Preschool Special Education Expert

Overview:

• The SST shall employ the Preschool Special Education Expert for preschool special education-specific work. The SST shall hire (1) full-time equivalent for the work.

   

The following are the minimum qualifications of the personnel:

• A Master's degree or higher in special education or in one of the following areas with a focus, concentration, or licensure in special education or a related service area (i.e., speech language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, school psychology): early childhood education, elementary education, child development, family studies, curriculum & instruction, education administration/leadership, psychology, assessment & evaluation.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience providing support and/or services to those who work with preschool age children with disabilities working in one of the following capacities: administrator/supervisor, professional development provider, technical assistance provider, or teacher mentor.
• Experience in providing support and technical assistance with IDEA Compliance Monitoring.

Knowledge:

A thorough understanding of the following is essential:

• IDEA including Least Restrictive Environment, Itinerant Services, Child Outcomes Summary, Part C to B transition, ETR/IEP writing processes, Play Based Assessment, inclusive classroom strategies, and Ohio's Operating Standards for Children with Disabilities;
• Evidence-based processes and instructional practices, including development and implementation of academic and behavior supports;
• Early childhood development;
• Universal design for learning and differentiated instruction;
• Coaching and consultation skills;
• Implementation and monitoring of improvement efforts;
• Delivery of high-quality professional learning and technical assistance;
• Early childhood education curriculum, preschool special education, early education preschool to grade 3, or other early childhood settings such as Head Start or community based child care;
• Specially designed instruction and provision of free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment (special education); and/or
• Parent, family and community engagement.

Skills:

Proficiency in the following skill is essential:

• Communication � Clear verbal and written communication with colleagues, parents, families and educators.
• Collaboration & Teamwork � Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams/groups, share ideas, and support team goals.
• Empathy & Emotional Intelligence � Understanding others' perspectives and responding appropriately, accepting of constructive criticism.
• Conflict Resolution � Handling disagreements constructively and maintaining positive relationships.
• Active Listening � Paying attention to details and showing respect for others' input.
• Adaptability � Adjusting communication style depending on audience or situation.
• Leadership & Influence � Inspiring and motivating others, even without formal authority.

• Data Analysis & Interpretation � Collect and organize information, identify patterns, trends, draw meaningful conclusions, and communicate insights that supports decision-making.

   

Professional Development Expectations:

• Preschool Special Education Experts shall complete professional development and training as required by DCY.

• Preschool Special Education Experts shall participate in DCY-required in person meetings, which will occur at least quarterly, and virtual meetings.

   

Preschool Special Education ExpertResponsibilities

Required Activity:

• SUPPORT LOCAL EDUCATION AGENCIES WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES AND SUPPORTS IN COMPLIANCE WITH IDEA B 619.
• 100% (180 days + additional contract days as needed)

Details: 

• Adhere to the Department of Children and Youth's policies and procedures and support the Department's goals and mission.
• Respond to requests from the Department of Children and Youth Preschool Special Education team to provide input on special education related rules, guidance, resources, trainings, projects and/or surveys.
• Attend a national early childhood conference at least once every three years.
• Conduct a needs assessment to identify the areas in which an educational agency needs targeted support, training, professional development and/or coaching. The assessment areas should include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Indicator 6 � Preschool Environments
  • Indicator 7 � Preschool Outcomes
  • Indicator 12 � Early Childhood Transition
  • Ohio Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities
  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
  • Preschool evaluation process, evaluation team report writing and program development
  • Individualized education program process, writing and program development
  • Play-Based Assessment
  • Child Outcomes Summary Process training
  • Itinerant teacher support services
  • Onboarding training and ongoing support for preschool supervisors
• Provide professional development/training based upon the outcome of the needs assessment.
• Provide support and coaching to preschool supervisors based upon the outcome of the needs assessment.
• Facilitate quarterly meetings with preschool supervisors, ensuring that preschool special education topics are addressed.
• Provide support to educational agencies with early childhood transition and the development, review, and/or revision of the early transition interagency agreement (IDEA Part C to IDEA Part B transition).
• Provide support to educational agencies required to participate in the Preschool IDEA Monitoring Process. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Working with an educational agency and/or all associate agencies.
  • Meeting regularly with the educational agency and the Department of Children and Youth PSE team.
  • Collaborating as a Preschool Leadership Team member if requested by the educational agency and/or associate agencies.
  • Guiding the educational agency and/or all associate agencies through the Preschool IDEA Monitoring tools.
  • Supporting the educational agency and/or all associate agencies through their identified review process.
  • Attend regular check-in meetings with the educational agency and/or associate agencies.
  • Participate in improvement planning with the educational agency and/or associate agencies.
  • Assist the educational agency in addressing any identified free appropriate public education (FAPE) issues.
  • Ensure adherence to IDEA and state regulations for preschool special education programs, if identified during the monitoring process to assist the educational agency in meeting and maintaining compliance requirements.
• Provide support to educational agencies that have a required action within the special education Profile regarding Indicator 12 � Early Childhood Transitions. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Guiding the educational agency through the data appeal verification process.
  • If noncompliance is identified or a data appeal has not been verified, the consultant will provide technical assistance to support the educational agency in completing all required actions to correct indicator 12 noncompliance as outlined in the Special Education Profile Indicator 12 Manual.

Performance Evaluations:

Job performance is evaluated according to the policy provisions adopted by the Governing Board of the EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER OF CENTRAL OHIO.

Conduct:

Each staff member shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance and abuse of any prescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the Agency.

Terms of Employment:

Each staff member shall be a role model for students to conduct themselves as citizens and responsible, intelligent human beings. Each staff member has a legal responsibility to help instill in students the belief in and practice of ethical principles and democratic values.

The employees are responsible for maintaining proper certification/licensure and initiating the renewal process in sufficient time to receive the updated certificate/license before the present certificate/license expires.  

The Educational Service Center of Central Ohio Governing Board does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or age in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.  This job description summary does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed.  This job description is subject to change in response to funding variables, emerging technologies, improved operating procedures, productivity factors, and unforeseen events.    

Application Procedure: 

Please apply online at www.escco.org/careers

Job ID 23871 - Preschool Special Education Expert

June 2026