Assistant Director of Special Education

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position has primary responsibility for the oversight, leadership, and overall administration of the Special Education Department. Responsible for the development and coordination of system-wide Special Education Programming to meet the needs of all students in an educationally and fiscally responsible manner. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, evaluation and designing of Special Education programming and oversight throughout the district. The position requires collaboration with all disciplines within the district, parent communication, and community/agency outreach.

The Assistant Director of Special Education is responsible for ensuring student Special Education needs are being met across the district, and that the district is in compliance with all DESE regulatory requirements.

● Responsible for the development and oversight of procedures for referral, evaluation, services provision, and placement of students with disabilities within the Wilmington Public Schools.

● Oversees the development of Individual Education Programs (I.E.P.s) and establishes procedures for identification, service delivery, and educational placement for eligible students.

● Oversees the identification of and direction of out-of-district placements, monitoring and billing of special education students and transportation arrangements of these students.

● Oversees the coordination and oversight of conducting multi-disciplinary team decisions for all school placements.

● Coordinates and collaborates with SEPAC regarding monthly agendas, trainings in order to improve district programming. Occasional evening meetings which may include attending and presenting to School Committee and other district stakeholders

● Provides leadership for the planning, staffing, and oversight of the Special Education Extended School Year programming.

● Coordinates related service providers to ensure continuity of services throughout the district. Assists in the supervision and oversight of all related special education services such as physical therapy, adaptive physical education, occupational therapy, speech therapy, health education, and psychological and social work services together with the Coordinator of Behavioral Health and Director of Student Support Services.

● Keeps current with research, evidence-based practices and all federal and state legal requirements governing special education. Ensures ongoing special education compliance including Tiered Focused Monitoring and Coordinated Program and Indicator review expectations.

● Collaborates with and is a resource to staff by providing purpose, technical direction, and advice to administrators, building principals and instructional staff as they relate to the issues of legal compliance with mandated special education regulations and laws.

● Assists in the implementation of school policies to include students with disabilities.

● Recommends policies and programs essential to the needs of students with disabilities.

● Maintains an effective liaison and communication with parent groups, staff members, community agencies, special education schools and programs, and other professional organizations relating to special education.

● Assists in the budget development, financial oversight and monitoring of Special Education Programming, Circuit Breaker, expenditures, and needs including oversight of related grants.

● Develops professional development training programs targeting Special Education department and staff needs and assists in the implementation of Universal Design for Learning district wide.

● Collaborates in hiring and supervision of Special Education staff with building principals throughout the district.

● Assists in the supervision of all administrative, clerical, and support staff assigned to the Student Support Services Department.

● Conducts weekly individual team chair meetings and facilitates weekly team chair department meetings.

● Maintains accurate documentation for referrals and monitors service providers and team chair caseloads.

● Monitors and analyzes data to improve instructional practices and outcomes.

● Maintains confidentiality regarding all aspects of their work with all students and staff.

● Performs other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Student Support Services.

Work Year - 240 days (inclusive of any assigned days worked as part of the Extended School Year (ESY) program).