Special Education Director

 Special Education Director: 

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Idaho Administrator Certificate endorsement as a Director of Special Education and Related Services (K-12)
2. Minimum experience as determined by the Board in the areas of special education services and supervision of staff
3. Broad knowledge of reporting requirements, federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy
4. Able to effectively administer special education programs and to work with staff, parents, community groups, and agencies
5. Strong background in the use of technology
6. Strong leadership and organizational skills
7. Relates extremely well to students
8. Excellent public relations, interpersonal, and communication skills
9. Able to work under pressure and deadlines
10. Maintain confidentiality of staff and students

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY TO

Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent

JOB SUMMARY

To provide leadership and direction to enable special education pupils to benefit from educational opportunities to the fullest by eliminating or ameliorating problems that interfere with student learning. To assist the district in providing an educational program that is sensitive to the needs of all students within the requirements of federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Instructional Leadership

1. Provide leadership in the development of the district's special education program and coordinate and supervise related activities  
2. Evaluate existing programs and make recommendations for improvement
3. Keep informed of all legal requirements governing special education  
4. Keep staff informed of legal requirements and ensure that all requirements under federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy are met 
5. Serve as a member of the child study team, and assume responsibility for the preparation and timely submission of all required documents and reports, in order to assure district compliance with the legal requirements of this process
6. Monitor the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEP) 
7. Provide intervention and planning through direct consultation with individuals and teams concerning instruction, curriculum, and assessment 
8. Coordinate individual student-related activities to meet the needs of an individual student being served by more than one service agency 

1. Interface activities such as general planning for transitioning students, cooperative funding, and service requests 
2. Consult with individuals and teams regarding students with special needs 
3. Establish procedures for the evaluation, placement, and reappraisal of students in need of special education and/or related services 
4. Supervise and coordinate home instruction for homebound or hospitalized special education pupils 
5. Assume responsibility for district compliance with federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy regarding school special education programs  
6. Plan, develop, and coordinate the district's system of special education services    
7. Oversee the development and effective delivery of the district's special education program, including the development and maintenance of the cumulative records of students receiving special services 
8. Interpret the objectives of the district's special education program to parents, students, staff, and the community 
9. Meet with parents to discuss the implementation of IEPs and to resolve grievances  
10. Handle parent complaints effectively 
11. Establish annual and long-term goals and objectives to improve Special Services programs 
12. Gather appropriate data in support of the status of annual objectives  

Staff Supervision and Coordination

1. Assist the superintendent and building principals in the recruitment and selection of special services personnel 
2. Supervise all special education personnel  
3. Schedule and assign psychologists, communication disorders specialists, gifted/talented facilitators, social workers, and other ancillary personnel assigned to special services 
4. Provide observation and evaluation through classroom visits, formal observation, supervision, evaluation, and contact with building principals 
5. Supervise and coordinate the activities of child study team members and ensure the placement of individual students with special needs in those educational situations best suited to their requirements 
6. Coordinate contracted services such as physical therapy and occupational therapy 
7. Coordinate professional development for the special education program through such activities as needs identification, planning, development, and implementation 

Other 

1. Attend meetings as required 
2. Help prepare and administer the departmental budget  
3. Authorize purchases of equipment and material needed in special education programs 
4. Complete federal and state forms and reports related to special services program 
5. Approve district forms and procedures for special education 
6. Initiate, facilitate, and maintain relationships with community agencies and other resources to meet pupils' special needs  
7. Refer parents and child to agencies when appropriate 
8. Keep immediate supervisor informed of activities and any issues that may arise 
9. Assume responsibility for his or her continuing professional growth and development by attendance at professional meetings, membership in professional organizations, enrollment in advanced courses, and by reading professional journals and other publications 
10. Seek assistance should emergencies arise
11. Represent the school district in a positive manner
12. Know and follow school district policy and chain of command
13. Perform other duties as assigned 

EVALUATION

Performance of this position will be evaluated annually by the assistant superintendent and/or superintendent in conformance with district policy.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

By contract as determined by the Board of Trustees in conformance with federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy.

NOTE

All certificated and non-certificated employees and other individuals are required to undergo a criminal history check and submit to fingerprinting.  Any applicant convicted of any of the felony crimes enumerated in Section 33-1208, Idaho Code may not be hired, and any applicant convicted of any felony offense listed in Section 33-1208(2), Idaho Code shall not be hired.