Special Education Director

Location: Gravette

Gravette Public Schools

Position Description

Position Title:

Special Education Director and District 504 Coordinator

Department:
District Wide

Reports To:

Superintendent of Schools

Evaluated By:
Superintendent of Schools

JOB SUMMARY:

The Special Education Director and District 504 Coordinator is responsible for implementing and maintaining all special education programs and 504 services in conformance with District, State, and Federal objectives, rules, and regulations; providing written support and/or conveying information; serving as a resource to patrons, school personnel, and the Board; and, maintaining adequate staffing to ensure objectives of programs are met.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Other duties may be assigned.

* Directs personnel, for the purpose of delivering services that conform to established district, state, and federal guidelines

* Engages in two-way communication with school personnel, parents, community, the Board, and other stakeholders regarding information on programs, services, and regulations and for the purpose of understanding the programs

* Coordinates with the Transportation Department regarding specialized transportation needs, staffing, pick up and drop off times, and training for drivers and aides

* Maintain open lines of communication regarding special services (IDEA and 504) with all interested parties: respond to concerns of parents, teachers, building and central office administrators, and community members in a timely and professional manner

* Maintains a communication network with other special services directors within the state and region

* Collaborates with District school principals, teachers, therapists, and other District leadership for the purpose of determining and setting staffing levels necessary for implementing and maintaining services and/or programs and that support providing high quality services

* Develops proposals, new programs, budgets, and grants for the purpose of meeting District goals

* Works in conjunction with the District Chief Financial Officer to effectively use fiscal resources, prepare budgets, direct spending, and monitor maintenance of effort, for the purpose of providing required services and supporting District goals.

* Prepares documentation and report data to the Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education - Special Education Department for the purpose of conveying information and complying with Federal and State regulations.

* Evaluates District and School Special Education programs. Monitors the implementation of special education services and compliance with district state and federal regulations and guidelines

* Recruits, hires, supervises, and collaborates with building level administrators in the evaluation of District-level special education staff including but not limited to special education teachers, speech language pathologists, educational examiners, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and paraprofessionals, for the purpose of carrying out objectives within areas of responsibility in order to ensure students are receiving appropriate high quality instruction and services

* Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education and 504 best practice, changes in the laws and case law, and effective methods of educating students with disabilities, for the purpose of managing district programs that support student growth and achievement and are designed to support successful post-school outcomes.

* Collaborates with and serves as liaison to outside agencies, the Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education - Special Education Department, other districts, and community services for the purpose of effectively meeting the needs of students and families

* Coordinates necessary contracts for out-of-district services to guarantee students are provided a free appropriate public education (FAPE)

* Maintains records for students identified under IDEA and 504 securely and in a manner that is accessible to appropriate personnel for delivery and coordination of services

* Serves as a liaison between area private/parochial schools and homeschool families and organizations within the district

* Coordinates the training of regular and special education staff including instructional assistants for the purpose of assuring well-trained personnel prepared to meet student needs through activities including, but not limited to, personal care, academic support, behavioral support

* Facilitates meetings and processes for the purpose of implementing and maintaining Special Education and 504 services of the District

* Implements assigned programs and/or projects for the purpose of conforming to district and state curriculum and/or instructional objectives

* Develops and initiates programs for continuous identification of exceptional children.

* Evaluates existing programs as an on-going responsibility, and recommends changes and additions as needed.

* Develops procedures for IDEA and 504 referral, securing of…