Shining Stars Montessori Academy Special Education Coordinator (SY 24-25)

Position Summary: Under the general supervision of the the Principal, the Coordinator,promotes inclusionary practices that foster the understanding of Special Education laws, rules, and regulations for students, families, and staff..The Special Education Coordinator supports the Learning Specialist/Special Education teachers, and other providers in all aspects of implementation of the Special Education process for students in grades Prek3 - 6. The Special Education Coordinator also supports administrators, teachers, and other professional and support staff in meeting the needs of students in need of special Services services. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

*Overseeing / managing a caseload of special education students and the implementation of their IEP/504 plans in: inclusive, self-contained and pull-out settings.

*Ensuring compliance by the school with all local and Federal laws and regulation relating to students with IEPs/504 plans and students referred to special education. 

*Ensuring that services provided by contractual related service providers are of high quality, provided in the LRE, and are aligned with students' IEPs/504 plans.

*Effectively communicating to parents and guardians the special education process including process for referrals, evaluations, annual IEPs/504 plans, and re-evaluations as well as parental rights granted by IDEA. 

*Coordinate special education screenings, referrals and evaluations.

*Oversee the drafting, implementation, and management of all IEPs and 504 plans to ensure IDEA compliance.

*Facilitating IEP meetings and ensuring all documents are completed in a timely manner (according to state, local, and school policies and procedures) prior to MDT meeting. 

*Prepare quarterly IEP progress reports and provide quarterly IEP progress reports to parents/guardians. 

*Maintaining student files (paper and electronic) according to school, PCSB and OSSE standards.

*Provide training and technical assistance to teachers, related service providers and support service professionals on all aspects of cases management: 

* Ensure IEPs are developmentally appropriate, Common Core State Standards curriculum/standards -based, strength based, and relevant to individual students.

* Working to maintain school and LEA tracking and data system that includes: student information related to IEPs, services, service hours, evaluations, MDT referrals, timelines in which evaluations were completed and discipline incidents.documented 

*Integrates new developments, research findings and best practices into ongoing programs and new initiatives.

*Representing SSMA as a subject matter expert in contact with OSSE, Federal Agencies and nonprofits concerning students with special needs.

*Overseeing special education inventory of equipment / materials. 

Identifying and developing appropriate curriculum and school based assessments to support the academic growth of students with IEPs/504 plans.

*Gathering and reporting data for all reporting requirements concerning students with IEPs/504 plans and other required reports (to the State, Department of Education, census, grant applications, annual report, etc.). 

*Establishing and maintaining communication with parents of students in the program. Facilitating bi-monthly parent workshops 

*As needed, managing the work of Learning Specialists ( special education teachers) 

*Managing and coordinating ESY program with the Principal

*Maintaining confidentiality of student records and student information

*Assume other duties, administrative and otherwise, as assigned by the supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Evaluation and Services

• Support formal assessments for students that helps the SSMA team and families to better understand and address each learner's needs
• Support the academic , exceptional student and scholar services teams in conducting functional behavior assessments and implementing intervention plans to support student needs
• Provide services to students in a variety of settings-one on one counseling sessions, small groups, and implementing curriculums to address student needs and reduce barriers to learning
• Collaborate with school and network team members to determine the services needed for each student, based on their IEP goals and requirements, their personal goals, and other school-based goals for their learning and development
• Manage, track and assess the SSMA Incident Reporting and In & Outof School Reflection process and protocols.
• Co- Manage with SSMA Wellness Associate targeted programs and events for the school's MKV and at risk students 

Team Participation

The SSMA Special Education Coordinator is a critical part of several teams on staff at SSMA including the Scholar Success, Culture & Equity Services Team, Academic Team and Operations Team.

• Work in collaboration with other Scholar Success Services Team members to make team recommendations for improved support for students with exceptional needs and their families

Professional Development

• Engage in regular professional development as part of the AcademicTeam to improve services to children with exceptional needs and their families at SSMA.
• Participate in school-based professional development
• Participate in OSSE trainings as needed 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor's degree in elementary education, special education or a related field IS required
• Special education certification/licensure required. 
• Master's degree preferred
• 3-5 years or more of experience with PreK3-8 special education administration, teaching and/or case management experience preferred.
• Familiarity with the Response to Intervention and MTSS approach to academic and/or behavior support.
• Proficiency in analyzing student achievement data and using it to inform instructional choices.
• Ability to coach/supervise staff members with a variety of skill sets and educational experiences. Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, parents, community members, and staff members. Strong skills in partnering with other team members and families. Commitment to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Track record of being a team player and community minded.
• Commitment to his/her own learning.
• Excellent time-management skills and attention to detail.
• High level of professional and ethical standards.

SALARY & BENEFITS Salary is based on educational level, certification(s), and years of experience. Employees will be contracted yearly. Contracts will be renewed according to evaluations and staff interest. Health benefits (medical & dental), disability insurance, and a retirement plan: 401-(k) or the continuation of the DCPS retirement plan.