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Denver Public Schools

PROGRAM SPECIALIST, HEAD START EDUCATION SERVICES

Denver Public Schools, Denver, Colorado, United States, 80299

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Job Description

** Applications will be received until

July 29, 2025 . If the position is not filled by then, we may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Interested applicants must apply online by visiting the Denver Public Schools job board at careers.dpsk12.org. **

About this job:

Responsible for delivering high-quality instructional resources, enhancing classroom practice, and scaling effective programs to increase student achievement. Responsible for working collaboratively with teachers, students, parents, special education providers, and the larger community to ensure delivery of services to children with disabilities and other special needs so they may grow socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically in a developmentally appropriate manner, toward the overall goal of social competence. Ensures all services are in accordance with federal IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and Head Start performance standards.

What DPS Offers You:

A Culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives. Salary Range $68,448 - $82,139 . Click here for more information on compensation for these roles. In addition to competitive compensation, DPS and Head Start have other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement, tuition assistance, and free cultural venue entrances in Denver.

What You'll Do:

•Directs Network/School Support for Colorado Academic Standards, Head Start Performance Standards for Education and Disabilities and Colorado English Language Proficiency Standards; serves as a liaison between school teams and the central office department, along with Denver Great Kids, Head Start; builds relationships and works closely with network-based and school-based teaching teams to ensure a high-level of input, investment, and collaboration for curriculum implementation and revision •Coordinates Head Start program services designed specifically for children with developmental concerns, including assessing children through initial screenings, assistance with formal referrals for evaluation, and tracking data for children on IEPs and those suspected of needing special education; works collaboratively with parents, staff, and special education providers to address the needs of children with developmental concerns and/or delays; supports teaching staff in providing comprehensive education services to Head Start students, including those with disabilities and other special needs •Works in partnership to provide on-site support of Teacher Leaders and Teachers through the support of their implementation of the Colorado Academic and Head Start Standards; analyzes teacher practice through ongoing classroom observations, data analysis, and examination of student work; provides clear and direct feedback to teachers based on analysis of practice •Works with network-based and school-based teams to analyze student work and achievement data to determine how to adjust instruction and planning accordingly •Designs and facilitates professional development for program administrators, teachers and paraprofessionals; assists with the development, implementation and professional learning of the department's core offerings related to content, instructional best practices and language acquisition; and works collaboratively with other departments to develop core content professional learning which meets the needs of all stakeholders •Keeps current of technical, legislative and professional learning trends and help disseminate the information to appropriate staff and supports the department in ensuring rules and regulations regarding licensing, Head Start, and funding source requirements are followed •Assists in the preparation and review of presentations, summaries, required reports, data and other documents as needed for distribution to the Department of Early Education, District senior leadership, Head Start, and other departments and the community

What You'll Need:

Bachelor's degree with a major in an area of curriculum focus - Required Master's Degree with a major in an area of curriculum focus - Preferred Three (3+) or more years of highly successful teaching experience (four years teaching experience preferred); will consider candidates with a minimum of two (2) years of teaching experience with exceptional results. - Required Three (3) years minimum of experience in coordinating disabilities/special education services in early childhood settings, OR demonstrated knowledge of/experience with special education laws (e.g. Head Start, community-based preschool, public or private school) - Required A proven, multi-year track record of exemplary teaching achievement, especially the achievement of low-income, underrepresented/under-served students - Required Three (3) years operational/administrative experience in in early childhood settings; pogram reporting and program evaluation experience - Required CDE teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education or equivalent. Must have a valid Colorado driver's license or be able to obtain a Colorado driver's license within the state's required time frame for new residents and meet the District's insurability - Requirements. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and Google Workspace Meticulous organizational ability in order to set priorities, organize workload, handle multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines Effective communication including verbal, written, reading and presentation skills Superior analytical skills and sound judgment to make critical decisions Capable of thriving in circumstances involving ambiguity and nuance Exceptional collaboration and influencing skills Familiarity with various screening tools used to identify children who may have developmental delays preferred (e.g., DIAL, Speed DIAL, ESI, etc.) Knowledge of effective instructional programs and methodologies and experience in providing such instruction to meet Colorado Academic Standards, Head Start Performance Standards and Colorado English Language Proficiency Standards Knowledge of MTSS (Multi-Tiered Systems of Support) implementation Knowledge of second language acquisition in the curriculum content areas preferred; proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking Spanish highly desirable Lead for racial and educational excellence and work to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in our community, along with believing in and supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high quality education. Live and work with a permanent home address in Colorado while working with us. Have the ability with or without accommodations to meet the

physical demands

of the position.

Denver Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. It is our intention that all qualified applicants be given equal opportunity and that selection decisions be based on job-related factors.

Students First. Integrity. Equity. Collaboration. Accountability. Fun

About Us

Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. Our goal is to provide every child in Denver with rigorous, enriching educational opportunities from preschool through high school graduation. DPS is comprised of nearly 200 schools including traditional, magnet, charter and alternative pathways schools, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students.

DPS has become the fastest-growing school district in the country in terms of enrollment and the fastest-growing large school district in the state in terms of student academic growth. Learn more at dpsk12.org.