ESE Coordinator

Position Summary

The ESE Coordinator leads the school's Exceptional Student Education program for students in grades 6–12. The coordinator ensures that students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under IDEA, Section 504, and Florida State Board of Education rules. The role manages IEP and 504 compliance, coordinates services and providers, and supports teachers in delivering accommodations and specially designed instruction. The coordinator is also the school's main ESE contact for families and the sponsoring school district.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesIEP and 504 Compliance

• Schedule, facilitate, and document IEP and Section 504 meetings, including initial, annual, interim, and reevaluation meetings.
• Ensure IEPs, 504 plans, prior written notices, consent forms, and progress reports meet federal and state timelines and requirements.
• Maintain ESE records and data in the district's ESE system and the school's student information system.
• Review IEPs of incoming transfer students and provide comparable services as required.
• Track compliance timelines and conduct internal file audits. Prepare for district and state monitoring.

Evaluation and Eligibility

• Coordinate the referral and evaluation process with the sponsoring district, school psychologist, and related service providers.
• Work with the MTSS/problem-solving team to review intervention data before referrals.
• Support Child Find activities within the school.

Services and Instruction

• Coordinate ESE service delivery, including support facilitation, resource services, and related services such as speech-language, occupational, and physical therapy, and counseling.
• Build student service schedules and caseloads for ESE teachers and paraprofessionals.
• Ensure that general education teachers receive each student's accommodations and implement them.
• Coordinate testing accommodations for state assessments (FAST, B.E.S.T. EOCs) and for classroom, college entrance, and industry certification exams.
• Oversee functional behavior assessments (FBAs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs) as needed.

Transition and Graduation Planning

• Lead secondary transition planning, including post-secondary goals and transition services in IEPs, beginning by age 14 or earlier as required.
• Work with families and counselors on diploma options, course of study, and graduation requirements for students with disabilities.
• Coordinate with outside agencies such as Vocational Rehabilitation as appropriate.

Family and District Communication

• Serve as the main ESE contact for families. Explain procedural safeguards and parent rights.
• Act as liaison with the sponsoring district's ESE department and outside providers.
• Help resolve parent concerns and support the school during disputes, mediation, or complaints.

Staff Support and Leadership

• Provide training to staff on IEP/504 implementation, accommodations, and ESE procedures.
• Supervise or support ESE teachers and paraprofessionals as assigned.
• Help manage ESE budgets, IDEA funding documentation, and contracted services.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records in line with FERPA and school policy.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Principal.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. A master's degree in special education or a related field is preferred.
• Valid Florida Educator Certificate in Exceptional Student Education (K–12).
• At least three years of experience teaching or providing services to students with disabilities.
• Working knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and Florida ESE rules and procedures.
• Experience writing compliant IEPs and leading IEP meetings.
• Pass a Level 2 background screening and fingerprinting, as required for Florida school employees.

Preferred Qualifications and Core Competencies

Preferred:

• Experience as an ESE coordinator, staffing specialist, or program specialist.
• Experience with secondary transition planning and diploma pathways for students with disabilities.
• Familiarity with the sponsoring district's ESE data system and procedures.
• Experience in a charter school setting.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Core competencies:

• Strong organization and the ability to manage many compliance deadlines.
• Clear, professional communication with families, staff, and district personnel.
• Skill in facilitating meetings and resolving conflict.
• Ability to coach teachers on accommodations and instructional strategies.
• Accurate documentation and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with a student information system, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $63,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $63,000