Special Programs Director

Position:           Special Programs Director

Location:           Administration

Reports To:       Superintendent/Designee

Work Year:        12 Months

Compensation:  Competitve pay and benefits package.

Position Summary

The Special Programs Director is responsible for implementing, administering, and maintaining the district's special programs and services in areas such as special education, psychology, guidance, and social work. These responsibilities must align with district policies, state objectives, and relevant laws to promote an educational environment conducive to individualized instruction, cooperative curriculum development, and student learning. This role also includes oversight of early childhood programming.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Develop and administer the school district's special services programs in accordance with district goals, objectives, and applicable laws.
• Provide leadership and direction to staff for the evaluation and improvement of special education, social/emotional health, and social work programs.
• Serve as a member of the Superintendents Cabinet.
• Serve on the district crisis team.
• Manage state and federal grant programs.
• Lead the district Student Services Team.
• Provide oversight of the Districts Early Childhood Special Education Program. 
• Act as one of the District's Title IX Coordinators.
• Assign special education staff, social workers, school psychologists, and other itinerant staff to optimize the effectiveness of special services.
• Serve as liaison for special education students transitioning between school and external programs.
• Review, approve, and coordinate all external placements for the district.
• Maintain and secure student records in compliance with legal standards.
• Ensure the development and implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in accordance with state and federal laws.
• Approve and oversee homebound instruction programs.
• Recommend components of a behavioral management plan to administrative and teaching staff.
• Coordinate special education services with other pupil services.
• Engage with students, parents, and school personnel regarding student needs.
• Oversee the budget for special education and other pupil services; apply for grants to fund special programs.
• Assist in curriculum and staff development within areas of responsibility.
• Liaise with state officials on legislation, programming, and other pertinent issues.
• Supervise and manage the school district's health services programs.
• Address special service transportation issues.
• Prepare and manage budgets related to special programs.
• Review and approve requisitions for special education materials and equipment.
• Stay informed on developments in special education, student assessment, and school health programs.
• Inform other district staff about changes in laws or regulations.
• Manage and supervise all employees within areas of responsibility, including hiring, training, and evaluating staff; provide feedback and take corrective actions as needed.
• Coordinate and attend meetings with district staff and parents, serve on committees, and conduct professional development as necessary.
• Duties as assigned by the Superintendent/Designee

Employment Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in education or a realted field that services and supports special education programming. 
• Special Education Director Certification (preferred) or ability to obtain State Certification within 2 years.

Experience:

• Three to five years of experience working with special needs students in an educational setting.
• Five years of administrative experience, preferably in Special Education.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Directly supervises itinerant staff, transitions staff, certified staff, and, supports all areas of the District’s Special Education programs.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen and small numbers.

Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

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