Director of Special Education

Director of Special Education

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY

Location: Student Services

Reports To: Executive Director of Student Services

Effective Reporting Date: July 1, 2025

Employment: 12 months – (240 days) Salary to be determined by the Board

Certification Area: Valid SC Teaching and Administration Degree or Advanced Degree in Special Education or School Psychologist Level II/III

Position Overview: The Director of Special Education plays a crucial role in overseeing the districts special education program and services, while establishing policies procedures and compliance of the program.   This role will be responsible for the recruitment, employment and retention of special education service providers.  This role requires data analysis to determine strengths and weakness within the program and to make programmatic changes aligned to the data trends. This role will provide planning, leadership and supervision for support services in the district that align with the districts mission and vision for our students.  This role will be a resource to administrators, parents and community members which involve support services of our student population.Top of Form

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans supervises and implements the district’s special education program.
• Assesses needs and makes recommendations regarding staffing for special education.
• Develops and revises required procedures for implementation of special education services: Due Process and Procedural Safeguards, Referral for Evaluation, Evaluation, IEP Development/Placement/Implementation, Review of IEP, Transfers, Annual Review, Child Find, Confidentiality, Manifestations/Discipline for students with disabilities.
• Coordinates due process hearing procedures.
• Recommends staff for contract renewals and conducts evaluations of staff under direct supervision.
• Recruits and recommends instructional staff serving students with disabilities.
• Plans and conducts staff meetings with administrative and instructional staff as necessary.
• Manages and maintains all 504 compliance, procedures and documentation for the district.
• Completes project applications under Individuals with Disabilities Act Entitlement funds, including Preschool.
• Prepares and supervises the implementation of annual district budgets for all areas under direct supervision.
• Reviews, selects and approves all materials/supplies and equipment purchased for use in referral, evaluation, placement and IEP implementation to students with disabilities.
• Seeks and applies for grants as appropriate.
• Disaggregates, reviews and analyzes student achievement data to identify program strengths and weaknesses.
• Prepares or reviews for submission annually all reports required by state and federal education offices required under Individuals with Disabilities Act.
• Reviews and monitors homebound for students with disabilities.
• Maintains current knowledge of changes in law and regulations which affect special education programs.
• Disseminates, as appropriate or necessary, current information to principals and instructional staff.
• Attends principal, directors and board meetings as required by supervisor.
• Attends meetings and serves on committees as required by supervisor.
• Performs other duties deemed necessary by the Executive Director of Student Services.

Qualifications: The person in this position must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• South Carolina Teaching Certification
• Administrative Degree or Advanced Degree in Special Education or School Psychologist Level II/III
• Must possess a valid SC driver’s license

Specific Knowledge:

• IDEA law and interpretation of the law
• ADA Section 504 law and interpretation of the law
• South Carolina Educational Law
• South Carolina Special Education Process Guide
• South Carolina Standards in Eligibility and Determination

Desired Attributes:

• Able to use independent judgment and discretion in screening and recommending applicants for employment
• Ability to organize and compile information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner
• Ability to understand and apply district policies and procedures
• Ability to effectively utilize software programs (Excel, Word, etc.) and system platforms (ED Plan, Enrich, SCDE, PowerSchool, SCLead, TalentEd, etc.) with a high level of competence.
• Maintains effective and positive relationships with supervisors, co-workers, applicants, and the public
• Communicates in a highly professional and articulate manner with all levels of employees and with individuals from a variety of educational and cultural backgrounds
• Ability to perform required duties and responsibilities under challenging and demanding conditions