IEP COORDINATOR

Classification: Certified                                                                                                                     Location: District

Reports to: Director of Exceptional Programs                                                                             FLSA Status: Exempt

Bargaining Unit: Ancillary (210 working days 6.5 hours per day)

Position Summary:

The IEP Coordinator job is to ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate educational services within a school district, working with teachers, families, and other specialists to develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). They also manage special education programs, provide training to staff, and stay informed on relevant laws and regulations

Supervision:

The coordinator works with an elevated level of independence and professional discretion under the general supervision of the Director of Exceptional Programs. The coordinators work is governed, controlled, and evaluated by acceptable professional practice, school and district policies and regulations, provisions of Taos Municipal Schools district policies and procedures, direction of the supervisor, and performance standards and expectations as set forth in the collective bargaining agreement.

Duties and Responsibilities listed may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Supports Director of Exceptional Programs in the day-to-day operations of the special education programs, including resource allocation, service provision, evaluations assignments, monitoring timeliness of essential timelines, and support as the LEA when necessary
2. Supports case managers in Scheduling and facilitating the District’s IEPs, specifically initial evaluation, annual evaluations, change of placement or program, and other IEPs as assigned.
   1. The coordinator oversees assigning evaluations.
3. Assists schools in making programming and scheduling decisions as dictated in students IEPs.
   1. May serve as member of school IEP team.
   2. Screens referrals from schools.
   3. Assists with the placement of students.
4. Ensures compliance of IEPs with district, state, and federal laws and regulations.
5. Ensures services provided in Least Restrictive Environments are aligned with students’ IEP.
6. Collaborates and communicates with Director of Exceptional Programs to ensure that the Lease Restrictive Environment reporting is accurate and reflective of IEP services and service times.
7. Ensures that all documents related to IEPs are completed in a timely manner according to state and federal law.
8. Provides training to teachers, related service providers and support service professionals on documenting IEP goals, completing progress reports, and parent communication.
9. Ensures IEPs are developmentally appropriate, curriculum/standards based, strength based, and relevant to the individual student.
10. Assists in linking students with special needs with the appropriate community support.
11. Assists with the transitioning for students as they advance to the next level of schooling (elementary to Middle School, etc.)
12. Assists teachers in vocational diploma/exit options, including compliance with state exiting requirements.
13. Develops collaborative/consultative relationships with school administrators, general and special education service providers, and other TMS staff.
14. Coordinates school-based support, as requested, to include identifying and modeling effective behavioral interventions.
15. Collaborates the FBA/BIP (Functional Behavior Assessment/Behavior Intervention Plan) process with school-based teams, including training and support to team members as needed.
16. Maintains records regarding the number of students serviced, placement of students, needs of students, parent involvement, needs of staff, etc.
17. Monitors the implementation of behavioral intervention and support programs to assure consistency across schools, and compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
18. Consults with parents and staff regarding evaluation results and IEP recommendations.
19. Advocates for students with disabilities and their families, ensuring they receive appropriate services and supports.
20. Case Management of IEP recommendations as appropriate.
21. Coordinates with District staff and community resources to initiate and provide Special Education services for students per IEP.
22. Assists during the Extended School Year program.
23. Required to follow board policies and procedures and stay abreast of updates and changes.
24. Performs all other duties assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in special education is preferred or a related field is preferred, a bachelor’s degree may be acceptable depending on experience.
• Valid teaching certification issued by NM PED
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of federal and state special education laws and regulations
• Prior experience in special education, particularly in IEP development and implementation.
• Ability to effectively communicate with parents. Students. And staff verbally and in writing.

Physical and Environmental Requirements of the Position:

• The physical demand and work environment 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 employee must lift and/or move 25 to 50 pounds, and may assist, move, or restrain students with greater weight when required to intervene in student safety issues.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, lift, carry, move about, hear, and speak.
• Coordinators may require performing extensive work at a computer display terminal.
• While performing the duties of this job, the teacher may occasionally work in outside weather conditions and be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, temperature fluctuations, fumes, or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals commonly used in instruction and/or cleaning. It may be expected that the individual could be exposed to blood or other potentially infectious materials during their duties. The coordinator may be exposed to infectious disease as carried by students.
• The teacher may be required to travel in school owned or leased vehicles while supervising and assisting students.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.