Local Education Agency Representative

Job Description
Elwyn seeks a Local Education Agency (LEA) Representative who is legally responsible for ensuring that every child’s IEP is appropriate, compliant, and implemented on behalf of Elwyn. The LEA Representative is the special education expert and is fully responsible for the development and the administrative oversight of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for preschool early intervention in the City of Philadelphia and/or the City of Chester per PA Chapter 14 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements. The LEA Representative determines special education services, supplemental supports, and appropriate placement decisions based on Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and least restrictive environment (LRE). This position ensures that the basic tenants of educational law, quality service delivery, compliance, and family engagement are consistently met.  The LEA serves as a regional team leader and ensures that eligible preschool children are receiving quality services in accordance with their Individualized Educational Plan.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

LEA rep is one of the primary contacts for families of children receiving Early Intervention services and provide ongoing administrative oversight of the implementation of the IEPs for children on their caseload and orient new families to preschool early intervention and Elwyn's philosophy and mission
In conjunction with the Child Education Coordinator as one of the primary contacts for service providers; the LEA provides guidance and support
Demonstrate the ability to understand and thoroughly communicate to parents/guaridan their rights and procedural safeguards under the PA Department of Education’s (PDE) Procedural Safeguards Notice
Work alongside Child Education Coordinator to ensure IEP meeting compliance by scheduling, coordinating, and facilitating IEP meetings
Write IEPs in collaboration with service therapists, preschool teachers, and family members
Collect outside evaluations related to the child’s needs to ensure that the IEP team and service delivery teams have all pertinent information in planning for appropriate services for the child
Ensure accurate interpretation and implementation of evaluation instruments and assessment techniques used in preschool early intervention programs through the review of assessment reports in accordance with best practices and industry standards
Authorize the provision of compensatory education, including, but not limited to, determining how compensatory education will be provided
Oversee and examine ongoing progress monitoring activities to ensure the child’s meaningful educational progress is maintained
Work collaboratively with regional teams to maintain data systems including, but not limited to, maintaining educational records according to set timelines, electronic data entry of demographic information relative to children on caseload and IEP data fields in order to ensure accurate and reliable data
Coordinate and participate in the transitions of children from the (0-3) program to Elwyn Early Learning Services and from Elwyn Early Learning Services to Philadelphia School District
Attend various outreach meetings, such as transition to kindergarten, child find events
Ensure that bi-annual re-evaluations are completed according to state guidelines, and initiate and review bi-annual reevaluations with case manager
Ensure correct discharge procedures are followed via caseload management
Participate in the dispute resolution process as needed 
Ensure that all separate forms for Approved Private School (APS) children, the 4010 and 4011 applications are completed as children leave the APS Program, and forward it to the appropriate school district personnel
Participate in weekly community regional team meetings
Participate in ongoing trainings offered throughout the year, as applicable, related to caseload children’s diagnoses and/or needs
Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Special Education
Current Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate in Special Education required
Two (2) years’ experience in an educational setting developing, writing, and implementing IEPs, preferably in early childhood
Demonstrated working knowledge of federal and state Special Education regulations including Act 212, IDEA 2014, and PA Chapter 14
Knowledge of records maintenance, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and confidentiality rules, practices, and methods preferred
Demonstrates working knowledge of current issues in early childhood education, including current best practices and special education methodologies as they relate to Early Intervention
Group leadership skills
Demonstrate understanding of early childhood development principles and practices
Demonstrate effective problem solving and decision making skills, clear communication and appropriate interpersonal interactions to build and maintain positive, professional working relationships with little or no need for direct supervision
Demonstrate ability to work effectively as part of a team
Must possess excellent customer interaction, collaboration, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrated intermediate experience with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
Experience using/knowledge of electronic data management systems
Dual language proficiency preferred
Other duties as assigned