Manager - Diverse Learners & Health Services (CDC)

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

Reporting to the Exec Dir-Child Development Services, the Manager-Diverse Learners & Health Services is responsible for the planning, organization and management of the Health, Mental Health, and Disabilities service areas of the Child Development Lab Schools Early Care and Learning Programs. This position manages service areas in a manner that reflects the Early/Head Start goals and objectives as defined by the Federal Performance Standards and Illinois Board of Education/Chicago Public Schools standards for Prevention Initiative and Preschool for All programs

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Oversees the planning, organization and management of the Health, Mental Health, and Disabilities service areas of the Head Start and Early Head Start Programs, Illinois Board of Education and Chicago Public Schools Prevention Initiative and Preschool for All, as well as adherence to all other intersecting state and federal regulations such as IDEA, ADA, 504, IL DCFS and IL IDPH.
• Ensures compliance in the areas of the health, mental health and disabilities components of Child Development Centers across all campuses.
• Develops program plans in accordance with Chicago Early Learning/Head Start Performance Standards to outline all available service provisions for health, disability, and mental health services.
• Coordinates services with specialized consultants.
• Completes health/special needs monthly/quarterly administrative report.
• Documents in CARES database, monitors and updates disability tracking sheet.
• Coordinates and participates in staffing of children with health/special needs to plan for first day of arrival.
• Ensures compliance with the referral process and responsiveness to ensure children receive needed support in a timely manner.
• Responsible for reviewing and monitoring the referral submission to CPS and/or CFC in a timely matter and ensures timely follow-up in best support of children and families.
• In collaboration with the Education Manager, conducts observations of diverse learners as needed and provides ongoing feedback to the teaching staff.
• Collaborates with the Education Manager in the development of educational programming and the monitoring of classroom management and programming to support diverse learners.
• Monitors program for compliance with federal and state regulations and provides technical assistance.
• Monitors and oversee required health and developmental screenings in compliance with EPSDT Periodicity chart. Screenings include: Well child exams, dental exams, immunization administration, hearing and vision screening, ESI-R, ASQ SE, ASQ-3 articulation, and height and weight measurements
• Plans, conducts or arranges for training of staff and parents concerning health education, first aid, and/or emergency procedures for medical, dental, mental health issues.
• Provides on-going technical assistance and support to campus family services and administration staff for compliance with Early/Head Start, IL DCFS and IDPH health and dental requirements.
• Schedules and conducts monitoring site visits to review disabilities documents and plans which include folders, LEA agreements and health requirements.
• Monitors progress of children with identified special needs and adjust plans (interim intervention plans, behavior support plans, and IEP implementation plans, etc.) as necessary to achieve positive gains.
• Ensures program recruits children with special needs to maintain 10% of funded enrollment to serve children with special needs.
• Responsible for contributing to the recruitment plans.
• With the assistance of the management team, provides/coordinates training for staff and parents on topics focusing on children with special needs, disability awareness, assessment techniques, classroom interventions, etc.
• Provides training and technical assistance for the delivery of quality services to diverse learners and/or children with special needs.
• Participates in the development and implementation of special program/project events/reports such as the annual self-assessment, the Federal Review and other HS/EHS requirements.
• Participates and assist in the yearly in-service training for staff.
• Serves as a resource to staff and families to support children’s health and special needs.
• Serves as liaison to the health and special needs providers in the community.
• Attends quarterly DFSS Health and Disabilities Advisory meetings to provide expertise and consultation in the development and enhancement of the diverse learner component of the program.
• Heads the yearly program Health Advisory committee.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To                       Exec Dir-Child Development Services

Direct Supervision          Inclusion Aide-PT

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, Social Work or Counseling with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education and/or Child Development or Public Health and at least 1 to 3 years of experience working with teachers and with young children and their families.
• Master’s Degree in Child Development, Social Work, or Counseling is preferred.
• Familiarity with Early & Head Start Program and Standards or ability to develop knowledge base.
• Extensive knowledge of early childhood education, child development and child disability/health conditions.
• Extensive knowledge in public health with emphasis on child and family health care.
• Ability to communicate and function with various professional community groups.
• Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member.
• Demonstrated ability to work with families with young children who have disabilities
• Sensitivity to cultural diversity is required.
• Ability to communicate and cooperate with diverse families, various professionals and community groups.
• Must be organized, detailed oriented, and have the ability to prioritize tasks and manage workload efficiently.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to take initiative and make sound decisions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with others.
• Must be able to serve as an advocate for children and families.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Must have outstanding people skills and the ability to develop grow, and build a rapport with other agencies.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Competent in Microsoft Office tools and inputting services in an online database.
• Must be able to travel to multiple sites in diverse communities.
• Must be able to transport oneself to and from different sites.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Occasionally ascends/descends stairs.
• Constantly positions oneself to assist children during activities.
• Ability to frequently move desks, chairs, tables, easels, and children's toys.
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs. for various classrooms and event’s needs. Frequently moves in outdoor weather conditions.

Additional Information