Special Education Inclusion Specialist: Orlando, Fl

As an Inclusion Specialist, you will lead student support plans and services for Bezos Academy preschools in the metro Orlando region. You will serve as the liaison to the local district offices and service providers. You will work collaboratively to build the skills of staff, students, and families by providing support that includes student observations and assessments, facilitation of teacher co-planning meetings, and staff and family training. In partnership with other local Bezos Academy leaders and teachers, you will implement the systems and strategies necessary to ensure all students are able to reach their full potential at Bezos Academy. You will develop meaningful partnerships with local educational agencies to support children with developmental delays or disabilities. You will be a resource to caregivers, developing strong community, school, and family connections.

You are deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and achieving equitable outcomes for students in under-resourced communities nationwide, across all lines of difference. You have prior experience as an early childhood or elementary special education teacher or leader. In this role, you will collaborate with other regional leaders to reimagine an inclusive student support model in a growing network of high quality, tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschools in under-resourced communities.

LOCATION

We are actively hiring for two Inclusion Specialists to work with our schools in the Orlando-Kissimmee area. One will primarily work with our Kissimmee- Poinciana location and the other will focus on Orlando- Mercy Drive but will, as needed, spend time at other schools. Please confirm your location interest and availability on your application.

SCHOOL LOCATIONS:

• Kissimmee- Poinciana (3701 Marigold Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34758)
• Orlando- Mercy Drive (1766 Mercy Dr, Orlando, FL 32808)
• Kissimmee- Highlands (800 W Donegan Ave, Kissimmee, FL 34741)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• The full salary range for this position is $54,790 - $82,190 per year. The upper third of the salary range is typically reserved for existing employees who demonstrate strong performance over time. Starting salary will vary by qualifications and prior experience.
• This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, salaried position.

• This role includes 18 paid days of scheduled breaks, 7 paid days of vacation, 3 paid days of personal time off, 7 paid days of sick (care) time, 10 paid holidays, and additional time off if required by applicable law. Benefits for this role include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match, paid parental leave, an employer-matched flexible spending account for dependent care, and more. Please see here for details.

Relocation support is available for this role.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated personal commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and experience working across lines of difference
• Skill in collaborating with families, the community, school staff, school leadership, and others to build trusting relationships and partnerships
• Valid state driver's license, clean motor vehicle records, personal auto insurance (at least minimum coverage under applicable law), and access to a reliable vehicle
• Deep knowledge on developing, writing, and monitoring the progress of student individualized education plans (IEPs)
• Ability to meet all additional training and eligibility requirements of Florida, including clearing background checks, tuberculosis tests, and so on, with required documentation eligibility and training completion submitted through the state's child care or educational regulatory agency prior to start of employment
• Bachelor's degree
• Two or more years of special education experience from infancy through third grade

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) training/certification
• Ability to meet all credentialing criteria for lead early childhood teachers in Florida: please see here for a summary of credentialing criteria
• Experience coaching and developing teachers
• Experience supporting school strategic and operational planning
• Knowledge of Montessori principles and overall approach

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with regional early intervention providers to ensure seamless transition into the school environment
• Serve as liaison between local district, family, and school team for initial referrals
• Create an alliance between home, school, and community providers to access, mobilize and coordinate services
• Lead all aspects of Section 504 including conducting meetings for new and returning students, developing, and implementing 504 plans
• Support teachers with effective co-planning and co-teaching structures
• Create and maintain special education files, 504s, IEPs, resources, progress monitoring reports, related services schedules, and regional special education database
• Conduct student observations and support school staff with the development of student support plans
• Lead and model facilitation of child study and Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) meetings
• Provide information and assistance to families to help them understand their child's disability and equip them with the tools necessary to support their child's progress
• Ensure compliance with local and federal legislation, regulations, and guidelines around special education
• Model, train, and coach school staff and providers on evidence-based interventions and strategies to support students succeed in an inclusive program

Please click here for a full job description.

Bezos Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Bezos Academy participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employee Form I-9 Information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S. Bezos Academy only uses E-Verify once a candidate has accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. If E-Verify cannot confirm that an employee is authorized to work, Bezos Academy will give the employee written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so the employee can begin to resolve the issue before any adverse employment action is taken. For more information about your right to work, please see the Notice of Right to Work.