SPED Director

Job Summary

Harvest Preparatory Academy is seeking a knowledgeable and highly effective Special Education Director to lead and oversee all aspects of the school's special education programs and services. The SPED Director is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal and state special education laws, providing leadership and support to special education staff, overseeing IEP implementation, and promoting positive outcomes for students with disabilities.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader with extensive knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, Arizona Department of Education requirements, and best practices in special education programming. This position works closely with school administrators, teachers, parents, service providers, and outside agencies to ensure students receive appropriate educational services in the least restrictive environment.

Leadership and Program Oversight

Provides leadership, direction, and supervision for all special education services and programs within the school.

Develops, implements, and monitors procedures to ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, Arizona State Board of Education regulations, and Arizona Department of Education requirements.

Serves as the school's primary resource for special education compliance, student evaluations, eligibility determinations, and IEP development.

Provides guidance and support to teachers and support staff regarding instructional strategies, accommodations, modifications, behavior interventions, and inclusion practices.

Collaborates with school leadership to develop and implement programs that support student growth, achievement, and access to the general education curriculum.

Compliance and Accountability

Ensures all special education records, timelines, documentation, reporting, and procedural safeguards are completed accurately and timely.

Monitors compliance with state and federal requirements related to evaluations, reevaluations, IEP meetings, transition planning, and service delivery.

Coordinates audits, monitoring visits, and reporting requirements with the Arizona Department of Education and other regulatory agencies.

Maintains confidentiality and security of all student records in accordance with FERPA and applicable laws.

Oversees Medicaid billing, Exceptional Student Services (ESS) submissions, and other compliance-related responsibilities as applicable.

Student Services and Special Education Programming

Oversees referral, evaluation, eligibility, placement, and service delivery processes for students with disabilities.

Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate educational programming and supports are provided to students.

Monitors student progress and program effectiveness using data-driven decision-making.

Facilitates problem-solving meetings, IEP meetings, manifestation determinations, and parent conferences.

Supports the development and implementation of positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) for students with exceptional needs.

Staff Supervision and Professional Development 

Supervises and evaluates special education teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and other assigned staff.

Provides coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities focused on special education best practices and legal compliance.

Promotes collaboration between general education and special education staff to support inclusive educational practices.

Ensures staff maintain required certifications, training, and professional qualifications.

Family and Community Engagement 

Builds and maintains positive relationships with students, families, community agencies, and service providers.

Communicates effectively with parents regarding special education services, student progress, and procedural rights.

Serves as a liaison between families, school personnel, and external agencies to facilitate student success.

Operations and Resource Management

Assists with budgeting, staffing, scheduling, and allocation of resources for special education programs.

Coordinates contracted services, specialized instructional materials, and assistive technology resources.

Ensures efficient and effective operation of all special education services.

Required Qualifications / Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelors degree in Special Education or related field.
• Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, Administration, or related field preferred.
• Must hold a valid Arizona Special Education Certificate (Mild/Moderate Disabilities K-12, Moderate/Severe Disabilities K-12, Cross-Categorical Special Education, or another Arizona-approved Special Education certification).
• Must possess a valid Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful experience as a Special Education Teacher.
• Experience in special education leadership, administration, compliance, or program coordination preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, Arizona ESS requirements, and special education compliance procedures.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with IEP development, progress monitoring, evaluations, and special education program management.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
• Arizona Supervisor, Principal, or administrative certificate 
• Experience in a charter school setting
• Experience supervising special education staff and managing compliance programs.
• Training or experience in behavioral supports, MTSS, inclusion practices, and special education data systems.