The Child Disabilities Specialist ensures Head Start performance standards for disabilities are met by managing recruitment, screening, and service coordination for children with special needs. They collaborate with families, LEAs, and staff to develop Individual Classroom Plans and monitor progress toward developmental goals.
Requirements summary
Requires a Bachelor's degree in special education, psychology, or a related field with 1-3 years of experience in special education programs. A valid driver's license and ECE certification are preferred.
Description JOIN THE ECS4Kids TEAM ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that honors young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn .
We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches.
Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Florida to promote children’s well-being.
These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills.
Partner with us to help empower communities to rise above generational poverty with comprehensive early childhood education and holistic family support.
We have career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida.
ECS4Kids offers a competitive benefit package which includes: Medical, dental and vision insurance 403(b) plan with 5% employer match Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Long-term & short-term disability insurance Employer-paid life insurance Paid holidays Generous paid time off Career development Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Child Disabilities Specialist is responsible for ensuring the Head Start performance standards for disabilities are met.
MAJOR RESPONSIBITIES: Work to ensure that OHS requirement of 10% of the program’s actual enrollment are children eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Develop and implement recruitment strategies that promote enrollment of children withdisabilities.
Screen children using developmental tools within 45 days of enrollment; interpret results to determine if referrals for formal evaluations are warranted.
Collaborate with families and local LEAs and Early Intervention programs to schedule evaluations and staffing's to determine if their child qualifies for an IEP or IFSP.
Assist families in understanding their rights with IDEA for services determined on an IEP or IFSP and provide education and/or information for families on how to advocate for their child.
Monitor services provided under the IFSPs and IEPs and ensure updates are scheduled with LEAs and Early Intervention programs, as required by IDEA.
Benefits
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Medical insurance
Paid holidays
Paid time off
Short-term disability insurance
Long-term disability insurance
Career development
Employer-paid life insurance
403(b) plan with 5% employer match
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualification
Secure and coordinate contracts with the LEAs.
Collaborate with staff and parents to develop Individual Classroom Plans (ICPs) based on the child’s IFSPs and IEPs by providing guidance on environmental supports and accommodations.
Model strategies and recommendations for inclusive teaching practices, and monitor progress towards child’s developmental goals.
Create ICPs to embed IEP/IFSP for teachers and education staff.
Communicate monthly with Center Manager, teachers, and coaching staff about the status of children with IEP/IFSPs.
Attend evaluations and staffing meetings as needed/requested.
Attend inter-agency meetings per county.
Collaborate with Early Intervention programs and LEAs to ensure transitions occur timely.
Participate in case management meetings.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in Child Plus system and required monthly reporting and paperwork.
Coordinate and/or conduct training for staff and families on topics related to special needs.
Engage in ongoing collaboration with education, mental health, behavioral, and health & nutrition specialists to support teachers and families in understanding and addressing individualized needs of children with developmental disabilities.
Coordinate activities and/or strategies to support successful transitions of children with disabilities to and from Early Head Start to Head Start Preschool.
Identify accommodation arrangements that may be required to support an inclusive classroom environment. (These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed.
Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.)
Requirements
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in special education, psychology, or related field and 1-3 years’ experience in special education programs working with children with special needs, preferably in preschool or primary settings 1+ years early childhood development experience preferred ECE certification preferred. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILIITES: Knowledge of typical and atypical early childhood development Knowledge of securing & individualizing needed services for children withdisabilities Ability to build and maintain good human relations with staff and parents Ability to perform tasks with little directsupervision Ability to exercise good judgment and emotional maturity Commitment to strengthen families but with ultimate commitment to the well-being of the child Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures Ability to effectively provide information in a professional, informative, and friendly manner. Ability to establish priorities, schedule workloads and use other resources to complete goals or tasks. Strong organizational and multitasking abilities. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency in office software (Microsoft Office Suite, etc.). Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information. CERTIFICATIONS: Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile coverage Satisfactory Driving Record (as outlined in Vehicle Driving Policy) Complete a minimum of 15 hours of in-service training annually, July 1- June 30 ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Works in early childhood classrooms and office settings Local travel to multiple sites is required Minimal night, weekend or out-of-town work possible ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS: Typical physical & mental demands: required prolonged sitting and standing with some bending, stooping, and stretching, and eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, telephone, photocopier, and other office equipment. Requires normal range of hearing and eyesight to communicate with clients and staff Ability to lift 20 lbs. Background Requirements A Level II Background Screening which consists of a local, state, and federal criminal check will be completed on all employees and any contracted employee position, intern position or volunteer position in which individuals have contact with children, have access to confidential information and / or are in a position of special trust. To learn more about the system used to conduct these checks, you can use this link - https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
(Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)
Florida child disabilities roles need specialized experience
In Florida, Child Disabilities Specialist roles typically reflect steady demand in school and support settings, especially for candidates with special education or psychology backgrounds and hands-on experience in special education programs. These positions can be competitive because employers often prefer applicants who already have ECE certification and a valid driver’s license, alongside the required bachelor’s degree. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to highlight relevant classroom, intervention, or family-support experience.
