Assistant Director of Special Education

This position assists the Director in managing all Special Education/Student Services that the district provides as well as leading the strategic direction for Special Education and overseeing the development and implementation of long-term goals and objectives for Special Education in the district; performs all other related work as required. Essential Functions: The essential functions or duties listed below and on attachments are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Provides technical assistance and guidance about all special education matters to all special education teachers, related-service providers, principals and assistant principals in the district. Ensures implementation of research-based programming to support student learning, increased student engagement and academic outcomes for students with disabilities. Oversees the work to develop and align strategies for schools and staff to promote increased and improved opportunities and experiences for students with disabilities, resulting in high-quality standards-based instruction. Participates in monitoring improvement from schools, works with stakeholders to proactively inform district-level policy and practice relating to special education services. Facilitates a collaborative approach to support student success through programs and services involving family and community engagement. Develops strategic alliances and works collaboratively with educational agencies, community members/organizations and other stakeholders. Ensures compliance with relevant federal and state regulations. Provides appropriate supervision, evaluation, mentoring, professional growth and development opportunities to assigned staff. Advises building administrators in the recruitment, selection and assignment of all special education personnel. Communicates information on programs, services and regulations to school personnel, parents, the district and other districts for the purpose of understanding the district’s special education program. Assists with data collection for DESE’s Tiered-Focus Monitoring for special education. Provides annual and on-going compliance training to staff. Responsible for the tracking of students in out-of-district placements (as assigned by the Director of Special Education). Ensure that all Massachusetts Special Education regulations are followed and implemented. Assist in the administration of the student support procedures that have been designated throughout the school. Responsible for tracking restraint data within the substantially separate programs, review district restraint reports and ensure proper documentation within Aspen. Coordinate with building Teams when a referral is made to a district program, and assist with the program referral process. Conduct observations of the substantially separate special education teachers and provide TeachPoint observations to support the educator evaluation process. Support both students and staff within the classroom/learning settings/Inclusion and Subset Program Space daily Assist in the individual Team Meetings to be held; chair all Team meetings as assigned. Compile and coordinate assessments to determine the best combination of regular and special educational services for each school age student identified as eligible for special education. Supervise and coordinate evaluation teams in evaluating and diagnosing children, in determining eligibility for special education and then designing appropriate educational programming. Coordinate the scheduling of IEP Team Meetings. The Assistant Director of Special Education will attend/chair team meetings as determined by the Director of Special Education or as requested by building administration. Works closely with school counselors, school psychologists, relevant related service providers (BCBAs, OTs, PTs, SLPs, etc.)BCBA, and special education personnel. Coordinate students' transition in substantially separate programs on Individual Education Plans (I.E.P.s) from PreK to elementary school, elementary to middle, middle to high and high to the Gateway Program. Monitor and complete the paperwork process associated with special education. Oversee the development of I.E.P.s, timelines and all special education paperwork. Read and review Individualized Education Plans for compliance and accuracy. Ensure timely communication with staff and parents. Involve parents in the evaluation and formation of educational planning. Monitor the progress of special education students as noted on progress reports, report cards and standardized testing. Assures that the special education curriculum and its implementation reflect the principles of the state’s Curriculum Frameworks. Advise the Special Education Director and Principals regarding inclusion and specialized programs. Communicate effectively with all administration about programs, staff and students. Promote and safeguard the confidentiality of student records according to the student record regulations. Assist in the data collection for state mandated special education reports. Facilitate ongoing Professional Development for all special education staff. Any other relative duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education. Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates. Any other relative duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education.