LOCATION: Flexible. Preferred candidates must be willing to serve across South Central, Central, East Central, and Southeast Kansas. Regular travel is required to various service areas.
EMPLOYMENT DATE: August 2025
SCHEDULE: Follows the school calendar, with additional days to meet the KDHE Part C requirement for year-round service delivery (222 working days) and may require attendance at special events outside of normal working hours, including weekends
JOB DESCRIPTION: The Developmental Vision Specialist provides specialized early intervention services to infants and toddlers (birth to age three) who are blind or visually impaired (BVI), as well as their families. Services are delivered in natural environments, including homes, childcare settings, and other community-based locations.
This position works independently under the supervision of the Superintendent and the Family Infant-Toddler Services Director. The incumbent will provide support and work in collaboration
with the Infant Toddler Services of Kansas, Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) teams, and families. The role includes conducting assessments, sharing resources, delivering direct and consultative services, providing family coaching, and participating in joint home visits.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Collaborate with the local Infant-Toddler Services of Kansas and early intervention teams to support children from birth to three with BVI. Participate in IFSP meetings, teamings, transition meetings, and staff meetings, both in-person and virtually.
Review ophthalmologic and medical reports to understand the child's visual condition. Conduct specialized assessments, including functional vision, sensory or learning media,
pre-braille readiness, cerebral visual impairment evaluations, the Oregon Project, vision screening, and other assessments/evaluations for children ages birth to three with BVI. Prepare written reports with recommendations for families and early intervention teams.
Participate in joint home visits with primary service providers, contributing vision-specific strategies and support in natural environments.
Assist in developing individualized IFSP outcomes, strategies, or accommodations based on family priorities. Provide tailored resources and recommendations to support the childs functional vision and overall development.
Provide coaching and consultation to families and team members to embed vision-supportive strategies into everyday routines through team coaching and joint home visits.
Support transitions from early intervention (Part C) to preschool (Part B) by offering vision-specific input, collaborating with families, and receiving programs to ensure continuity of services.
Maintain accurate documentation of assessments, service notes, and communication in the designated KSSB data system, ensuring compliance with KSSB procedures and applicable state and federal early intervention regulations.
Engage in ongoing professional development to remain current with evidence-based practices in early intervention and visual impairment.
Present at local, state, or national early childhood events and medical settings on vision-related topics or the Family Infant-Toddler Services.
Foster partnerships between KSSB and local service agencies. Participate in special initiatives such as the Vision Symposium and other family or professional outreach events.
Participate in FIT committees, gather requested data, coordinate services, and ensure children and families receive consistent, high-quality vision support.
Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with KSSB employees, local education agencies, Part C programs, representatives, and others contacted during the workday.
Follow established KSSB policies and procedures, including maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information related to children, families, service records, and applicable internal agency communications or operations.
Performed job-related tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create or modify sensory-rich, age-appropriate materials and activities to align with each child's unique visual needs and developmental level.
Support family understanding of vision reports and may accompany parents to ophthalmology visits. Break down complex medical or vision terminology from eye reports into family-friendly language.
Coordinate access to low vision devices and resources (e.g., light boxes, cause-effect toys). Maintain an inventory of shared materials and technology that can be loaned or demonstrated.
Participate in vision-specific child find. Assist KSSB and Infant Toddler of Kansas' child find efforts to help identify young children with BVI or at risk for visual impairment.
Support early literacy foundations. Introduce families to tactile books, early braille exposure, and pre-literacy strategies tailored for young children with BVI.
Complete APH registrations, Babies Count, and assist or provide information about the Deaf-Blind Project.
All other duties as assigned.
Attend all required meetings; use appropriate communication skills.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelors degree in education, early childhood special education, or other relevant field of study
Certification as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and Certification as an Orientation and Mobility Specialist are preferred, or willingness to obtain TSVI Certification
Current Kansas State Teaching Certificate, or ability to obtain a Kansas State Teaching Certificate.
KEY COMPETENCIES:
Excellent communication and organizational skills
Effective time management skills
Self-starter
Ability to set high expectations that support families and teams for childs success.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse groups
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Basic knowledge of technology and willingness to learn new systems and tools as required
Experience working with students with a visual impairment and unique learning needs, including deaf-blindness.
Experience working with infants and toddlers.
Ability to drive a rental vehicle across Kansas regions and other statewide agency-supported events.
Ability to use technology for work-related tasks, distance meetings, webinars, etc.
Must be proficient with, or willing to learn, relevant multimedia and assistive technology commonly used with young children who are blind or visually impaired. This includes devices used for assessments, documentation, and remote consultations.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
All offers of employment from Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB) are contingent upon background check results and any applicable workplace references. Background checks are
completed via the KS Bureau of Investigation, Backgrounds Plus consents, Kansas Department of Children and Family Services, and Dru Sjodin National Sexual Offender Registry. KSSB may
contact previous employers for workplace references. Within 30 days of employment, a tuberculosis test (and any applicable treatment), as well as a health certificate, must be completed by a medical provider at the cost of the employee.
APPLICATION: Open Until Filled. For consideration, please email Human Resources (hr@kssdb.org) to request an application. Copies of all applicable licenses, certifications, and transcripts will be required.
CONTACT: Human Resource Office
Voice: 913-305-3004
E-Mail: hr@kssdb.org
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