Assistant Manager of Special Education - Michigan Connections Academy

Job Details

Description

Company Summary

Michigan Connections Academy (MICA) is a tuition-free, online public school serving students in grades K–12 throughout Michigan. MICA is authorized by Ferris State University Charter Schools Office and governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school is operated by Michigan Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with CA of Michigan, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED.

Position Summary

Working from our office in East Lansing, Michigan, or your home office, the Assistant Supervisor of Special Education will oversee all aspects of educational service delivery for our students with special education needs. The Assistant Supervisor of Special Education will ensure that the school operates in compliance with all state and federal regulations, and data are being collected, stored, and updated in a manner that meets all compliance expectations.

The Assistant Supervisor of Special Education will ensure that the school is providing appropriate programs in the least restrictive environment for all students with special needs. This will include management of the pre-referral and IEP processes, maintain student data, communicate with parents, locate and contract with service providers throughout the state, and ensure that the school always operates in compliance with special education law and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support in monitoring compliance with special education processes and timelines across all schools. Interpret and articulate special education regulations, policies, and procedures to principal, teachers, and parents to ensure compliance;
• Assist in developing standardized processes, forms and protocols for all special education procedures;
• Establish and maintain a database of and relationships with school districts, intermediate units, private providers, community agencies, mental health clinics, etc.;
• Establish procedures for placement, evaluation, assignment and re-evaluation of students regarding the special education services program;
• Oversee and/or implement all aspects of student referrals, IEP development, diagnostic assessments, and annual/tri-annual reviews. Institute and maintain a documentation system within the Learning Management System that captures and organizes all such data;
• Assist where needed in conducting school-based special education related meetings;
• Coordinate the set-up and delivery of IEP-mandated direct services to students, whether through direct in-house teacher support or contracted services with school districts or other qualified agencies;
• Support the development, tracking, dissemination and proper implementation of IEP-mandated accommodations for students with special needs during state testing events;
• Collaborate with the school team concerning all facets of programming for students with special needs, from pre-referral intervention to transition and dismissal;
• Support and assist the Manager of Special Education with 504 plans and ELL programing;
• Work directly with parents, as needed, to answer questions and ensure that all school actions are in compliance, and are in the interest of maximizing student learning in the Least Restrictive Environment;
• Develop a good working knowledge of Michigan Connections Academy’s curricular options, and how they can be adapted and implemented to meet specific student needs; Introduce new ways of supporting special needs students in a virtual environment;
• Assist in planning, implementing staff in-service activities;
• Ability to maintain up-to-date knowledge of current theory, research, methodology and legislation in appropriate fields of assignment regarding Special Education
• Performs such other duties as assigned by the Executive Director and Director or Manager of Special Education.
  
  

Requirements

• Master’s Degree
• Valid Michigan Teaching Certification with full approval or endorsement in at least one area of special education from Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education (MDE, OSE). Except as otherwise provided by law, the Academy shall use certificated teachers according to state board rule.
• Three years of successful professional practice or experience in special education
• Approval as a Michigan Supervisor of Special Education or the ability to obtain approval
• Approval as a Transition Coordinator preferred
• Must meet all continuing education requirements as defined by MDE
• Expertise in special education law and compliance
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Customer focused approach
• High degree of flexibility
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast paced environment
• Technologically proficient (especially with Microsoft Office and Google Suite products)
• Experience in policy (IDEA) and/or administration with Special Education
• Travel and attendance at in-person events, including State Testing is required throughout the school year, as determined by the school. This may require overnight travel
• Ability to work some occasional evening hours, as needed to support some families.
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication.
  
  

Michigan Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.