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