Director of Special Education

Director of Special Education

Reports to: Superintendent of Schools

Job Goal: To provide leadership and direction in all aspects of Special Education at CCSD, including Chairperson duties for Committee on Special Education, supervision, and evaluation of staff (including school psychologist, speech/language teachers, occupational therapist, physical therapist, I.E.P. Aides).

Major Responsibilities and Functions:

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Assist in the preparation and implementation of school policies, laws and regulations related to special education and Academic Intervention Services (A.I.S.)
• Recommend policies and programs essential to the needs of children with disabilities
• Provide leadership in establishing new programs and developing improved understanding of existing programs
• Encourage integration of special education, Academic Intervention Services, and general education
• Collaborate with principals on elementary and secondary transition planning requirements for students with disabilities
• Verify special education student data and student data reporting through SIRS and SED PD System
• Personnel and Staff Development
• Assist in recruitment, selection, recommendations of Special Education Teachers and Teacher Aides
• Prepare the District Plan for special education every two years
• Serve as liaison between District and federal/state/local agencies
• Provide opportunities for staff development
• Hire appropriate consultants for professional development in areas such as co-teaching and RtI as needed
• Supervisory Responsibilities
• Supervise Chairpersons of Committee on Special Education, CSE Subcommittees and Committee on Pre-school Special Education
• Supervise District 504 needs
• Observe and evaluate all special education staff and Academic Intervention Services staff
• Establish procedures for RTI Interventions, referral, evaluation, and placement of students with disabilities
• Communicate regularly with Special Education Department Chair and building Principals
• Manage all potential special education litigation and apprise the Superintendent of the status of all pending legal issues
• Continually evaluate the total special education program, curriculum, procedures and individual student's needs and achievements
• Develop and maintain confidential records of children receiving special education services
• Maintain special education enrollment figures for the District
• Function as lead Chairperson for CSE, CPSE and 504
• Identify and train alternate chairperson(s) for CSE, CPSE and 504
• Business and Budget
• Prepare, in collaboration with Principals, and recommend to the Superintendent preliminary budget for all areas of Special Education
• Monitor and report on budgetary expenditures during the school year
• Reconcile budget allocations with the Business Office on a regular basis and maintain contracted agency and student tuition budget costs
• Coordinate with the Business Office student placements and billing for services
• Submit information to State Education Department for reimbursement for high cost and private placements
• Manage Medicaid information and submit to State Education Department for reimbursement
• Assume responsibility for compiling, maintaining and filing reports, records and other required documents
• Write and monitor special education grants
• Approve all supplies, materials and texts used by Special Education and Academic Intervention Services Staff
• Professional Development
• Assume responsibility for professional growth and development for keeping current with the literature, new research findings, and improved techniques and for attending appropriate professional meetings
• Maintain professional affiliations in organizations
• School and Community Relations
• Work cooperatively with Cooperstown CSD PTA
• Serve as committee member and/or liaison to outside agencies
• Facilitate parent meetings at transition points: kindergarten, middle school and high school
• Provide annual training for CSE/CPSE members

Qualifications for Position:

Education and/or Experience Required: Minimum Master's Degree in Education Teaching experience or position in Pupil Personnel Area Preferred: Successful administration/supervision experience Certification (NYSED) Teacher Certification in Special Education or Pupil Personnel area. SBL/SDL School Building Leader/School District Leader SDA School District Administrator