Easterseals Southern California·Ontario, California
The specialist will manage Individual Family Service Plans and Individual Education Plans while ensuring compliance with Head Start performance standards. They will also conduct behavioral screenings and collaborate with staff and families to support the developmental needs of children.
Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day.
For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year.
Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities.
Starting Pay Range: $34 - 38/hr.
OVERVIEW OF POSITION: Under general administrative direction, work collaboratively with staff and families to ensure delivery of services to all children including those with identified disabilities participating in the Early Head Start/Head Start and Dept. of Education programs.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: Provide and ensure compliance within the Early Head Start Home Base services.
Develop, maintain and track all Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP) and Individual Education Plans (IEP), children’s progress reports and all record-keeping documentation in cooperation with Head Start Performance Standards.
Work collaboratively with staff and parents about issues related to atypical behavior or development and the individual needs of children.
Conduct on site behavioral screenings on children within 45 days of enrollment.
Identify resources in the community and secure Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with each agency.
Assist in the development and presentation of staff in-service trainings regarding early intervention, and other related topics as directed.
Attend IFSP/IEP meetings as directed.
Perform other assignments as needed based on associate’s expertise, knowledge, ability or needs of the program.
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field of Psychology, Child Development, or Special Education.|Must have successfully completed an Infant toddler class from an accredited college with a “B” grade or better.
EXPERIENCE: Possession of pediatric (infant/toddler) CPR and first aid certificate.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES: Knowledge of policies and procedures of the California Department of Education, Child Development Division and the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing program regulations, funding terms and conditions (Title 5 and Title 22).
Ability to communicate effectively, through oral and written skills, and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups.
Must relate well to children and their families.
Exercise sound judgment, establish and meet timelines, plan.
Coordinate and implement school site programs.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and other related computer software.
Ability to stand for extended periods.
Ability to reach, bend, stoop squat.
Also possess fine manual dexterity, can push, pull, talk/hear, with near and far visual acuity/depth perception/color vision/field of vision.
Pass FBI, DOJ and Criminal Background Check Ability to travel locally, maintain clean driving record, proper auto insurance and vehicle registration.
Carrying/Lifting: Occasional / 0-30 lbs.
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in Psychology, Child Development, or Special Education and have completed an infant/toddler course. Additionally, a pediatric CPR and first aid certificate is required along with the ability to pass background checks and travel locally.
Market context
In California, Mental Health and Disabilities Specialist roles are commonly tied to early childhood and school-based support needs, so demand often follows district, center, and community program staffing cycles. These roles are competitive because employers usually want candidates with a relevant bachelor’s degree, infant/toddler training, pediatric CPR and first aid, and the ability to pass background checks and travel locally. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm your certifications and local travel flexibility before applying.
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