PROGRAM SPECIALIST, HEAD START EDUCATION SERVICES

** Applications will be received until August 19, 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. 
• In addition to competitive compensation, DPS has other Total Reward offerings such as; time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement.  For more information visit our New Employee Resources page. 

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, c