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings; assisting IEP teams in developing diagnostic questions, consulting with parents and community members about special education processes, child development, and developmental delays; preparing referral reports for children in need of further assessment, and preparing reports related to Child Find activities. Outreach to the community and providing public information are also important parts of this position.
CERTIFICATE LICENSE:
Maryland Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) for early childhood special education teacher required. Additional Maryland APC for early childhood general education preferred. Certification in a specific disability area, such as speech-language pathology considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
Thorough knowledge of educational programming, federal/state legislation, and due process procedures related to the provision of services to preschoolers with developmental delays, ages three through five years old; typical and atypical child development; current research and trends in instructional practices related to early childhood special education, including services for bilingual preschool children; knowledge of prekindergarten special education service provision in MCPS; ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with parents and staff; ability to serve as chairperson for screening IEP team meetings; knowledge of OASIS/Special Services (O/SS); knowledge of community resources; demonstrated leadership ability; demonstrated ability to prepare written documents; ability to use word processing and database software; excellent human relations, organization, and interpersonal skills; demonstrated oral and written communications skills. This position requires the knowledge and application of the six performance standards that have been established for the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) Teacher Professional Growth System (TPGS).
EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:
Master's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university. Master's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited college or university. Certification in early childhood special education from an accredited college or university; additional certification in early childhood general education preferred. Demonstrated successful experience in preparing IEP team documents and chairing IEP team meetings. Other combinations of applicable education and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities and skills necessary to perform effectively.