Director of Special Education

Company: Making Waves Academy
Location: Richmond
Posted on: November 18, 2024

Job Description:

Job DescriptionTitle: Director of Special Education (SPED)Division: Central OfficeReports to: Chief Operating OfficerStatus: Full-time, ExemptSupervises: n/aSalary Range: $120,000-$130,000 plus $12,000 Temporary Cost of Living Allowance & SummaryUnder the supervision of the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Special Education (SPED) directs and manages the Special Education (SPED) program for Making Waves Academy (MWA). The key responsibilities of the Director of Special Education are:

• Compliance - Ensure MWA is in compliance with all SPED requirements as they relate to federal and state laws, our charter authorizer, and our SELPA provider.
• Program Development and Monitoring - Design and oversee special education and 504 programs that align with MWA goals and student needs. Monitor the effectiveness of programs and make data-driven adjustments as necessary.
• Capacity Building - Build capacity of general education faculty and staff to deliver services and support to students designated to receive services through an IEP or 504 Plan.The Director of Special Education works closely with administrators, faculty, and support personnel to foster an inclusive educational environment; they promote a culture of continuous improvement within the department. This person builds a positive culture of excellence in meeting and exceeding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requirements. The Director of Special Education supports, guides, and collaborates with school leaders and faculty by providing ongoing professional development, allocating resources effectively, and facilitating communication between key educational partners (families, educators, health professionals, case workers, etc). This person will monitor the progress and effectiveness of implemented strategies, strategic development of inclusive educational services, and the implementation of innovative approaches and models.Essential FunctionsReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Compliance
  • Monitor and regularly audit all SPED/504 systems including but not limited to: Identification and evaluation of students who may be eligible for Special Education services (Child Find, IDEA); IEP/504 case management; IEP/504 initial, annual and tri meetings; Delivery of IEP/504 services and accommodations; File management.
  • Monitor program compliance in accordance with local, state and federal laws/policies, and keep School Leaders, the COO and CEO apprised of any concerns or issues with respect to compliance.
  • Track, analyze, and report on student achievement data for students designated as SPED and/or 504. Based on the data, develop and implement progress improvement plans and/or participate in state-imposed progress monitoring processes.
  • Serve as the lead administrator in communicating with our SELPA, charter authorizer, and SPED service providers in adhering to deadlines, filing reports, communicating critical updates to MWA leadership, and evaluating and securing service providers in the service of meeting SPED requirements. Serve as the LEA representative in all IEP meetings.
  • Collaborate and consult with School Leaders, the COO and CEO regarding behavior challenges/concerns involving students with IEPs/504 Plans and MWA's discipline process to ensure actions and decisions are in adherence to local, state and federal laws/policies.
  • Program Development & Monitoring
    • Assess existing systems regularly and implement strategic changes to improve and elevate the delivery of services to students.
    • Develop systems that support case managers in planning and implementing Individual Education Programs for students with disabilities that are compliant, guaranteed, and viable.
    • In collaboration with the COO develop a budget for special education and 504 programs and allocate resources effectively to ensure all students receive appropriate services. Identify and secure additional resources, including grants and community partnerships.
    • Serve as a resource and liaison to IEP teams regarding placement and programming considerations.
    • Capacity Building
      • In collaboration with school leaders, provide instructional coaching, informal classroom observations, and feedback for Special Education and General Education Teachers.
      • Identify key challenge areas for faculty and staff supporting students with IEPs/504s and develop special education faculty and staff through professional development, coaching, observation/feedback cycles, and facilitated department meetings (PLCs).
      • Deliver professional development to faculty and staff regarding "best practice" instructional strategies for IEP students.
      • Support SPED staff to set and meet quarterly and annual SPED programmatic goals and professional growth goals.
      • Participate in the recruitment, selection, and training of SPED staff.
      • Supervisory Responsibilities
        • Provide guidance, support and direction; set goals; provide feedback; evaluate performance; foster professional development; ensure direct reports have the resources needed to achieve our objectives while aligning with MWA's goals.
        • Mission Alignment
          • Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, Making Waves Academy's mission, core values, standards, competencies, and code of conduct outlined in the Employee Handbook.
          • Participate in the school community - attending school competitions, performances, assemblies, and extracurricular activities.
          • Work Environment
            • This job operates in an office and school environment and routinely uses standard office equipment.
            • Participate in the school community - attending school competitions, performances, assemblies, and extracurricular activities. Some evening work and Saturdays is required for parent meetings or staff training.
            • 5-10% travel is required for MWA related events, such as workshops or conferences.
            • Physical Demands
              • While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, phone, and keyboard.
              • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
              • Light to moderate lifting may be required.Qualifications
                • Education and Experience
                  • Bachelor's Degree or higher in Special Education, School Counseling, Educational Leadership or related field. Demonstrated knowledge of special education inclusion best practices.
                  • 3-5 plus years of Special Education teaching experience and supervisory/leadership experience.
                  • Experience working with students and families from historically underserved communities. Spanish language proficiency preferred but not required.
                    • Skills and Abilities
                      • The ability to develop and implement special education programs that meet the needs of students with disabilities and the ability to evaluate the effectiveness of programs and identify areas for improvement.
                      • Highly effective and professional communication skills. Ability to communicate with and build relationships with students and their families in the culturally and linguistically diverse MWA community.
                      • The ability to inspire and motivate staff, foster a positive culture, and make strategic decisions. The ability to build strong teams to meet performance goals.
                      • Ability to adapt and align on school-related initiatives. Ability to uphold and reinforce school policies and procedures when addressing students and families.
                      • Ability to work collaboratively and independently. Ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments with limited supervision.
                      • Professional orientation - appearance, communication, organization, and attitude.
                      • Highly organized, goal-oriented, and focused on outcomes. The ability to be proactive and innovative (as it relates to creating sustainable workflow and processes).
                      • Demonstrate an understanding of technology and literacy learning platforms (Microsoft Office Suite, PowerSchool, Canvas, Blackboard, Google Drive and Calendar, etc.).
                        • Licenses or Certificates
                          • Employment eligibility will include fingerprints/Live Scan, tuberculosis (TB) screening, and other employment clearance.
                          • Educational Specialist Teaching and California State Teaching Credentials.Other DutiesPlease 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.Reasonable AccommodationConsistent with its obligations under the law, MWA will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.Equal Employment Opportunity Is Our PolicyMaking Waves Academy is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the School to afford equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their perceived or identified: race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and hairstyle, including but not limited to braids, locks, and twists); color; gender, (including gender identity, gender expression, and transgender identity, whether or not the employee is transitioning or has transitioned); sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and medical conditions related to such); religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices); marital/registered domestic partner status; age (forty (40) and over); national origin or ancestry (including native language spoken and possession of a driver's license issued to persons unable to prove their presence in the U.S. is authorized by federal law); physical or mental disability (including HIV and AIDS); medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics); taking of a leave of absence pursuant to the Family Medical Leave Act ("FMLA"), Pregnancy Disability Leave ("PDL") law, Americans with Disabilities Act ("ADA"), California Family Rights Act ("CFRA"), the Fair Employment and Housing Act ("FEHA"), or laws related to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking laws; genetic information; sexual orientation; military and veteran status; or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.This policy extends to all job applicants and employees and to all aspects of the employment relationship, including the hiring of new employees and the training, transfer, promotion, discipline, termination, compensation and benefits of existing employees. For a full copy of our non-discrimination policy, visit:
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Keywords: Making Waves Academy, Rancho Cordova , Director of Special Education, Education / Teaching , Richmond, California