Position Function:
The Disabilities Coordinator ensures that all children with disabilities, including those suspected of having delays, receive high-quality inclusive services within the Head Start/Early Head Start program. This position oversees identification, referral, and service coordination in partnership with local education agencies (LEAs), early intervention providers, staff, and families. The Disabilities Coordinator also supports classroom teams in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), while ensuring compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and IDEA requirements.
Salary Grade: 14
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
Throughout its history, Mississippi State University-Extension (MSU-ES) has demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to programs that directly impact young children and their families. In the past decade, MSU-ES has distinguished itself as Mississippi’s premier infrastructural support of high-quality early childhood education.
Area of Specialization:
MSU-Extension Head Start Programs - Hancock County
Anticipated Appointment Date:
October 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Ensure at least 10% of program enrollment is made available to children with diagnosed disabilities, in accordance with federal mandates.
• Coordinate screenings, evaluations, referrals, and follow-up services for children suspected of developmental delays or disabilities.
• Serve as a liaison between the program, families, and community partners, including LEAs, early intervention programs, and other service providers.
• Support teachers and staff in implementing classroom strategies that foster inclusion, accommodations, and modifications as outlined in IEPs/IFSPs.
• Maintain documentation and records of services provided, referrals, parent communication, and outcomes, ensuring confidentiality.
• Train and support staff in disability awareness, inclusive practices, behavioral supports, and developmental milestones.
• Monitor classrooms and home-based services to ensure inclusive learning environments.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case reviews, ensuring collaborative service delivery.
• Assist families in understanding their rights, the special education process, and community resources available to support their child.
• Collect and analyze data to ensure compliance with Head Start regulations and to improve service delivery.
• Develop and update policies, procedures, and resource materials related to disability services.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in special education, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Social Work, or related field required.
Experience:
• 3 years’ experience working with children with disabilities (birth to five) and their families, collaborating with public schools, early intervention, and community agencies.
Substitutions:
• An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be considered for this position
Licensures:
• Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications:
• Master’s degree in special education or related field.
• Certification in CPR and First Aid – Will be required to obtain within the first nine (9) months of employment. Certification must be maintained.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Knowledge of IDEA, ADA, Section 504, Head Start Program Performance Standards, and early intervention systems.
• Skilled in coordinating referrals, assessments, and inclusive services for children with disabilities.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and advocacy skills with families and partners.
• Ability to support staff in implementing IEPs/IFSPs and inclusive practices.
• Skilled in data tracking, documentation, and compliance monitoring.
• Strong organizational, communication, and case management skills.
• Ability to train and support staff in inclusive practices.
• Proficient in data tracking and reporting systems.
• Commitment to family-centered and culturally responsive practices.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Travel between sites and community partner locations, ability to travel and reliable transportation required.
• Frequent standing, sitting on the floor, bending, and lifting up to 40 pounds.
• Active participation in classroom and outdoor environments.
• Subject to background check and finger printing as required by the State Department of Health/Child Care Licensure Standards for staff.
• A physical exam is also required for this position.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants MUST apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered for this position.
The following documents and information are required for application:
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Contact information for at least three professional references
Screening Date:
October 9, 2025, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
