Community Special Education Director

Company Description

KIPP Delta Public Schools operates tuition-free, open-enrollment college-preparatory charter schools in the Arkansas Delta, serving over 1,200 students in Helena and Blytheville. Through a rigorous PreK-12 program and an asset-based approach, KIPP empowers students to discover their purpose and expand regional opportunities.

Job Description

The Community Special Education Director provides direct leadership, oversight, and compliance management for all Special Education (SPED) programs across KIPP Delta’s Blytheville campuses. Reporting to the District Special Education Manager, this role ensures effective implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), high-quality instruction for students with disabilities, and adherence to state and federal SPED regulations. The Community Director serves as the primary point of contact for campus-level staff, families, and service providers in Blytheville.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Program Implementation

• Oversee SPED services across Blytheville Elementary and Blytheville Collegiate, ensuring compliance with IDEA and Arkansas DESE regulations.
• Monitor implementation of IEPs, behavior plans, and accommodations, serving as the on-site administrative designee for due process and compliance reviews.
• Collect and analyze SPED-related data (academic progress, discipline, attendance, etc.) to inform decisions and program improvements.
• Collaborate with the District Manager to align campus SPED practices with district-wide policies and priorities.

Instructional Support & Professional Development

• Coach and support SPED teachers and instructional assistants to strengthen instructional quality and student outcomes.
• Conduct classroom observations and provide actionable feedback.
• Promote inclusive practices and effective co-teaching in partnership with general education staff.
• Lead or facilitate campus professional development on SPED compliance, instructional strategies, and progress monitoring.

Compliance & Documentation

• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of eligibility, evaluations, and IEPs in eSchool/PowerSchool Special Programs.
• Maintain records for ADESE monitoring, internal audits, and IEP scheduling.
• Safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of all student information and communications.

Collaboration & Family Engagement 

• Partner with school leaders to embed SPED services within the academic program.
• Serve as liaison among families, staff, and community partners to coordinate supports and resources.
• Communicate consistently with parents/guardians regarding student progress and services.
• Build relationships with community agencies to expand access to wraparound supports.

This job description reflects the core functions and responsibilities of the role but is not intended to be comprehensive. School and district leaders may assign additional duties to support strategic priorities and organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Licenses: Valid Arkansas teaching license with a SPED endorsement required; Administrator licensure preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 4 years of experience in SPED required; 2 years in a leadership role preferred.
• Must pass state and federal background checks, including fingerprinting and child maltreatment registry checks.
• Ongoing participation in professional development activities as required by ADE.
• In-depth understanding of IDEA and Arkansas state special education regulations.
• Familiarity with evidence-based instructional strategies for students with disabilities.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills; excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in data analysis and application for program improvement.
• Commitment to educational equity and student access.

Additional Information

Community Director salaries will be based on individual experience and within the SY 2025-26 Salary Schedule range.

KIPP Delta Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.