Director of Special Education

Description

                                  Director of Special Education and Support Services
REAL Journey Academies (RJA) is a non-profit charter school management organization designed to 
significantly increase college entrance and graduation rates for underserved students in the Inland 
Empire. We aim to impact and revitalize communities through the development of education and other 
supportive partnerships.

Job Purpose:

The Director of Special Education & Support Services at REAL Journey Academies provides strategic 
leadership to develop and implement district goals, priorities, standards, and accountabilities in 
special education, Section 504, student homelessness, foster care, health services, and student 
attendance review. This role ensures that all students have equitable access to high-quality 
education and support services, empowering them to achieve excellence and graduate prepared for 
college and/or career pathways.

The Director is responsible for planning, maintaining, and evaluating student support services 
across the district, including instructional support, supervision, budgeting, and professional 
development. Additionally, this role provides instructional leadership to principals, supervises 
staff supporting curriculum and instruction, and ensures district compliance with federal and state 
regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:                           
The Director of Special Education & Support Services, reporting directly to the Superintendent, 
will be responsible for overseeing and supporting all aspects of the district’s special education 
program. All listed qualifications are essential to effectively fulfill the requirements of this 
role.
Special Education Supervision
Ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and all relevant 
regulations.
Oversee the development, implementation, and review of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) 
to ensure timely and effective support for students with disabilities.
Provide support and training to school staff on inclusive practices and effective instructional 
strategies.
Monitor and evaluate special education programs, identifying areas for improvement.

Utilize The BASICS Components Tool to assess school site strengths and gaps in special education 
infrastructure, prioritizing system improvements.
Supervise the selection and purchase of instructional materials, equipment, and textbooks.
Serve as liaison between SELPA staff and RJA.
Monitor and correct errors in SEIS and CALPADS to maintain compliance and accuracy.
Section 504 Compliance
Ensure district-wide compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Oversee the identification, evaluation, and implementation of accommodations for eligible 
students.
Conduct staff training on Section 504 requirements and documentation practices.
Monitor accommodation implementation, resolving disputes as needed.
Use SIS PowerSchool to centralize Section 504 meeting notifications, plans, and documentation

Student Attendance Review and Intervention
Lead efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism, analyzing data to identify at-risk students.
Develop and implement attendance improvement initiatives in collaboration with school staff and 
community partners.
Oversee the Student Attendance Review Team (SART) process, ensuring legal compliance and 
effectiveness.
Homeless and Foster Care Student Support
Ensure compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, supporting students with 
enrollment, transportation, and services.
Coordinate district resources for homeless students, including housing, food, and counseling.
Develop and implement policies to support the educational stability of foster care students.

Monitor the academic progress and well-being of foster students, providing staff training on 
their unique challenges.
Health Services Coordination and Supervision
Oversee district health services, ensuring compliance with state health regulations and 
protocols.
Supervise health plans for students with medical needs, coordinating with families and health 
professionals.
Develop and oversee health-related policies and staff training on wellness and emergency 
preparedness.
Evaluate health services to identify improvement areas and additional support needs.
Administrative Leadership and Program Management
Supervise and evaluate principals, directors, specialists, and staff within Special Education, 
Health Services, and Student Support Services.
Set goals and performance metrics, evaluating program effectiveness and implementing 
improvements.
Prepare reports and presentations for the Board of Education and district leadership.
Manage budgets and resources to effectively support district goals and student needs.
Assist in developing and evaluating programs for student progress reporting and assessments.
Compliance, Reporting, and Community Partnerships
Act as a liaison between the district, community organizations, and families to enhance student 
support services.
Ensure compliance with SEIS and CALPADS reporting requirements.
Build relationships with community organizations and review contracts (MOUs) with vendors to 
expand student services.

Additional Responsibilities

Attend Board of Education and district meetings, providing reports on program effectiveness.
Support approximately 500 students with accommodations and additional needs.
Participate in hiring, assignment, transfer, and dismissal processes for instructional and 
administrative staff.
Perform other leadership duties as assigned by the Superintendent.

Skills:
1. Leadership and team supervision across multi-disciplinary teams.
2. In-depth knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, McKinney-Vento, and other education laws.
3. Program development, implementation, and evaluation expertise.
4. Strong data analysis skills to guide decision-making.
5. Experience building partnerships with community organizations.
6. Crisis management and problem-solving abilities.
7. Budget management and resource allocation expertise.
8. Strong communication, presentation, and conflict resolution skills.
9. Technical proficiency with SEIS, CALPADS, and other education data systems.

Traits:
Core Values: Empathy, equity-focused, integrity, and cultural competency.
Leadership Qualities: Visionary leadership, adaptability, resilience, and advocacy-driven 
mindset.
Professional Growth Orientation: Commitment to continuous learning and best practices in 
education.

Minimum Educational Requirements:                             
1. Master’s degree in education, special education, educational administration, or a related field.
2. Possession of a Preliminary or Clear Administrative Services Credential.

Work Experience Requirements:
1. Minimum of 2 years of experience in a teaching or student services role, preferably in special 
education or student support.
2. At least 2 years of experience in educational leadership, such as school or district 
administration (e.g., principal, director of special education).
3. Experience managing or overseeing special education programs, Section 504 compliance, or student 
services.
4. Experience with program development, data analysis, and compliance reporting related to student 
support programs.

Preferred experience in:
Collaboration with health services, attendance review, and social-emotional support programs.
Familiarity with California education laws and funding for special education and student support.

Physical demands:                                   
Ability to lift up to 10 pounds and engage in occasional standing, walking, sitting, bending, 
and reaching for extended periods.
Regular computer use, including typing and data entry.

Compensation & Benefits:                                
REAL Journey Academies offers its employees a competitive salary, commensurate with experience. We 
pride ourselves in offering a competitive benefits package that includes:
 Benefits & Perks:
Comprehensive HMO/PPO Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
Virtual Medical Visits

Health Savings Account
10 Paid Holiday Schedule
Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
Employer matched retirement plans (403b and CalSTRS)
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Discount Program
Legal Insurance
Additional voluntary health benefits
 

Qualifications

Salary : $115,000 - $135,000