Director of Special Education

Job Overview

The Director of Special Education (DoSE) provides leadership and oversight for special education programs, ensuring compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as well as state and local regulations. As one of the most comprehensive federal mandates, IDEA requires extensive knowledge to navigate its legal, financial, and educational implications. The DoSE must have a deep understanding of legal frameworks, case law, and funding mechanisms to ensure compliance and mitigate risks associated with litigation.

• Lead policy implementation, program development, staff training, resource management, and collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance student outcomes.
• Manage all aspects of special education, including program development, staff supervision, compliance monitoring, and working closely with school and district leaders.
• Strategic planning and the implementation of systems to support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in both public and private schools.
• Balance policy enforcement, instructional leadership, financial oversight, and student advocacy to ensure that all students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).
• Proficiently manage IDEA grant allocations while adhering to Maintenance of Effort (MOE) and Excess Cost regulations.
• Collaborate closely with district leaders, school administrators, special education teachers, and related service providers to create an inclusive, legally compliant educational environment.
• Play a vital role in dispute resolution, addressing conflicts before they become legal challenges, and mediate conflicts effectively.
• Continuously audit and review special education programs and procedures to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Implement rigorous monitoring systems and proactive risk management strategies to mitigate litigation risks.
• Apply the science of learning, child development, and the latest research on instructional delivery methods to design evidence-based, innovative instructional practices tailored to students with disabilities.
• Align the special education curriculum with the district’s broader curriculum system, ensuring inclusion and academic success for students with disabilities.

• Deep understanding of legal frameworks, case law, and funding mechanisms related to IDEA.
• Proficiency in state and federal funding structures, management of IDEA grant allocations, and adherence to MOE and Excess Cost regulations.
• Strong knowledge of the science of learning, child development, and research on instructional delivery methods.
• Experience in designing personalized learning experiences and innovative instructional practices.
• Ability to think quickly, problem-solve under pressure, and mediate conflicts effectively.
• Strong audit and review skills to continuously assess compliance with federal and state regulations.
• Experience in strategic planning, system implementation, and collaboration across multiple stakeholders.