Director of Specialized Services

Addison Central School District Director of Specialized Services 2025-2026 Addison Central School District is seeking a full time Director of Specialized Services beginning the 2025-2026 year for an anticipated vacancy. The Director of Specialized Services is responsible for overseeing the district’s special education programs, services for students with disabilities, and other specialized student services. This role involves leading and managing a team of special education professionals, service providers, evaluators, and support staff to ensure that all students receive high-quality, individualized services in accordance with state and federal laws. The Director will collaborate with teachers, parents, administrators, and external agencies to promote inclusive, equitable, and effective learning environments for students with diverse needs in alignment with state and federal regulations. The Director will also play a key role in professional development for licensed and unlicensed staff and ensure the district’s programs align with best practices in specialized education and services. Key Responsibilities: -Leadership and Program Management: -Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the district’s specialized services programs, ensuring alignment with educational goals, state regulations, and best practices. -Co-supervise and support special education teachers, instructional assistants, related service providers (e.g., speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, etc.), and other staff providing specialized services. -Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations governing special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and state special education laws. -Oversee the development and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), ensuring that IEPs are designed to meet the individual needs of students and that they are implemented effectively. Compliance and Legal Oversight: -Ensure that the district maintains compliance with all legal requirements related to special education, including timelines for evaluations, IEP development, and due process. -Serve as the district’s primary contact for monitoring and responding to state audits and reviews of special education services and related services. -Collaborate with district leadership to ensure that policies and procedures reflect current laws, regulations, and best practices in special education. Collaboration and Communication: -Act as the primary liaison between the district and outside agencies, such as the Vermont Agency of Education (AOE), community organizations, and parents, to ensure that students with disabilities receive appropriate services and supports. -Foster effective communication with parents and guardians of students with disabilities, providing information, resources, and support as needed. -Collaborate with general education teachers and administrators to ensure that students with disabilities are included in general education settings, as appropriate, and that accommodations and modifications are implemented effectively. Professional Development: -Provide leadership and oversight for ongoing professional development for all staff working with students who require specialized services, including teachers, related service providers, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff. -Develop and facilitate training on topics such as IEP management, inclusive practices, behavior assessment & management, and special education law to enhance the capacity of staff to meet the needs of students with disabilities. -Support staff in developing and refining skills related to creating individualized learning plans, implementing accommodations and modifications, and using data to monitor student progress. Data Analysis and Program Improvement: -Collect, analyze, and report data on the performance and progress of students receiving specialized services to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. -Use data to inform decisions related to resource allocation, staffing needs, and program modifications. -Evaluate the effectiveness of specialized services and recommend program improvements based on data and feedback from stakeholders, including students, parents, and staff. Budget and Resource Management: -Manage the budget for specialized services, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and equitably to meet the needs of students. -Ensure that resources are used to support the implementation of high-quality, evidence-based practices in special education and related services. -Identify and apply for grants or other funding opportunities to enhance the district’s ability to provide specialized services to students. Behavioral and Mental Health Support: -Collaborate with school counselors, psychologists, and other mental health professionals to develop and implement systems of support for students with behavioral and emotional needs. -Oversee the development of behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and ensure the implementation of evidence-based practices for students with challenging behaviors. -Support schools in developing a continuum of services to meet the diverse social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. Equity and Inclusion: -Advocate for equitable access to specialized services for all students, ensuring that services are provided in a manner that is inclusive, culturally responsive, and sensitive to the unique needs of each student. -Work with district leadership to ensure that all specialized services are designed to reduce disparities in educational outcomes and promote an inclusive, welcoming environment for students with disabilities. The successful candidate must possess the following: -Master’s degree or higher in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field. -Licensure as a Special Education Administrator or Director (or eligibility for licensure) is required. -Minimum of 5 years of experience in special education, including at least 3 years of leadership experience in a school or district setting. -Proven experience managing and supervising special education staff and related service providers. -Demonstrated knowledge of special education law, regulations, and best practices in service delivery. -Strong understanding of the principles and practices of special education, inclusive education, and specialized student services. -Ability to manage and evaluate special education programs and services to ensure high-quality service delivery. -Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, staff, and external agencies. -Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and responsibilities simultaneously. -Proficiency in using data to inform decision-making and evaluate program effectiveness. -Ability to foster a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and inclusivity within the special education department and across the district. Apply by submitting a letter of interest, resume, three current reference letters, licensing materials, and complete transcripts via Schoolspring. Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled with consideration given to applications received by February 26, 2025.