PreK-5 Special Education Team Chairperson

POSITION TITLE: PreK-5 Special Education Team Chairperson REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education and Principal SUMMARY: Simonian Center for Early Learning and Sutton Elementary School is seeking a 1.0 FTE Team Chairperson to begin in the 2026-27 school year. The Elementary Special Education Coordinator, who reports to the Director of Special Education and the Principal, is responsible for overseeing key aspects of special education administration within the PreK-5 learning community. This role ensures compliance with Federal and State Special Education Regulations related to referrals, reevaluations, Team meetings, IEP development, and program monitoring. The Team Chairperson is also responsible for Preschool Transition Coordination. POSITION TYPE: Full-time ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions or duties listed below are illustrations of the type of work that is performed and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed by this position. Other duties may be assigned by the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee. Chair and facilitate Initial, Annual, Re-evaluation, and Manifestation Determination Team meetings in accordance with federal and state special education regulations. Coordinate and schedule Team meetings, including initial evaluations, re-evaluations, independent evaluation reviews, and other required meetings within mandated timelines. Ensure that all required documentation and parent notifications are completed and provided within regulatory timelines. Lead the development of high-quality Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring that present levels of performance, goals, services, and accommodations are clearly documented and compliant with state and federal requirements. Review and monitor IEPs for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance. Ensure that parents/guardians are informed of their procedural safeguards and support families in understanding their rights within the special education process. Monitor compliance with Massachusetts and federal special education regulations, including timelines for evaluations, Team meetings, and service delivery. Assist with monitoring the implementation of IEP services and supports for students with disabilities. Collaborate with building administrators and district leadership to address programmatic needs and ensure appropriate service delivery. Conduct preschool home visits to provide individualized transition planning, including follow-up support for families with limited resources. Clearly explain the preschool transition process, including timelines, procedures, and expectations. Ensure completion and submission of Indicator 7 documentation for eligible students. Provide consultation and guidance to staff regarding special education regulations, IEP development, accommodations, and instructional supports. Coordinate with Early Intervention providers, community preschools, daycare programs, and other service agencies to support continuity of care. Collaborate with administrators, department heads, and instructional staff to support effective programming for students with disabilities. Assist families in understanding the special education process and support effective communication between school staff and parents/guardians. Maintain effective working relationships with students, families, staff, and outside agencies. Review evaluation results, assessment data, and progress monitoring information to support informed decision-making during Team meetings. Assist staff in interpreting evaluation results and determining appropriate educational supports and services. Maintain current knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education Works with parents/caregivers of individual children to help guide the growth and development of the children. Demonstrates an understanding of Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and Common Core State Standards. Participates in ongoing professional development activities related to student population & certification areas. Communicates regularly with parents/caregivers Follows state and federal special education regulations, as outlined in the IDEA and the requirements set forth in 603 CMR 28.00 which are in addition to, or in some instances clarify or further elaborate, the special education rights and responsibilities set forth in state statute (M.G.L. c. 71B), federal statute (20 U.S.C. §1400 et seq. as amended), and federal regulations (34 CFR §300 et seq. as amended). Follows all standards and indicators to the best of his or her ability, as described in the Sutton Public Schools Teacher Evaluation Agreement Adheres to the voted upon collective bargaining agreement and any applicable MOUs/MOAs between the Sutton Teachers Association and School Committee SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervises the classroom and students QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Master’s degree in Special Education and Elementary Education, or related field. Valid Licensure by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Special Education. Successful teaching or related experience in elementary and special education. Thorough knowledge of special education regulations. Proven ability to successfully communicate with parents, staff and members of the community. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with students, their families, colleagues and supervisors. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing; ability to read, write, speak and understand English Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of inclusive practices to develop and implement a progressive and inclusive program tailored to the needs of students with disabilities. Creatively solve problems and work through the conflict resolution process Thorough knowledge of Massachusetts and federal special education regulations Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory in the educational field Ability to plan and implement lessons based on district and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups including staff, parents and the general public Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional periodicals and journals, technical procedures and governmental regulations Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals Ability to use reasoning ability to evaluate information and determine/recommend an appropriate course of action Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions Ability to use professional literature, evidence-based research, and continuing education content to make practice decisions Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff and the community Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and manage several projects simultaneously Uses instructional technology appropriately and works with students to facilitate their use of instructional technology Ability to perform duties with awareness of all district requirements, state and federal laws, and Board of Education policies Understand confidentiality requirements regarding student records Ability to exercise good professional judgment in assessing emergency situations and act accordingly Ability/willingness to plan, coordinate, conduct and participate in ongoing professional and staff development Ability to operate a computer and related software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: Minimum of baccalaureate degree, master’s degree preferred LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS: Must possess valid Massachusetts teacher licensure appropriate for subject area to be taught PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The employee must be able to remain stationary for extended periods and occasionally move throughout the school building as needed. Regular use of hands for typing, handling objects, and operating tools is required, along with sufficient grip strength for various tasks. The role involves frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. The employee must be able to enter data, read from screens, and review handwritten or printed materials, with or without visual aids. Clear and effective communication with students, parents/caregivers, and colleagues—both in person and over the phone—is essential. Strong visual and auditory awareness is necessary to ensure student safety and provide meaningful feedback. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The employee will be working in a normal school environment with an acceptable level of noise. The employee interacts with students, parents/caregivers, and other staff members. The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and work output of students. While the majority of the work day is spent inside, the employee must spend time outdoors for fire drills and/or special activities. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.