Special Education Coordinator

The Coordinator of Special Education is responsible for special education and related services in Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy PCS. Implements systems of leadership, support, and guidance for school personnel so that educational programs for students with disabilities are implemented in compliance with IDEA and related federal and state laws, rules and regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate will:

• Ability to provide training, guidance, support, monitoring, and direct supervision for school and district personnel to
• assist schools in implementing special education and related services in compliance with the IDEA and related federal
• and state laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to effectively direct, plan, implement and evaluate programs in a school-based environment.
• Knowledge and expertise in the formal and informal educational realms of literacy and/or mathematics.
• Knowledge of the professional learning standards and effective models.
• Thorough knowledge of Federal, State, and District laws, policies, procedures, and best practices regarding student
• discipline.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws related to exceptional student education, 504, and the SST process.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead people and provide direction.
• Ability to interpret policy and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff and the public from diverse cultural, social, economic, and
• educational backgrounds.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and contribute to a diverse workplace through ideas and experience.
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of instructional strategies for students with autism, developmental delay, specific learning disabilities, and behavior disorders.
• Extensive background knowledge with OSSE Special Populations platform.
• Demonstrate strong skills in partnering with families.

Demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a diverse group of colleagues, parents, families, and community members.

• Be committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Have a track record of being a team player and community minded.
• Be committed to their own learning.
• Have excellent time-management skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently.
• Have a passion for urban public schools.
• Adhere to a high level of professional and ethics
• Use of computer systems for the special education process, writing of goal writing, progress reports, annual reviews and parent communication.
• Ensure IEPs are developmentally appropriate, curriculum/standards -based, strength based, and relevant to individual students.
• Work 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
• Support the planning of special education initiatives and the implementation of initiatives.
• Represent Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy PCS as a subject matter expert in contact with OSSE, Federal Agencies and nonprofits concerning students with special needs.
• Gather and report 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.). Examples: Child Count
• Maintain a high level of knowledge regarding developing special education issues such as changes in federal and local special education policy.
• Advocate for special education with school leadership.
• As appropriate, connect with student’s outside providers, pediatricians, and therapists to support student’s needs in the classroom.
• Co-Coordinate ESY program
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and student information
• Other duties as assigned.