At Upbring, our team is united by a shared mission: to break the cycle of child abuse and advance the wellbeing of children, families and communities, empowering them to thrive. As servant-leaders, we lead by example, working passionately to create a brighter future for those we serve.  Every day, we strive to embody our core values:

• We are Warriors: Fierce, resilient, and courageous, we face challenges head-on with unwavering loyalty and passion.
• We are Servants: We dedicate ourselves to serving others, empowering those around us to thrive.
• We are Family: We work together as a supportive, caring community, creating a sense of belonging and strength.

Joining Upbring means becoming part of a family of passionate individuals who are fearless in their pursuit of lasting change. Together, we are making a difference, one life at a time.

Your Mission in Action

The Special Programs Specialist (SPS) identifies and refers children with suspected disabilities to appropriate agencies, develops and monitors individualized action plans, and collaborates with staff to support student success. They work to reduce re-traumatization, foster resilience, and improve academic and non-academic outcomes. 

*This position is year-round and scheduled accordingly.   

• Monitors IFSP/IEP annual review dates and attend Transition and Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meetings for children with maladaptive behaviors 
• Assist in creating, monitoring, reviewing/adapting, implementing accommodation and supporting with Individualized 504 plans 
• Provides in class, hands-on assistance modeling, implementing and tracking IAP/IEP/IFSP goals, interventions and accommodations for students with suspected disabilities.  Additionally, complete student observations 
• Maintain up to date progress notes and documentation by utilizing forms authorized by the Special Programs Director and uploading all applicable documents related to students with a suspected or confirmed disability in the online database system(s) in a timely manner 
• Participates in staff meetings, conferences, training sessions, and workshops as assigned 
• Updates leadership on caseload referrals, disability percentages, and addresses any concerns related to Disabilities 
• Comply with the company code of conduct and other applicable regulations and requirements, including Licensing Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), Upbring policies, and procedures, Child Care Minimum Standards, and other federal, state, and local regulatory requirements  
• Ensures ongoing monitoring, tracking, follow-up, and analysis of disabilities data; produces regular reports for management meetings and/or on an as-needed basis; maintains systems, databases, files, etc., ensuring the security of data 
• Ensure child health and safety by promptly reporting concerns, engaging families through orientation and ongoing evaluations, facilitating referrals, maintaining accurate documentation, conducting student observations, coordinating school-based services, and fostering clear communication among staff to support special programs. 
• Other duties and projects as assigned  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, special education, psychology, counseling, or related field 
• One (1) or more years of professional experience in counseling, special education, psychology, education, or related experience 
• Working knowledge of Special Education process and law (Child Find, FIE, REED, Procedural Safeguards, FAPE, etc.) 
• Experience in Early Childhood Education setting  
• Working knowledge in Special Education referral process and evaluation systems 
• Working knowledge of evidence-based trauma informed practices 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, special education, psychology, counseling, or related field 
• Two (2) or more years of professional experience organizing or implementing trauma-informed and evidence-based prevention and intervention services for children with disabilities 
• Two (2) or more years working as a special education teacher or paraprofessional 
• Experience in Applied Behavioral Analysis 

Travel

• This position may be required to travel up to 75% based on caseload

Perks at Upbring 

• Competitive PTO & paid holidays 
• Health, dental, vision insurance & more  
• 403(b) Plan
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Discounted Gym Memberships  

• This position requires sitting and looking and using a computer for long periods of time  
• This position works in a child facility and has constant exposure to children  
• This position requires frequent standing, walking, and time being mobile to coordinate events  
• Lift, push, pull, move up to 50 lbs.   

Upbring is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.