What is the role of a Special Education Officer.?

Question

What is the role of a Special Education Officer.?

Answer 1

I'm in England and I am a Special Educational Needs Coordinator-dont know if thats the same as a Special Ed Officer!

But my role is with the under 5's....I have many roles:

1) to monitor chidlren adn ensure they are reaching their milestones developmentally and to note any difficulties or support they need.

2) To observe and ensure concerns are passed on to professionals who can help.

3) Support families with children under SEN.

4) Set and maintain targets for children with an SEN...and to review these.

5) To support the child when they move settings.

6) To go to meetings and training to keep up to date and to keep relationshsips with other professionals.

7) To work one to one with children to support language, understanding, physical development, social skills etc.

8) To look into fiancial options such as funding for one to one, equipment etc.

Answer 2

Do you mean the Special Needs Officer that works for the Council?  It is mostly an administrative role, they oversee statutory assessments, the drafting and issuing of Statements.  They provide advice to parents and schools on the educational services available within the Authority and advise parents on how Special Needs are dealt with in schools and how to go about applying for Statutory Assessments.  They also liaise with various services, Social Services, Speech & Language Therapy Services, etc to request information.

The Special Educational Needs section in your Local Authority is primarily concerned with funding of support and administration of Statements.  They very rarely go into schools except to attend Annual Reviews or necessary meetings.