Director of Special Services
The Waterford Board of Education is seeking a Director of Special Services with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced or aspiring Director of Special Service to join our outstanding team. A candidate who is committed to long-term growth and who will continue to pursue excellence is desired. The successful candidate will possess a high level of expertise with the skills and ambition to lead a highly motivated Special Services staff. The Director of Special Services is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of Special Services programs and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. The Department of Special Services includes Special Education Teachers, Occupational and Physical Therapists, Board Certified Behavior Analysts, Multilingual Learners, Talented and Gifted, Speech and Language Pathologists, Social Workers, School Psychologists, School Counselors, Paraeducators, Tutors, Nurses, the District's Medical Advisor, Services provided by United Community and Family Services. This position also supports SRBI and 504 programming in the district.
Waterford Public Schools serves approximately 2,400 students in grades PK-12. Our district is actively seeking to diversify its administration, faculty and staff to better reflect our students’ multiple identities and to bring a broader range of experiences into our district to continue to enhance the teaching and learning for ALL. Waterford’s Mission and Strategic Plan guide us as we take action to engage all voices to examine practices, imagine possibilities and create an equitable, diverse community with “One Team, One Purpose, Putting Our Students First!”
The District’s facilities include three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. The Waterford community strongly supports the public schools and has high expectations for staff and student. According to the State of Connecticut Next Generation Performance Accountability System, Waterford Public Schools ranks in the top third of K-12 school districts in the state. The Waterford Board of Education is a nine-member elected body.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
- A valid CT Administrative certification (092) with either a valid CT Special Education Teacher Certification (165) or related services certification.
- Minimum of a master’s degree.
- Three - five years (3-5) of leadership experience in a public-school setting preferred.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsible for the development, coordination, and evaluation of programs for children requiring special services, which exist both in and out of the school district. These programs include extracurricular activities and those that exist in an extended school year.
- Assist in organizing and conducting curriculum development activities and in-service training related to special education.
- Facilitates Social/ Emotional Learning Initiatives
- Provide guidance in the selection and inventory of texts, teaching supplies and equipment for special education classes.
- Assist in the scheduling of special education classes, programs and activities, including facilities utilization.
- Support the concept of "unification of special and regular education" by assisting regular education teams to individualize programs for students in need.
- Oversee tutoring provided to programs within the schools, homebound and non-public schools.
- Oversee program compliance for out of district placements. This includes placements in magnet and charter schools, shelters and safe homes.
- Work cooperatively with the Director of PreK-12 Summer School regarding extended year programming.
- Oversee compliance process with State and Federal Special Education regulations.
- Supervise the screening and evaluation process regarding students in need of individualized testing.
- Work closely with parents whose children are passing through the evaluation process.
- Assist school principals in the supervision of Special Services staff:
- Participate in the Planning and Placement Team activities and assist in the supervision and evaluation of Planning and Placement Team procedures.
- Develop the Special Services budget, reports and grants.
- Attendance is a requirement of this position.
Waterford Public Schools offers a competitive salary and benefits package. This is a full-time position. Salary Range depending on degree and experience per Bargaining Agreement. https://waterford.ss16.sharpschool.com/our_district/departments/hr/contracts/waterford_administrators__and_supervisors__assn_
Link to job description below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zB7ZEaHmgZb73_p6Z9QlSYqY2MybWpwc/view?usp=drive_link
Link to vacancy announcement below: