Special Education Program Specialist

• Department:
  Regional Support and Leadership

Who We Are

KIPP SoCal Public Schools is a network of 20 high-performing, college-preparatory public charter schools. We educate more than 9,800 students in grades pre-K through eighth in the greater Los Angeles area and San Diego. Additionally, we support approximately 5,100 alumni on their journey to and through high school and college.

What We Believe

KIPP SoCal believes that the purpose of education is for liberation. This means that we see, develop, and inspire the limitless potential in each and all of our KIPPsters.

What We Do

At KIPP SoCal we build trusting relationships that are strengthened by high expectations and collaboration alongside laughter and joy. We set ambitious goals and hold each other accountable for students achieving their greatest potential. We work together with each other and in partnership with families and communities in the active pursuit of a more equitable world. We do the right thing, even when it's not always comfortable standing up and speaking out against anti-blackness, racism, oppression, and injustice.

We persevere through obstacles and treat failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Special Education Program Specialist Overview

Under the guidance of the Director of Special Education (DSE), the Program Specialist will support a portfolio of 3-5 schools to achieve outcomes for special education students. Program Specialists provide coaching, consultation and guidance to school-based administration teams (i.e. School Leaders, Special Education Manager, etc.) in order to drive equitable and compliant special education programs and services at their assigned school sites and across the KIPP SoCal Region.

Ideal candidates are passionate about meeting the needs of all students, have deep functional knowledge and expertise working in special education, and have a “make it happen” attitude.

The Opportunity

• Manage a portfolio of 3-5 schools to implement effective special education services and programs that lead to strong academic and behavioral achievement outcomes for ALL students
• Analyze, respond to, and communicate special education student group data to key stakeholders with clarity and urgency
• Use data-driven approaches to develop, monitor, and improve specialized programs across the region
• Champion compliance at schools by evaluating IEPs, 504 plans, behavior intervention plans, and collaborating with school site leadership teams to ensure that these resources support student achievement and are implemented with fidelity
• Manage & Coach Regional Case Managers to meet compliance goals and trauma-informed IEP practices
• Create and deliver practice-based professional development to improve student services systems and structures at the regional and school level
• Consult and assist school-based teams with identifying appropriate least restrictive environment (LRE) placements on the continuum of services
• Lead and develop school-based leaders’ expertise in the areas of academic/behavior intervention, compliance, and talent development
• Drive the development of the Special Education Managers through weekly check-ins, data reviews, and school visits (focused on instructional walkthroughs, co-observations, coaching, etc.)
• Expand the School Leader’s knowledge of special education through bi-weekly check-ins and targeted support on how to develop the Special Education team members.
• Lead monthly Student Service Team meetings & participate in PBIS meetings
• Member of the KIPP SoCal Special Education Leadership Team

The Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning is required; a master’s degree with an emphasis in special education is highly preferred
• Valid California credential for Level I or Level II Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate with Autism Authorization or Moderate/Severe) credential is required
• Minimum of 4 years of highly effective teaching and case management experience demonstrating a strong track record of student performance gains for students with special needs
• Leadership and coaching experience required (e.g. providing instructional coaching,…