508-4217 DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION (#508-4217)

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, provides leadership, coordination, and supervision of all special education programs.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Organizes and provides general supervision for District special education programs and staff
• Ensures compliance with federal and state regulations and laws
• Prepares and/or updates policies, procedures, and guidelines related to the implementation of special education programs
• Builds and/or improves programs essential to special education students
• Coordinates student placement in appropriate special education programs outside of the District when required
• Examines special education student test data and scores
• Collaborates with District and school sites to increase special education student achievement
• Supervises special program development, assuring continuous improvement of effectiveness through the application or innovation of appropriate instructional methods and techniques
• Provides necessary collaboration between special and general instructional programs
• Communicates and provides a liaison with other public agencies, private entities, and the community
• Cooperates with public and private agencies, organizations, and professional personnel in securing and providing services for special education students
• Maintains complete and cumulative individual records of all special education students and monitors for compliance of student files
• Supervises and evaluates, as appropriate, the services of program specialists, speech therapists, special education nurse, adaptive physical education teachers, and other District based service specialists
• Develops and supervises special education training programs for District and school site personnel
• Assures adherence to proper assessment procedures and coordinates use of resource personnel in the assessment process
• Coordinates with school principals and assistant principals to assure appropriate on-site management of Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams, and appropriate utilization of special classes and services
• Serves as a resource to school sites in interpretation and application of federal, state, county, local regulations and laws
• Handles due process regarding special education students, programs, and compliance issues
• Serves as a facilitator in high profile IEP meetings
• Conducts alternative dispute resolution sessions to resolve due process activities at the local level
• Administers program budgets; maintains program equipment records and materials
• Oversees LCAP programs as assigned
• Responsible for collaboratively developing measurable program outcomes and student outcomes for all Special Education programs and services
• Responsible for collaboratively assisting principals in developing measurable student outcomes for their schools regarding Special Education students
• Responsible for developing and sharing best practices in cost containment, resource allocation and personnel needs with the Superintendent and Cabinet
• Responsible for collaboratively developing a Student Study Team process to address Multi-Tiered Systems of Support from the behavior side of the process (development team - Director Special Education, Director Pupil Services, Coordinator Child Welfare)
• Oversees any LVNs for Special Ed Service needs
• Assist in recruiting and retention activities for hard to fill Special Education positions
• Oversees Home Hospital placement for Special Education Students
• Oversees the Instructional Aides for Special Education
• Oversees the Professional Development needs for Special Education Staff
• Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Credentials

Valid California Administrative Credential

Valid California Driver’s License

EDUCATION

Master’s Degree or higher from an accredited college or university

EXPERIENCE (desirable)

Five years as a teacher and/or as a specialist (e.g., psychologist, speech pathologist)

Five years of administrative experience

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position must perform in carrying out the essential job functions.

Physical Demands:

Sit, look downward, reach, (up to frequently); stand, walk, bend, stoop, squat, push, pull, (occasionally); climb stairs, twist (infrequently); repetitive hand activities within close reach, such as files, key board and handwriting (frequently); lift/carry up to 25 pounds (occasionally), extensive reading; use seeing, hearing and speaking (including in-person, phone and public address).

Working Conditions:

Indoor office, outside school yard and grounds.  Exposure to: seasonal temperature variations, dust and wind, traffic, food preparation smells, use of office equipment and desk supplies.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

Certificated Management

WORK YEAR

222 days