Job Title: Teaching and Learning Consultant, Early Childhood Special Education, Early Development Network (Homebased)

Location: Teacher Administrative Center (TAC), 3215 Cuming St. Omaha, NE 68131

Reports To: Executive Director of Special Education

Work Schedule/FLSA Status: 261 Day, 12-month / Full Time - Exempt

Salary Schedule: OSAA, Level 6

Position Purpose: The special education teaching and learning consultant shares responsibility for the effective planning and implementation of special education programs and services for students with disabilities ages Birth through 3 years old. The individual will assist in the planning and presenting of professional development supporting the use of best instructional practices in teaching. This individual supports Early Childhood Special Education programs in the district by collaborating with parents and Early Development Network teams as well as Early Childhood teams as students prepare for transition into school-based services. Technical assistance is also provided to staff in meeting the federal and state regulations governing the provision of special education services.

Essential Performance Responsibilities

• Responsible for the coordination, management, and leadership of the Planning Region 19 activities.
• Supports delivery of services in the child's natural environment and supervises the Service Coordinators that are part of the Early Development Network team.
• Knowledge and understanding of Special Education Rule 52 and standards and regulations.
• Ensure compliance with all special education regulations (IFSP, MDT).
• Collaborating with Early Childhood staff to ensures successful transitions from Early Intervention Services in the Early Development Network to early childhood school-based settings.
• Maintain effective communication with administration, staff, families, and community agencies.
• Provide expertise in the use of assessments and feedback.
• Demonstrates knowledge of best research based instructional practices.
• Ensures best practices in Early Intervention (Birth to 3-year-old) are implemented by all homebased service providers.
• Conducts staff observations and coaching visits.
• Creates and delivers professional development throughout the year.
• Provides additional support to all new Early Development Network staff.
• Administers OPS staff appraisal process with approval from Special Education Executive Director.
• Models best practices in providing in-person and online professional development for the Early Development Network staff members.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings, or by conducting research.
• Collect and report necessary data that is required by Nebraska Department of Education.
• Works with an understanding of a diverse student population and equity.
• Shows evidence of the willingness and the ability to comply with the standards for ethical and professional performance established by district policy as well as the State Board of Education.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the mission, vision, and values of the OPS district.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Master's Degree with appropriate course work in Administration, Supervision, Early Childhood Special Education, Special Education, Educational Psychology, or related field, preferred.
• A valid Nebraska Teaching Certificate (or the ability to obtain) with endorsement in the area of administration and supervision required and Early Childhood Special Education preferred.
• A minimum of five years successful teaching experience Early Childhood Special Education, licensed childcare experience, or therapy experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Special Education and related services for children with verified disabilities.
• Specific knowledge of Child Development in the area of Birth to 3-year-olds.
• Ability to be flexible and shift priorities as needed.
• Knowledge of best instructional practices for students with disabilities from Birth to 3 years old.
• Understanding of and ability to support the implementation of the District's Strategic Plan.
• Exemplary organizational skills.
• Exemplary oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to plan and deliver high quality professional development.
• Ability to provide instructional coaching.
• Ability to demonstrate skills pertinent to positive relationships and the ability to collaborate effectively with instructional staff, students, parents, administrators, and the community.
• Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding special education and students.
• Displays a significant degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of OPS's mission, purpose, goals, and the role of every employee in achieving each of them.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Equipment: This position may require the ability to use SMART boards and iPads in addition to basic office equipment such as computers, copiers, scanners, and fax machine. Must always comply with OPS's guidelines for equipment use.

Travel: Limited travel will be required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards:

• Must be able to respond rapidly in emergency situations.
• Must have organization, time management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Work in homes, childcare, and school environments.

Interrelations:

• Contact with personnel within the district and other stakeholders.
• Will be working under the direct supervision of the central office administration in order to complete day to day tasks.
• Will be working with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to stakeholder needs and maintain a positive attitude with all.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external stakeholders in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of Omaha Public Schools and is appropriate for their position.

Terms of Employment

This position is treated as a full-time exempt certified position. The terms of your employment will be governed by applicable state laws regulating employment or teaching in a Nebraska public school and Board of Education policies, as those laws and policies may change from time to time. If your position is represented by a collective bargaining representative, then your employment will also be governed by a negotiated agreement between OPS and that collective bargaining representative.

Terms of employment are contingent upon:

• Verification of a valid Nebraska Teaching License or other required license.
• A background check which demonstrates background is acceptable for the position sought and working with or around students.
• Verification of U.S. Citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
• Successful completion of a tuberculosis skin test (if required by federal law for your position).
• Execution and delivery to OPS of an Administrator Contract presented by OPS.

Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation or economic status in its programs, activities, employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director for the Office of Equity and Diversity, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131. (531-299-0307)

The Omaha Public School District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process please contact the human resources department at 531-299-0240.