Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator

Position Start Date

10/6/2025

Salary/Wage

Per negotiated contract

Appointment Type

Full Time

Description
The School District of La Crosse is accepting applications for a 1.0 FTE Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator for the District. Projected start date: October 6, 2025.

Preferred Wisconsin Certification: 1809 Early Childhood Special Education, 7062 School Psychologist, or 5080 Director of Special Education and Pupil Services
Position Title: Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator
Reports To: Director of Student Services
Employment Status: 189 days w/extended summer contract
Location: School District of La Crosse
Position Summary
The Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the early childhood special education program, ensuring high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and legally compliant early childhood special education programming for children ages 3-5. This role involves program development, teacher support, family engagement, community partnerships, and compliance with district and state standards. The Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator collaborates with district leadership, principals, special education staff, childcare providers, community-based 4K programs (Model III), HeadStart and other community agencies to ensure equitable access to early learning environments and services. This position requires some work in the summer on a flexible extended contract.

Key Responsibilities
Program Oversight & Compliance

• Ensure the early childhood special education services comply with state and district regulations.
• Monitor student progress, assessment practices, and program effectiveness, making data-driven improvements.
• Assist in reviewing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for compliance and alignment with student needs.

Teacher & Staff Support

• Provide professional development, coaching, and training for 4K teachers, childcare providers, and special education staff around inclusive practices and supports for students with disabilities.
• Support teachers in implementing developmentally appropriate instructional strategies and interventions.
• Facilitate collaboration between 4K educators and special education professionals across sites.
• Provide leadership to the Early Childhood Special Education Professional Learning Community.

Family & Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for families regarding early childhood special education services, and program expectations.
• Support the development and implementation of family outreach initiatives.
• Build and maintain partnerships with community organizations to enhance early learning experiences.
• Conduct home visits as needed to assess student needs and support family engagement in educational services.

Enrollment & Service Coordination

• Assist in the enrollment process of students in early childhood special education programs, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines.
• Assign and coordinate special education services, working closely with teachers, specialists, and families.
• Coordinate support to the referral process for students aged 3-5, ensuring timely evaluations and IEP implementation.
• Coordinate the summer assessment team for incoming early childhood special education students.

Special Education Leadership & Compliance

• Participate as a member of the district Special Education Leadership team.
• Complete Early Childhood Outcome Reporting and collaborate with special education staff for accurate data collection.
• Perform LEA representative duties as requested, including attending IEP meetings and advocating for student needs.
• Provide leadership in implementing best practices in Early Childhood Special Education and Preschool Options.
• Stay informed on eligibility requirements and legal regulations, offering staff development on compliance and instructional strategies.
• Consult with teachers and provide resources on instructional strategies, behavioral supports, and interventions.

Collaboration & Advocacy

• Establish and maintain positive relationships with community agencies and referral sources.
• Collaborate with district and community 4K programs to align services and promote inclusive education environments.
• Advocate for funding, grants, and resources to enhance early childhood education and special education programs.
• Participate in curriculum development and program improvement efforts.

Budget & Resource Management

• Ensure classrooms have the necessary materials and support services.
• Select and requisition instructional materials and supplies following district budget processes.
• Collaborate with district administration to determine ECSE staffing needs based on enrollment trends and program requirements, ensuring appropriate placement and support for educators.

Other Duties

• Attend professional development opportunities and share relevant information with the team.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services to support the district's early childhood initiatives.

Qualifications & Skills

• 3-5 years of successful professional experience in special education, with an emphasis on early childhood.
• Professional knowledge, skills, training, and experience implementing evidence-based educational frameworks for early childhood development.
• Experience in early childhood program coordination.
• Strong understanding of developmentally appropriate practices, early learning standards, and assessment tools.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with teachers, families, and community partners.
• Ability to manage multiple sites and work across school and childcare settings.
• Preferred but not required: Director of Special Education and Pupil Services licensure or willingness to pursue.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Primarily based in district offices/schools, with regular site visits to 4K classrooms and childcare providers.
• May include evening or weekend events for parent meetings, enrollment support, or community outreach.

Applicants are requested not to contact or send application materials to individual building principals. To be given full consideration, please closely follow the application instructions in WECAN and upload the required additional application materials to your WECAN account, including two letters of recommendation.

After application submission, you will NOT be able to modify your application or add additional application materials. Only application materials submitted with your WECAN application will be accepted (i.e. resume, letters of recommendation). Please DO NOT EMAIL or mail application materials as they cannot be given consideration. Submit your application once it is complete.

The School District of La Crosse is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of actual or perceived: age, sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, socio-economic status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, gender nonconformity, physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, citizenship, military service, membership in the National Guard, state defense force, or any other reserve component of the military forces of Wisconsin or the United States, political affiliation, or any other factor prohibited by state and federal law.

The School District of La Crosse values equity and diversity in our student population as well as staff members. Applications from diverse segments of the population are encouraged and welcomed.

We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or government, or against any individual(s) who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint.

Candidates seeking accommodations during an interview are encouraged to indicate such at the time they are contacted to interview.

Years of Experience

3

Degree

Bachelor

Licenses

• Director of Special Education and/or Pupil Services
• School Psychologist
• Early Childhood - Special Education

Additional Requirements

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Letters of Recommendation
• Custom Questions
• Transcripts & Licenses/Certifications