Co-Director of Special Education

POSITION TITLE:     Co-Director of Special Education

QUALIFICATIONS:    

• Master’s or Education Specialist degree
• Curriculum Administrator’s License in Special Education
• 3 or more years of experience as a building/district administrator

CONTRACT:      240 days

EVALUATOR:    Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

JOB DESCRIPTION:                  

The Co-Director will work alongside the other Co-Director to supervise and administer all district programs for children with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program Administration

• Supervise the identification, education, and evaluation process for all students with disabilities
• Guides development, implementation and evaluation of curriculum and special education instructional services
• Provide information, as necessary, related to due process and dispute resolution procedures and IDEA requirements to administrators, teachers, and parents, including information on resolution sessions and mediation and the availability and desirability of pre-due process mediation
• Consult with teaching staff to determine needs of specific students and the program
• Consult with teachers and building administrators to determine instructional materials and supplies needed for the program
• Design and implement Child Find activities in accordance with state and federal guidelines
• Collaborate with building and district level curriculum leaders to develop plans and recommendations for the inclusion of students with disabilities in all aspects of the educational program
• Monitor operation of district programs for children with disabilities to ensure operation in accordance with state adopted and approved policies, procedures and guidelines

 Managing and Leading Staff

• Possess an above average working knowledge of Special Education Automated Software (SEAS) program
• Understand and use working knowledge of the Special Education and Related Services procedural requirements and program standards for Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). 
• Guide and support administrators with Therapeutic Day Treatment placements, referral, evaluation, and programming
• Develop, lead and support Professional Development for staff
• Train special education teachers and regular education teachers serving students with disabilities particularly in the areas of SEAS usage/compliance and other related professional development
• Hold staff accountable for meeting established timelines set forth in due process procedures, including those employed through purchased service arrangements
• Assist with High Cost Occurrence Submission
• Support Co-Director and building administrators with Pre-K Transitions
• Complete reviews of Cycles 1-7 relating to Special Education Reporting
• Report to district administration on staffing needs and plan for the most efficient and effective use of special education staff
• Collaborate with building principals to hire, assign, train and supervise building level special education department employees
• Set high expectations for staff and model these expectations through leadership style

Budget

• Develop and manage special education department budgets in coordination with the district’s Chief FInancial Officer
• Maintain high levels of understanding of allowable expenses and budget codes
• Supervise timely submission of Medicaid and other billing

Parent/Community Involvement

• Seek ways to involve parents in their student’s education
• Promote school activities in the community and seek to establish partnerships and positive working relationships with community organizations
• Serve as liaison between special education student parents and the district
• Promote and maintain parental participation in conferences, events, and activities for students with special needs
• Serve as liaison with other public and private agencies who provide services to students to ensure transition process from school to life

 Communication

• Maintain open channels of communication within the department, among buildings, and with district administration
• Understand and promote district policies to employees, parents, and community
• Inform the district administration about matters that are pertinent to the administration of the district
• Oversee preparation and timely submission of all necessary ADE reports
• Operate as part of the district leadership team by supporting and promoting district initiatives
• Maintain appropriate communication with building and district administration

Training and Knowledge

• Maintain knowledge of trends in special education, instructional management, and supervision
• Attend meetings and trainings for LEA Supervisors conducted or sponsored by the ADE, Special Education Unit (SEU), and/or AASEA
• Provide on-going training to special education teachers and regular education teachers serving students with disabilities

Proficiency (or Ability to Learn) Specific School Related Programs:

• Arkansas Public Schools Computer Network (E-School)
• Frontline/Veritime
• Talent-ED
• Google
• eFinance
• Indistar
• MySped Resource
• SEAS
• Other data and assessment programs as needed