Position Summary: Reporting to the Principal, the Assistant Principal of Specialized Services oversees all aspects of special education programming while serving as a general leader of the school and works closely with the Principal and Administration Team to build and maintain a positive safe school culture and climate.

The APSS ensures compliance with laws, codes, and regulations related to special education in the state of Pennsylvania.

Essential Accountabilities:

· Responsible for overseeing all Special Education matters. Conduit for all special education matters, implementing policy changes and legal initiatives.

· Monitors staff instructional materials and technology to ensure they are compliant with IEP requirements. Disseminates and recommends instructional resources and materials to support teaching staff in accomplishing instructional goals.

· Assists Special Education teachers in developing individualized instructional plans and in the use of criterion referenced testing.

· Maintains and updates special education programs to ensure that curriculum is responsive to student needs.

· Monitors and supports the identification, analysis and application of research findings.

· Engages in and facilitates research and evaluation to determine the effectiveness of current-practice special education programs and to identify potential programs to meet documented needs at Northwood.

· Participates in IEP meetings as LEA (on and off site). Reviews and/or edits IEPs for finalization.

· Supervisor of Lead Case Manager, Special Education teachers, EL Coordinator, and School Psychologist. Oversees IEP related services staff and consultants (physical, occupational and speech therapists/behavior specialist, 1:1 staff, PCAs, etc.).

· Supports Special Education teachers and Principals on Special Education specific issues.

· Collaborates with the Care and Culture Teams around sensitive and behavioral issues.

· Establishes appropriate and effective techniques for community and parent involvement.

· Provides oversight to the EL Coordinator to ensure the EL program runs smoothly and maintains compliance.

· Maintains confidentiality and an open line of communication with students, parents, school administration, and colleagues.

· Arranges and monitors APS placements and facilitates least restrictive environment placement of students requiring placement.

· Coordinate and develop 504 plans for students requiring those services.

· Oversees all federal, state and local mandated reporting.

· Coordinates and oversees all aspects of standardized testing (PSSA, ACCESS, Keystone).

· Attends annual state-sponsored special education leadership conference.

· Participates in district and state level trainings and meetings related to Special Education compliance and best practices.

· Monitors compliance and/or renewal preparation.

· Collaborates with Principals, Assistant Principals, School Social Workers and School Nurse to serve students in need, beyond the teacher’s classroom expertise.

· Maintains contact and contracts with outside agencies.

o IEP students: physical, occupational, speech and behavioral/personnel therapists.

o Social Services agency.

· Monthly Board reporting.

· Tracks Evaluation queue and Re-evaluations.

· Oversees the Extended School Year summer program.

· Monitors and prepares documentation requirements for the high school application process for students receiving special education services (LeGare file preparation, transition planning).

· Prepares for Special Education Cyclical Monitoring (every 6 years).

· Provides compliance documentation to the Compliance Coordinator for SPED and EL programs.

Education/Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred.

· Supervisory Pennsylvania Certification and at least 3-5 years experience as a supervisor.

· Experience in at least one area of special education.

Qualifications:

· Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignment without direct supervision.

· Ability to keep and maintain accurate records and to meet deadlines.

· Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Working Conditions: Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Interruptions of work are routine. May be stressful given individual circumstances.

Physical Requirements: Sitting, standing, lifting, and carrying (up to 25 pounds), reaching, squatting, climbing stairs, and kneeling may be required.