Director of Special Education

The South Park School District is currently accepting applications for a Director of Special Education. The Director of Special Education shall support the Superintendent in providing leadership, vision, and strategic direction for special education programs, services, and student supports. The Director is responsible for ensuring that all students with exceptionalities have access to appropriate educational services and that the district remains in full compliance with state and federal mandates, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Pennsylvania School Code.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in education, Master’s Degree in special education preferred
• Certification in Supervisor of Special Education, Principal Certification, or Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in public education, with prior administrative experience preferred
• The District may determine such alternatives to the above qualifications as may be required for the job vacancy.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct District-wide compliance with federal and state mandates, including IDEA-B, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Pennsylvania School Code Chapters 14 (Special Education), 15 (Protected Handicapped), and 16 (Gifted).
• Supports the development and implementation of comprehensive special educational and homebound instruction programs to meet the needs of Kindergarten through 12th grade students in the South Park School District
• Plans for, directs, and supports professional and non-professional staff by developing, coordinating, and ensuring implementation of effective system-wide, special education programs.
• Exercises leadership in the development of curriculum and instructional improvement that aligns with the District’s Special Education Plan
• Evaluates the curriculum through classroom observation and works closely with building and District administrators in proposing enhancements and changes
• Monitors and coordinates staff activities, providing technical assistance in curriculum development, use of materials/equipment and management of student behavior
• Directs and supervises the placement of students with identified exceptionalities upon request or referral to determine the appropriate organization of special education services throughout the district, coordinates the early admission testing program according to the board policy, and oversees the planning for standardized group-testing programs for students with disabilities
• Supervises the coordination with early intervention service providers, parents, and district personnel to ensure all students transitioning to school-age receive appropriate supports and services; also assists in providing transitional services to students starting special programs
• Coordinates and supervises the provision of appropriate extended school year programs
• Coordinates with the transportation department to ensure student transportation needs, both during the school year and for extended school year, are met
• Collaborates with principals to ensure appropriate delivery and compliance with Chapter 14
• Supervises all aspects of educational programming for students who attend out-of-district approved private schools and other educational placements that service South Park special education students; also makes regular visits to these schools to ensure student success
• Collaborates with the Allegheny Intermediate Unit on all services provided to the district
• Responsible for assuring the use of accurate Special Education Forms
• Ensures parent input in the MDE process
• Interprets results of the CER to professional staff members and parents
• Coordinates the daily schedules for paraprofessionals
• Provides documentation for compliance of state and federal regulations and timelines for completion of such forms as MDE, CER, IEP, NORA, etc.
• Maintains accurate records as needed to satisfy state auditors and agencies requiring reports and other data
• Serves on the multi-disciplinary team and threat assessment team
• Prepares the special education annual reports of pupil accounting and attendance
• Reviews all billings from the AIU and outside agencies providing services to affirm they are accurate
• Assists in the preparation of district policies and procedures relating to students with disabilities to ensure compliance with state and federal rules and regulations
• Maintains all special education student records
• Writes, amends, updates, and implements the district’s Special Education Plan for submission to PDE
• Supervises the initiation and updating of tracking forms for all exceptional children in district-run programs
• Supervises the development and implementation of transitional, vocational, and work experiences for special education students
• Responsible for state and federal reporting as it relates to special education
• Serves as the LEA and coordinates special education services between parents, the district, and approved private schools
• Active involvement and positive relationship-building through regular classroom visits and interactions
• Supervises the implementation of the School-Based ACCESS Programs
• Serves as District’s Homeless Liaison and Foster Care Coordinator
• Works with principals to ensure delivery of and compliance with Chapter 14, 15 & 16 services as needed.
• Prepares the District’s Special Education budget for submission to the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent
• Prepares for any special education state or federal compliance audits
• Supervises classified and professional staff in the special education program
• Makes recommendations for professional and nonprofessional special education staff assignments
• Coordinates cyclical monitoring activities by PDE
• Organizes, directs, and/or presents informational programs relative to the special education program to parents and other concerned members of the community
• Oversees the classrooms and facilities utilized for the special education program
• Coordinates the English as a Second Language program
• Maintains visibility and supportive presence in District functions and events
• Maintains open communication with parents and resolves building-level parent concerns and complaints in a timely and efficient manner with an emphasis on customer service
• Attends and contributes as appropriate in Board of Directors meetings and district meetings; presents the necessary report to the Board of Directors as directed by the Superintendent
• Performs such duties, responsibilities, and special projects as assigned by the Board of School Directors, the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, or their designee.
• Performs in accordance with school policy, administrative regulations, state and federal laws

This job description does not state or imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. The employee in this position will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the required duties.