IEP Coordinator

"Position Overview The Middle School IEP Coordinator ensures the delivery of high-quality, legally compliant special education services for students in grades 5–8. Serving as the primary bridge between administration, general education teachers, special education staff, and families, the Coordinator oversees the development, implementation, and compliance of all Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). This role emphasizes fostering strong student connections, managing complex staffing to ensure student service minutes are delivered, and easing the transition into and out of the middle school ecosystem. Essential Roles & Responsibilities Compliance Oversight: Ensure all IEPs, 504 plans, and evaluation timelines strictly adhere to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), state regulations, and district policies. Meeting Facilitation: Serve as the Local Education Agency (LEA) representative or chairperson for IEP Meetings. Data Quality Assurance: Audit IEP documentation, progress reports, and accommodation logs for accuracy, data-driven goals, and measurable objectives before finalization. Transfer Students: Review, interpret, and implement incoming IEPs for students transferring from out-of-district or out-of-state. Elementary-to-Middle Transition: Collaborate with elementary school to coordinate 4th-to-5th grade transition IEP meetings, ensuring continuity of services and proper placement. High School Transition Planning: Introduce early transition tracking and age-appropriate goals to prepare 8th-grade students for the high school special education landscape. Schedule Alignment: Partner with school guidance counselors and administrators to build master schedules that accommodate co-teaching models, resource rooms, and related services (OT, PT, Speech, BCBA). Differentiated Support: Assist general education teachers in understanding and seamlessly implementing classroom accommodations, modifications, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies. Behavioral Consultation: Collaborate with school psychologists and behavior specialists to develop, monitor, and adjust Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) utilizing positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS). Parent Liaison: Act as a trusted, accessible point of contact for families navigating the unique social-emotional and academic shifts of the middle school years. Conflict Resolution: Proactively address parental concerns and facilitate consensus within the IEP team when disagreements regarding services or placements arise. 100% Timeline Compliance: Zero missed deadlines for annual reviews, triennial evaluations, and initial eligibility timelines. Discipline Monitoring: Accurate tracking of suspension days to ensure timely Manifestation Determinations are held before reaching the 10-day threshold. Audit Readiness: Maintaining pristine, legally defensible digital and physical special education records. Job Qualifications & Requirements Education: Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field preferred. Certification: Valid State Certification in Special Education Experience: Minimum of 3–5 years of successful classroom experience in special education, ideally within a middle school setting. Prior leadership or coordinator experience is highly valued. Key Skills: Deep knowledge of IDEA; exceptional conflict resolution and de-escalation skills; expertise in analyzing academic and behavioral data; proficiency with state IEP software systems."