THE ROLE

THe Westwood Public Schools seeks an Elementary Student Services Department Head/Integrated PreSchool Director to join our caring and innovative community. The Department Head/Director serves as a key member of the district’s leadership team and oversees all school-wide special education, assessment, and support programs. In this role, you will conduct strategic assessments of student/family needs on an ongoing basis; develop, implement, and evaluate programs and services to meet those needs; hire, supervise, develop, and evaluate student services staff; develop and monitor budgets; and develop and maintain policies and procedures to comply with state and federal regulations. Our ideal candidate is an innovative, organized, collaborative problem-solver and a champion of inclusion. You will also work closely with the Elementary Principals and the school-based Leadership Teams to promote consistent high expectations for achievement and behavior and to maintain a warm, welcoming culture that supports the inclusion of all students and families.

The Department Head/Director reports to the district Director of Student Services. This position starts on August 26, 2024 and includes 10 additional days of summer work in July and August, scheduled by mutual consent.

OUR DISTRICT

Westwood is a welcoming suburban community with an exceptional track record of supporting and celebrating its public schools. As a district, we are committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, and we understand that a diverse team allows us to serve our community better. We welcome and encourage individuals of every race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status to seek opportunities within our school district.

You will join the strong professional learning community of the Westwood Public Schools. In our mission to prepare students for college, career, and civic life, we work collaboratively to provide rich and rigorous curriculum, high-quality instruction, trusting relationships, and authentic educational experiences. We hold true to our core district values of academic excellence and a commitment to improvement; curiosity and tenacity; and respectful relationships in a caring, collaborative community. 

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in relevant educational area/Master’s Degree or higher in special education
• Massachusetts DESE licensure as an Administrator of Special Education and SEI administrator endorsement, or other appropriate certification as determined by the Superintendent
• 5 years of experience in special education education required guidance, or related fields, with administrative experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential job functions below as evidenced by coursework, educational experience, or preK-5 involvement
• Thorough knowledge of current state and federal regulations and legal issues regarding students with disabilities
• Clear understanding and knowledge of disabilities as well as knowledge of current theory and best practices/models in special education 
• Demonstrated commitment to celebrating diversity, pursuing equity, and promoting integration
• Familiarity with trauma-sensitive educational practices

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Articulate a clear vision and plan for the effective implementation of that vision
• Assist the Director of Student Services in all matters related to students and their success in school.
• Oversee special education at identified elementary school(s) and district wide preschool program.
• Recommend and collaborate in the recruitment, appointment, evaluation, supervision and staff development of student services personnel in conjunction with principals pre-K-5.
• Ensure the implementation of the recommendations made by the Evaluation Teams and written into educational plans.
• Coordinate services and transition from Early Intervention into Preschool program. 
• Manage day to day operations of preschool program.
• Oversee peer enrollment process and preschool screening for early childhood program
• Monitor individual student progress, when necessary, by serving as liaison between staff, parents, advocates, etc. to facilitate communication in resolving differences of opinion.
• Represent the Student Services Department at preschool and elementary school administrative meetings.
• Develop, implement, monitor, evaluate and modify where appropriate the provision of services and programs that best meet students’ needs and comply with state and federal regulations. Above to include budget recommendations, deployment of staff, acquisition of materials and equipment and provision of staff development accordingly.
• Assess, develop/implement and coordinate professional development for student services staff.
• Develop a budget, monitor expenditures for student services including staff and prepare for BSEA proceedings as circumstances warrant.
• Represent the system’s interests in seeking additional community and state agency supports for families of children with special needs.
• Consult and collaborate with principals, parents and other agencies, including Early Childhood Council. 
• Develop and implement procedures for compliance with all applicable laws, policies and regulations.
• Prepare data and state, federal and other reports, including grants on Student Services areas as required by the Director of Student Services.
• Administer procedures for the collection and maintenance of building level records in accordance with appropriate regulations.
• Function as a resource for principals, other administrators, and staff regarding student services policy, procedures, or state and federal regulations. 
• Oversee the functioning of Evaluation Teams of preschool and elementary students to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Plan, manage and run Extended School Year prek-5 program in conjunction with other department heads.
• Communicate effectively, honestly and transparently with all constituencies, including staff, parents, and community members
• Create ownership through delegation and participation at all levels
• Prioritize tasks and maintain effective organizational system
• Create and support effective teams
• Find and implement solutions to complex problems
• Demonstrate good judgment
• Maintain a sense of calm and communicate clearly and directly when dealing with urgent or emotional situations
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services

JOB ENVIRONMENT

Work takes place in a fast-­paced office environment within a large school building, primarily indoors. May be required to juggle tasks and will face interruptions as a matter of course. Training in crisis prevention and intervention is required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires sufficient vision to read printed documents and to view detail on a computer screen for extended periods.
• Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation, on the telephone, and in the classroom.
• Ability to speak in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in normal conversation, on the telephone, and in the classroom.
• Requires sitting, standing, walking, carrying and lifting up to 30 lbs
• Some travel, particularly within district, required

The Westwood Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.