ESS Coordinator (Special Education, GT, & DLL Services)

Southwest Open School (SWOS)
Cortez, Colorado

Position Overview

The ESS (Exceptional Student Services) Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the implementation and compliance of student support services, including Special Education, Gifted and Talented (GT), and Designated/Dual Language Learner (DLL/MLL) programming at Southwest Open School.

This role ensures all students receive appropriate, equitable access to education, including a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, while also supporting advanced learners and multilingual students through aligned programming and services.

This position requires a systems-oriented, student-centered leader who can ensure compliance, build staff capacity, and implement effective support structures in a small, alternative education environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Special Education (IEP Compliance & Case Management)

• Ensure all IEPs are legally compliant, measurable, and aligned to student needs
• Oversee development of:
  • Present levels
  • Measurable annual goals
  • Service delivery plans
  • Accommodations/modifications
• Ensure all timelines and documentation requirements are met
• Maintain compliant and organized student records

2. Service Delivery & Program Implementation

• Develop and maintain a master ESS service schedule
• Ensure services are:
  • Delivered as written
  • Documented consistently
  • Aligned to student goals
• Provide direct and indirect student support as needed
• Monitor implementation across all classrooms

3. Progress Monitoring & Data Systems

• Implement a consistent, school-wide progress monitoring system
• Ensure data is:
  • Collected regularly
  • Aligned to goals
  • Used to inform instruction
• Oversee progress reporting to families

4. IEP Meetings & Collaboration

• Schedule and facilitate IEP meetings
• Ensure all required team members are prepared and present
• Provide IEP drafts in advance of meetings
• Collaborate with teachers, families, and service providers

5. Gifted and Talented (GT) Programming

• Identify and monitor students eligible for Gifted and Talented services
• Ensure all identified students have current and compliant Advanced Learning Plans (ALPs)
• Support staff in:
  • Differentiation for advanced learners
  • Enrichment and extension opportunities
• Monitor implementation of GT services and document progress
• Ensure compliance with state expectations for GT programming

6. Designated/Dual Language Learner (DLL/MLL) Support

• Coordinate support for students identified as DLL/MLL
• Ensure students receive appropriate:
  • Language development support
  • Instructional accommodations
• Collaborate with staff to implement strategies that support language acquisition and academic success
• Monitor student progress and service implementation
• Ensure compliance with state and federal expectations for multilingual learners

7. Staff Support & Instructional Coaching

• Support teachers in:
  • Implementing IEPs, ALPs, and language supports
  • Differentiating instruction for diverse learners
• Provide coaching and guidance to build staff capacity
• Lead professional development as needed

8. Family Communication

• Maintain clear, professional, and proactive communication with families
• Ensure families understand:
  • Student supports and services
  • Progress and expectations
• Respond to concerns in a timely and respectful manner

9. Compliance & Accountability

• Ensure compliance with:
  • Federal laws (IDEA, Section 504, language access laws)
  • State requirements for Special Education, GT, and DLL programs
  • Local policies
• Participate in audits, reviews, and reporting processes
• Address compliance concerns immediately

10. Additional Responsibilities

• Coordinate with outside agencies and service providers
• Support transition planning and post-secondary readiness
• Maintain confidentiality of student records
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or related field
• Valid Colorado teaching license
• Experience working with diverse learners (SPED, GT, or multilingual students)
• Knowledge of compliance requirements across student support programs

Preferred:

• Master’s Degree
• Experience in alternative education settings
• Experience managing compliance systems (IEPs, ALPs, language supports)
• Experience coaching staff

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational and systems-thinking skills
• Ability to manage multiple compliance areas simultaneously
• Clear and professional communication
• Ability to build relationships with students, families, and staff
• High level of accountability and attention to detail

Core Values at SWOS

• Student-centered decision making
• Equity and access for all learners
• Relationship-driven practice
• Accountability and continuous improvement