Special Ed Dept Chair/IEP Facilitator - Windsor Mill Middle.0256

Job Description

Provide leadership, guidance, and support to ensure compliance with State and Federal requirements consistent with the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as well as the expectations of Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS). Organize and facilitate IEP team meetings, regularly monitoring IEP files, providing professional development to school staff, and collaborating with the special education school-based administrator(s). Provide support to teams using data to recognize the unique challenges of students and capitalize on their strengths and needs. Collaborate with the Department of Special Education (DSE), Office of Compliance to provide requested information and data for assigned school(s).

Responsibilities

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

• Organize and manage the IEP process, ensuring adherence to Federal, State, and Local regulations and procedures.
• Collect data on processes and timelines to report to the Building Principal, and/or Department of Special Education.
• Facilitate IEP meetings, promoting the active engagement of all members, and ensuring that all required IEP documents are completed and disbursed within timelines.
• Develop and monitor a special education management plan for communicating all required paperwork timelines, meeting schedules, and documentation to parents and school staff meeting all federal and state timelines.
• Provide technical assistance and professional development to staff and parents as appropriate on the IEP process and BCPS procedures.
• Review and provide feedback to teachers or providers on IEP paperwork including but not limited to IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), assessment reports, review of existing data, etc. to proactively address any potential compliance errors.
• Promote family engagement with a repertoire of ideas for teachers as they connect parents to classroom learning and alternative strategies used to support the varied needs of children.
• Facilitate collaboration with required IEP team members (including general educators, related service providers, special educators, school administrators, and parents) to develop appropriate IEPs.
• Review individual student records for completion and accuracy, prior to an IEP meeting and at the end of the school year.
• Advise Principal and central office compliance staff when issues of non-compliance are encountered.
• Assist teams with conveying procedures, vision, and priorities of the Department of Special Education, and Baltimore County Public Schools.
• Attend countywide IEP team chair training and other professional development as mandated by the Department of Special Education and/or Compliance Office.
• Conduct formal and informal assessments as requested.
• Collaborate with school and Department of Special Education central office staff to meet the needs of children with disabilities and their families.
• Assist DSE central office staff with other compliance related tasks as directed (dispute resolution, assessments, monitoring/audits, etc.).
• Coordinate for assigned schools, BCPS Department of Special Education/MSDE's compliance review activities as part of the Comprehensive Monitoring process and Internal Record Review Process.
• Perform other duties as assigned
  
  

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training, And Experience

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree. Three years of successful teaching experience working with students in special education. Two years of experience with facilitation and/or active participant in the IEP process is preferred. Master's degree in special education or equivalent preferred.
  
  

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a Maryland Educator Professional Certificate appropriate to the area of assignment.
• OR
• Possession of, or eligibility for, a Maryland Educator Professional License appropriate to the area of assignment.
• Possession of a Maryland Educator Advanced Professional Certificate or Advanced Professional License appropriate to the area of assignment is preferred.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of compliance with federal and state mandates including mediation and due process procedures
• Knowledge of support services and training for schools' staff, state legislation for students with disabilities, and services to students with hearing, vision, physical, speech-language, cognitive, emotional, and learning disabilities
• Demonstration of outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Demonstration of strong leadership, communication, and human relations skills
• Possession of technology competency (e.g., database, internet, spreadsheet, word processing, and related applications); skill and experience in data analysis and application.
  
  

Physical And Environmental Conditions

• The work of this class is performed both in school and office environments. Travel to schools throughout Baltimore County is required. Work includes the operation of office equipment, computers, and assistive technology devices. Limited physical activities may be required.
• Works flexible hours as necessary to meet all job requirements and deadlines. Travel to locations within Baltimore County required.
  
  

FLSA Status: Exempt

Retirement: Eligible for the Maryland State Retirement System.