] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → PROGRAM SPECIALIST, PEP PROGRAM

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Program Specialist, PEP Program

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Sp Ed Elem Prgrm Spec CODE: 1024 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Program Specialist, PEP Program GRADE: AD MONTHS: 10
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction, assists in managing the day-to-day operations of the Preschool Education Program (PEP) for children ages three through five, who have disabilities in two or more developmental areas. Consults with staff (teachers, related service providers, parent educators, and Paraeducators) and provides direct support about curricular, procedural, developmental, behavioral, and transitional issues related to students, teams, and school staff. Provides behavior management support and training to staff and parents. Collaborates with other offices in special education, general pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of federal and state legislation related to the provision of services to pre-kindergarteners with developmental delays; knowledge of typical and atypical development of young children and educational techniques; ability to use technology applications for pre-kindergarten students; knowledge of services available to young students with disabilities and the transition to kindergarten; ability to assist staff in identifying problems and generating solutions to address the learning needs of pre-kindergarten students; ability to handle multiple tasks at a time; excellent organizational skills for managing student information, developing schedules, and providing support at multiple countywide sites; knowledge of early literacy, math curriculum and legal implications; ability to support teaching and paraprofessional staff with professional development plans. Excellent communication and human relations skills.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Master's degree or master's equivalency from an accredited college/university with emphasis on students with special needs; background in early childhood development, developmental disabilities, and working with parents and families. Minimum of three years experience as a special educator or related service provider; experience teaching pre-kindergarten special education desired; experience working with school-based and central office staff administrators and service providers preferred; experience designing and delivering staff training required. Other combinations of applicable education, training and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Meets Maryland state certification requirements for special education teacher or related services providers. Certification for early childhood special education preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) As required by the duties and responsibilities of the job.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Required to attend school meetings, programs and activities outside the instructional day as mandated by the MCEA agreement.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Works with PEP classroom staff, parent educators and coordinator to develop rosters, support collaboration of classes and inclusive opportunities; prepares for and chairs Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meetings.

Trains staff in behavioral observations and preparing functional behavior assessments and behavioral intervention plans; prepares student records for consideration of other special education services.

Coordinates transportation arrangements (safety equipment, length of ride, back-up placements, site locations, etc.)

Responds to parental questions and concerns.

Assists teachers in selecting and securing instructional materials, implementing the MCPS pre-kindergarten curriculum, developing teaching skills and techniques; interpreting assessment results; adapting the program to meet individual needs; implementing assistive technology and/or alternative communication devices when needed.

Consults with staff members and parents about behavior management strategies for use in the home; conducts regular PEP site visits to facilitate team support, management, communication, and problem-solving.

Assists in interviewing potential PEP professional and paraprofessional staff; assists in planning and conducting professional development activities; collaborates with the Division of Early Childhood Programs and Services.

Assists in developing parent programs periodically throughout the year

Assists in monitoring referrals of children out of PEP to other special education services (more or less restrictive settings); assists with coordinating the transition into kindergarten programs

Assists with planning PEP Extended School Year (ESY) programs services; assists in planning the opening of new classes and PEP sites

Assists with intake meetings and monitoring enrollment.

Performs related work as required.
Class Established: 07/96
Date(s) Revised: 05/05; 07/07
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.