Director of Student Services

Assures adherence to, and implementation of, all Federal (IDEA) and State (Ch 766) mandates. Also, ensures the implementation of all programs and services determined by the TEAM evaluation process adhering to all Coordinated Program Review Standards. Understands and implements federal, state, and local laws, policies, regulations, and procedures and protocols including the implications of liability and requirements of due process. Coordinates and assists building principals in finding the best combination of educational programs, assistive technology, and other services, for each school-age child with special needs; including placement of school-age children with special needs in programs designated as day school programs and residential school programs. Oversees the coordination and management of the District's Child Find outreach efforts for children aged three to five years who reside in the community, including pre-school screening. Coordinates testing and diagnostic procedures including securing psychological and counseling services as they relate to special education including managing of all related contracted services. ?Prepares and administers, under procedures established by the Superintendent of Schools, an annual operating budget, and provides expenditure control on established budgets for special education services. Coordinate and in some cases provides, staff development and workshops/trainings regarding special education issues that assure compliance with special education services. Attend state and regional meetings and participate actively in professional organizations. Facilitate communications and working relationships with parents, outside agencies and community resources; and provide support and assistance to the Special Needs Parent Advisory Council. Coordinate, and prepare reports and statistical information required by the DESE and other state/federal programs. (i.e. circuit breaker) Oversee, prepare and administer all Federal and State Grant programs and early childhood programs as they relate to special education. Assures adherence to the DESE Coordinated Program Review Standards. Oversees, coordinates, and monitors special education programs beyond the school day and school year, collaborative placements, private school placements, supported work experience programs, and transitional programs for Fairhaven students identified as having a special need. Evaluates special education staff and will assign all support service personnel regarding special education services. Coordinates tutorial services. Coordinates special education transportation. Interpret the objectives and programs of special education for the Superintendent, School Committee, administration, faculty and staff and the school community. Serves as the district's Early Childhood Coordinator. Ensures access to High Quality Early Education and Care. Oversees the Integrated pre-school Program. Works with Building Principals re: Full-Day Kindergarten. Assesses school readiness at Kindergarten entry. Identify the appropriate use of the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Responsible for the acquisition of BCBA providers. Implements proper utilization of BCBA services. Perform other duties coordinating Home Schooling, English Language Learner Education and Homeless Families (McKinney Vento Act). Partnership with Families and Community: Recognizes his/her role as an integral member of the educational leadership team that effectively communicates to staff, parents, students, and community members a systemic approach that models teamwork encourages collegiality, and supports collaboration. Demonstrates the ability to listen to the concerns of all school community members in an approachable, respectful manner, while setting boundaries in dealing with confrontational situations with others. Communicates and interacts with parents and the community in a way that promotes a high level of open and honest communication. Expresses him/herself clearly and confidently orally and in writing; capable of responding effectively in a public forum. Ensure High Level Learning for All Children: Recognizes that student learning must be the focus of all school programs and activities. ?Believes that all youngsters have the natural ability to succeed at high levels of learning and it is the behaviors and actions of the adults in the school that nurture, develop, and encourage each and every student. Holds teachers accountable for having high standards and positive expectations so that all students can perform at high levels. Safe Environment: Constructs a culture that advocates and models responsible student decision-making and promotes positive behavior changes and respect. Builds caring and considerate relationships that demonstrate regard and respect for all people. Become Independent, Productive, and Successful: Believes that all decisions should be made from the perspective of putting children's needs first. Resolves problems and makes decisions based on age appropriateness, educational research and common sense when dealing with issues, and understands that the integrity of the institution far outweighs the special interest of the individual. Adheres to professional codes of ethics: maintains trust and confidentiality; models legally and morally responsible actions at all times; treats individuals with fairness, dignity, and respect; and models the core values of the school and district.