Director of Special Education

Position Summary

Working from one of our Family Service Centers, located in Pennsylvania, the Director of Special Education will ensure the continuity of CCA goals and vision as it pertains to providing special education and related services to the learners of CCA and enable and provide more direct collaboration with both staff and families. The Director of Special Education will support the assigned focus area as designed with appropriate guidance pertaining to special education learners. The Director of Special Education serves as a primary local representative of the school for families of enrolled special education and disabled learners and those seeking to enroll and will also collaborate with public and private partners in the communities, they serve to improve educational opportunities for learners. The Director of Special Education will work collaboratively with other Directors of Special Education to ensure continuity of services across the Special Education department and CCA.

The Director of Special Education will provide an appropriate escalation point for families to access within their assigned focus area. This position will assist Special Education leadership in ensuring that Special Education staff are meeting and exceeding requirements for instructional design, curriculum, overall programming, process improvement, leveraging technology, professionalism and customer service, accountability and compliance.

As with all members of the special education team, the Director of Special Education will work closely with other directors, principals, managers, supervisors, assistant principals, special education teachers, general education teachers, coaches, and parents to ensure that learners with IEPs are receiving an appropriate and effective educational program in the least restrictive environment and will operate in compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations. The Director of Special Education must be proficient in effective instructional practices in special education as well as related laws and regulations. This position reports to an Associate Vice Provost of Special Education.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, supervision, and direction to staff working with special education learners within their respective focus area and region
• Participate directly in IEP meetings, consultations with parents and staff, and other special education for individual learners.
• Work collaboratively with administration to provide insight and points of escalation for enrolling learners and recommendations regarding placement and services in CCA.
• Work with staff in providing recommendations on the most appropriate resources to provide to special education learners.
• Consult and collaborate with federal, state, and local officials, public and private partners, and community members to improve the school’s special education program.
• Serve as a key representative of the school in external communications and outreach activities relative to special education services.
• Develop and work collaboratively with CCA leadership, special education professionals, and other school staff to set the direction and hold staff accountable to overall departmental goals and priorities as well as to ensure alignment of these goals with CCA mission and vision.
• Provide guidance, insight, and accountability provisions for staff to provide the most appropriate, effective, and individualized approach to special education to our learners.
• Communicate frequently, professionally, and collaboratively with families and staff related to special education services.
• Ensure full compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations as it pertains to individuals with IEPs . Periodically monitor and audit paperwork to ensure full compliance with CCA processes and timelines.
• Emulate all CCA processes, forms, and protocols for special education learners and perpetually provide recommendations for improvements that can be implemented throughout all of CCA.
• Ensure compliance and fulfillment of IEP mandated accommodations for learners and work with staff on the development and implementation of tracking methods.
• Implement standardized processes, required forms, and protocols for all special education procedures, and review regularly for recommendations for improvements.
• Participate in the development and delivery of staff and parent professional development, trainings, and information sessions.
• Additional duties as assigned.
  
  

Requirements

• Masters’ Degree in Education, Special Education, or related area.
• Pennsylvania Special Education Supervisor’s Certificate; Pennsylvania Principal Certificate; or, Pennsylvania Superintendent Letter of Eligibility or Commission Qualification Letter.
• Expertise in special education law and compliance.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Customer focused approach.
• High degree of flexibility.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in fast-paced environment.
• Technologically proficient (especially with Microsoft Office products).
• Occasional travel.
• Experience in policy (IDEA) and/or administration with Special Education.
  
  

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands

This is largely a sedentary role. Requires the ability to lift, squat, sit, bend or stand as necessary. Ability to travel to other sites/locations as needed.

Position Type

• 12-month, Full-time
• Exempt
• Salary
  
  

Travel

• Travel will be required for this position.
  
  

Required Education And Experience

• Master’s in Education, Special Education, or related area.
• 2 years of relevant work experience
  
  

Preferred Education And Experience

• 5 years of experience in Special Education and/or Administration
  
  

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Valid PA Driver’s License
• Appropriate Automobile Insurance Coverage
  
  

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Commonwealth Charter Academy is an equal opportunity employment, educational and service organization.