Idaho Department of Education
This position is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.
Please note: Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM MST on the posting end date.
The Idaho Department of Education (Department) is dedicated to serving and providing common-sense leadership, support, and resources to educators across the state. The knowledge, skills, and experience of the Department’s employees are among our most valued and important assets. Employment with the Department provides a rewarding career that positively affects the lives of children in Idaho. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.sde.idaho.gov/ .
The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Coordinator is a part of the special education team with key responsibilities for ensuring that school districts have the information and support necessary to serve students with disabilities and are in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This position would, among other tasks, make presentations at education conferences and workshops regarding special education requirements and effective practices, provide training and technical assistance to school district personnel, assist in monitoring school districts for compliance with state and federal special education laws and participate in instructional reviews. This position requires an understanding of special education rules, regulations and experience providing special education services.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide leadership and coordination as needed in the development of Idaho special education policies and procedures necessary for the provision of early childhood education to students with disabilities in compliance with IDEA, specifically related to the following Indicators:
- Indicator 6: Preschool Children in General Education Settings,
- Indicator 7: Preschool Children with Improved Outcomes, and
- Indicator 12: Transition Between Part C and Part B.
- Collaborate with the IDEA data manager in the collection and analysis of early childhood outcomes specifically related to OSEP Indicators 6, 7, and 12.
- Communicate and work collaboratively with local school districts, parents, community members, and state agencies through e-mails, mailings, phone calls, etc. to answer questions about special education services and implementation of IDEA.
- Coordinate the development and implementation of interagency agreements required under IDEA.
- Participate in on-site visits to verify special education compliance with IDEA and review instructional practices. Requires some travel throughout the state. *
- Represent the SDE on a variety of Idaho cross-agency committees as well as at national meetings and events.
- Knowledge of educational practices, self-care, assistive technology, mobility, communication, and related services such as OT, PT and Speech/Language therapies for students in ECSE settings.
- Knowledge of strategies supporting students with disabilities to access the core curriculum aligned with the Idaho Early Learning eGuidelines and Idaho Core Standards
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in education or special education from an accredited college or university.
- Minimum of three years’ experience in the field of special education, or closely related field, in a position with direct experience providing special education services to students with disabilities.
- Knowledge of the theory and practice of public education, including an understanding of systemic planning.
- Extensive knowledge of the delivery of special education service design and delivery under IDEA and Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
- Comprehensive knowledge of the characteristics, diagnosis, and methods of special education of exceptional children ages 3-21.
- Ability to communicate well orally and in writing with a variety of constituent groups.
- Interpersonal skills and abilities to work effectively as a member of a team, promote team goals and maintain team climate.
- Good knowledge of office support functions including word processing, filing, composing a variety of business documents, reception, researching, compiling, and summarizing data for reports.
- Ability to prioritize and organize multiple activities to reach established goals.
- Ability to travel periodically to provide technical assistance and training throughout the state.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective and collaborative working relationships with school districts, advisory, and community groups regarding special education.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: (extra consideration will be given)
- Master’s degree in education or special education preferred. Consideration will be given for advanced degrees/experience in law and due process procedures.
- Additional consideration will be given for experience in special education program evaluation, compliance monitoring, in-service training, and provision of technical assistance, experience as a supervisor or director of special education, school administration or similar positions.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: ( with or without reasonable accommodation )
This position requires the ability to perform the following physical and job-related tasks:
- Approximately 90% of time is spent sitting at a desk or workstation, up to 4 hours at a time.
- Occasionally lift items, typically weighing under 5 lbs., and occasionally up to 20 lbs.
TRAVEL REQUIRED:
This position requires approximately 20% travel time throughout the State for training and program monitoring.
BENEFITS:
The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INCLUDE:
Vesting in the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI): All employees of the Idaho Department of Education are non-classified. They are appointed by the elected official and serve at the pleasure of the elected official. As such, employees working at a non-classified agency are considered vested in the PERSI retirement system after five (5) consecutive months of service, versus five (5) years of service at a classified agency.
Tuition Fee Waiver: All Idaho Department of Education employees in permanent full-time positions may register for instructional courses during any academic period, at any participating state funded institutions of higher education, for a $20.00 nonrefundable registration fee per semester and $5.00 per credit hour charge.
TO APPLY:
To apply for this position, please submit 1.) a customized letter of interest, 2.) a resume, and 3) a list of three professional references. Attach the resume to your online application. Insert your letter of interest and references into the space provided in the questions section of the application.
Your letter of interest should specifically address how your education, training and work experience meet the responsibilities, qualifications, and required skills of the position. A writing sample, such as a letter of interest, provides an opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as your ability to demonstrate you meet the qualifications of the position. Your resume must clearly support the information provided in your letter of interest. A resume does not substitute for a letter of interest. Applications that do not include a letter of interest will not be accepted.
EEO/ADA/VETERAN:
The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].
Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.
