Assistant Director of Special Programs

Position:             Assistant Director of Special Programs

Location:            Administration Office

Reports To:        Special Programs Director

Compensation:  Competitve compensation and benefits package

Summary of Position:

In collaboration with the Director of Special Programs, the Assistant Director of Special Programs provides leadership and guidance for the effective and compliant implementation of special education programs and services.   The Assistant Director of Special Programs provides coaching, training, consultation, and technical support to improve outcomes for all students who receive special education programs and services in the district.

Essential Functions:

(The following list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive list of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position.  Regular attendance is an essential function of this job.)

• Develop and administer special services programs consistent with school district goals and objectives, as well as applicable law in collaboration with the Director of Special Programs
• Provide leadership for the ongoing evaluation and improvement of special education programs and services to increase student academic and functional performance
• Ensure the use of data-based decision-making for effective implementation of evidence-based practices to support academic and behavioral specially designed instruction to meet the needs of students with disabilities
• Review student progress data with staff to ensure optimal student growth for students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment 
• Collaborate with related service staff, special education teachers, general education teachers, administrators, and parents regarding individual student needs
• Work closely with MTSS Coordinator and building administrators to ensure effective Student Assistance Team and compliant Child Find procedures
• Support implementation of district initiatives through training, coaching, consultation, data review and feedback
• Provide training and support to enhance Peer to-Peer/LINK programs across the district
• Partner with the Director of Special Programs to support compliance with state and federal requirements 
• Consult with teams and/or participate in Manifestation Determination Review meetings.
• Coordinate with the Teaching & Learning Department and building principals to ensure equitable and compliant administration of the Michigan assessment system for students with disabilities.
• Supervise and evaluate department staff in accordance with the school district's evaluation plan, and make recommendations regarding goals, areas needing improvement, and continued employment
• Assist with determining areas of need and providing professional development related to special education.
• Communicate regularly with the Director of Special programs regarding issues, concerns, and needs related to special education
• Develop positive working relationships with building administrators and staff, members of the special education department, students, and parents
• Maintain and protect students' rights to confidentiality
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively and equitably with individuals of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds
• Encourage parent and community involvement; support informed engagement of parents/guardians in the special education process
• Know and be able to educate others about federal and state rules and regulations pertaining to special education.
• Promote a school environment conducive to individualized instruction, cooperative curriculum development, and student learning.
• Assist in supporting collaboration between building staff, Transportation Department, KISD Programs, and families to ensure high-quality special transportation for eligible students
• Budget related to special programs, including review and approval of requisitions
• Remain current and keep other school district staff informed of developments in the laws, regulations, and/or fields of special education, disabilities, and school health programs. 
• Coordinate and attend meetings with district staff and parents, serve on committees, and conduct professional development as needed to fulfill responsibilities
• Other duties as assigned

Employment Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in special education, educational leadership, early childhood, or a related field, required.
• Valid Michigan teaching certificate with an endorsement in at least one area of special education or a valid special education licensure or certification (i.e. School Social Work, Speech and Language Pathologist, School Psychologist, etc.)
• At least five years of experience in special education programs/services.
• Michigan approval as a Director of Special Education, or eligible for the State of Michigan approval or temporary approval as Director of Special Education pursuant to MARSE Rule 340.1771.
• Knowledge of State of Michigan special education rules and regulations, staff management, corrective discipline, knowledge of state and federal special education law, and knowledge of or direct work experience with special education programs and services.
• Exceptional leadership skills.
• Knowledge and experience in High Leverage Practices, School Improvement,
• Extensive knowledge of MTSS.
• Knowledge and experience in the use of technology to support instruction and data collection.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Proven ability to report to work on a regular and punctual basis with the ability to work beyond the school day to attend meetings held before or after school.
• Perform all other related work delegated or required to accomplish the objectives of the school program.

Other Duties:

• Effectively communicate with stakeholders on a regular basis via phone or email
• Participate in staff meetings, parent meetings, IEPs, and other meetings as required and directed.
• Attend staff, committee, grade-level, department meetings, and others as assigned by the principal
• Collaboratively work with colleagues and as part of a team
• Promote the vision and mission of Caledonia Community Schools in a positive manner at all times
• Duties as assigned by the Special Programs Director

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk, hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust/focus.

Work Environment:

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate. Work is performed indoors although there will be required outdoor activities. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of students.

Non-Discrimination

Caledonia Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, (including sexual orientation and transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities