] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST, DEVELOPMENTAL EVALUATION SERVICES FOR CHILDREN (DESC)

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Instructional Specialist, Developmental Evaluation Services for Children (DESC)

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Instructional Spec CODE: 0833 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Instructional Specialist, Developmental Evaluation Services for Children (DESC) GRADE: BD MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the supervisor of the Child Find/Early Childhood Disabilities Unit, supports implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regarding evaluation and child find duties. Major responsibilities include evaluating preschool children, ages three through five years old, to determine eligibility for special education services; serving as chairperson of initial Individualized Education Program (IEP) team eligibility and development meetings; assisting IEP teams in recommending special education services in the least restrictive environment; leading a multidisciplinary team of an occupational therapist, speech/language pathologist, and school psychologist; and monitoring data to ensure compliance with legal mandates associated with special education identification.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Thorough knowledge of educational programming, federal/state legislation, and due process procedures related to the provision of services to preschoolers with developmental delays, ages three through five years old; typical and atypical child development; current research and trends in curriculum and instructional strategies related to early childhood special education; demonstrated leadership skills; ability to conduct comprehensive educational evaluations of children; ability to prepare written documents and reports; ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with parents and staff; ability to use word processing and database software; excellent human relations, organization, writing, and interpersonal skills.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Certification in early childhood special education from an accredited college or university; additional certification in early childhood general education preferred. Demonstrated successful experience in preparing IEP documents and chairing IEP team meetings. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Maryland Advanced Professional Certificate (APC) for early childhood special education teacher. Additional Maryland APC for early childhood general educator preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Screens children at Child Find clinics.

Evaluates children using standardized and informal measures.

Writes educational reports using standardized and informal measures.

Observes students in community child care and preschool settings.

Reports and interprets evaluation results for parents.

Prepares IEP documents using the online IEP system (O/SS).
Serves as chairperson at initial IEP team eligibility and development meetings.

Maintains schedule of evaluations and IEP meetings to ensure compliance with mandated timelines.

Collaborates with staff members in the Child Find/Early Childhood Disabilities Unit and other MCPS departments.

Collaborates to find solutions for legal issues; makes child-centered decisions.

Leads multidisciplinary team consisting of speech/language pathologist, occupational therapist and school psychologist.

Works with program secretary to insure completion of the tasks associated with the day-to-day operation of DESC.

Manages staff calendar throughout the year, including summer.

Maintains a database and prepares reports related to the functions of the office.

Collaborates with staff members at schools and MCPS offices regarding provision of special education services.

Provides community outreach by representing MCPS at community events.

Communicates effectively with parents regarding the special education process.

Performs related work and other duties as required.
Class Established: 7/2000
Date(s) Revised: 9/2012
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.