Director of Exceptional Children/Preschool/EL

Requirements stated herein are minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities to qualify for this position. To perform the duties and responsibilities of this position successfully, the employee must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each task proficiently. "Ability" means to possess and apply both knowledge and skill.

The methods of meeting these requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. Some requirements, however, may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or others.

REPORTS TO: Superintendent

APPROVED: 5-12-2022

SUMMARY

Under professional direction, to plan, organize, and coordinate the special education, 504, preschool, gifted and talented, and English language learner programs; to plan, organize, and coordinate the special education instructional training program design and delivery systems to ensure optimal educational opportunities and growth experiences; to assist in the planning, organization and coordination of research and development processes, including product and service audit and evaluation processes; to participate in the district special education, 504, preschool, gifted and talented, and English language learner programs master planning activities; and to do other related functions as directed.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This position classification requires subject matter expertise commonly taught in public schools, and coordination of special education, 504, preschool, gifted and talented, and English language learner programs curriculum and instructional processes. Directly related experience in these education programs is required to perform the required programmatic analyses using widely prescribed instructional principles and concepts. The position classification performs decision analysis processes and makes decisions of considerable consequence, requiring the application and interpretation of data, facts, procedures, and policies. The incumbents meet frequently with school administrators, teachers, other staff, and parents to communicate information, data, and alternative problem solutions. This is a sedentary position classification and performs light work involving sitting a portion of the time, but does require walking and standing for extended periods. This position requires accurate perceiving of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, the ability to provide oral information and direction, and the handling and working with instructional and assessment materials and objects.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinate the functions and activities of the special education, 504, preschool, gifted and talented, and English language learner programs curriculum and instruction design and delivery systems.
• Provide leadership and expertise in assessing, identifying, formulating, and implementing the District special education, 504, preschool, gifted and talented, and English language learner programs goals and objectives in compliance with state and federal legal mandates and guidelines.
• Provide leadership in the development of processes, strategies, and feasibility planning and recommend the necessary human and monetary resources in order to achieve the result expectancies.
• Assist in the planning, organization, development, and conduct of a variety of staff
• development and in-service training programs.
• Establish communication feedback systems and processes for monitoring and auditing the special education program functions.
• Assist in the planning, monitoring and review of special education, 504, preschool, gifted and talented, and English language learner programs teachers’ and instructional aides’ functions and activities.
• Plan, organize and direct the District speech and language development program.
• Advise, counsel, and assist members of the District and special education, 504, preschool, gifted and talented, and English language learner programs advisory groups to ensure thorough and complete communication relative to the programs.
• Assist in the planning and conduct of research and development activities, including the projecting, planning, and forecasting of future service programs, functions, and activities.
• Assist in the planning, organization, and implementation of budget planning guidelines and procedures, and expenditure control strategies.
• Assist in feasibility planning in determining procedures and guidelines which effectively resolve conflicts and aid in coalition building processes.
• Develop and maintain management information and records systems necessary for completion of required county, state, and federal reports.
• Prepare a budget for assigned programs, including human resource needs necessary to accommodate appropriate District support services.
• Serve as the district liaison with other public and private agencies providing services to the handicapped, including SELPA and Coordinating Council.
• Initiate and coordinate the efforts to acquaint District administrative and instructional staff with the needs of special education children to facilitate the program mainstreaming process.
• Evaluate and/or coordinate evaluation with school/district administrators on the following personnel: district school psychologist, district gifted and talented coordinator, district English language learner teacher, preschool teachers, special education teachers, speech language pathologists, program instructional assistants, and any other personnel related to special education, 504, preschool, gifted and talented, and English language learner programs.
• Any other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, trends, goals and objectives of public education;

Philosophical, educational, fiscal, and legal aspects affecting a special education operational program;

Organization, planning, and program evaluation strategies, techniques, and procedures;

Curriculum and instruction design and delivery systems specific to special education;

Research and development strategies, processes, and techniques;

Human relationships, conflict resolution strategies and procedures, and team building methods and techniques;

Ability to:

Plan, organize and coordinate the District special education, 504, preschool, gifted and talented, and English language learner programs programs;

Aid in the planning , development, and implementation of budget planning, and expenditure control processes and procedures;

Evaluate and analyze complex problems, issues, and concerns, recommend appropriate alternative solutions;

Communicate effectively in oral and written form, utilizing a simplistic communication mode in ensuring understandable and thorough communication;

Establish and maintain cooperative organizational, public, and educational community relationships.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:

Experience:

Three years of successful teaching and coordinating special education functions and activities.

Education:

Equivalent to completion of an earned Masters or higher degree from a recognized college or university in Special Education Curriculum and Instructional Programming, or a field sufficiently related to insure performance success.

Certification Requirement

Possession of certification as required by Kentucky law.