SANY District SPED Coordinator

Description

The role of the K-12 Special Education Coordinator is to facilitate collaboration among teachers, school leaders, students' home districts, and families to develop and implement specialized services for children with exceptional needs. This involves both short-term and long-term planning to ensure the provision of appropriate support. Additionally, the coordinator is responsible for ensuring compliance with established policies, procedures, and regulations related to special education, thereby maintaining the district's Special Education services.

The Special Education Coordinator will oversee various aspects of the curriculum and instructional resources, work towards aligning educational materials with state curriculum guidelines and strive to enhance the efficiency of the existing personnel. The coordinator will actively participate in training the teaching staff, facilitating the development of a Response to Intervention (RTI) process, and making valuable contributions to the creation of Individualized Education Service Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans.

Responsibilities

Roles and responsibilities may change. Additional responsibilities may be assigned throughout the course of the school year.

• The successful candidate will serve as a liaison to the home districts and understands the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) process in order to meet the needs of the special education students; collaborate and plan tier 1, 2, and 3 interventions as part of the RTI process; track students’ progress towards goals with integrated progress monitoring tools as part of the MTSS process.
• The successful candidate will review intake assessments to ensure quality and compliance, and that all students receive the educational services and instructional methods that they need to succeed aligned with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans.
• The successful candidate will coordinate and collaborate with Special Education teams and building leaders in regards to caseloads, schedules, Special Education transportation needs, and the Special Education state assessment processes.
• The successful candidate will oversee the Special Education teams; special education eligibility and re-evaluation processes; coordinate all related services for special education placement; participate in the development of all Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP) and Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA); oversee IEPs, and pre-referral meetings (RTI); address behavioral strategies for special education students.
• The successful candidate will participate and facilitate Manifestation Determination Review (MDR); oversee student records regarding special education issues and prepare reports for regulatory agencies while also ensuring compliance with all City, State, and Federal Special Education laws and regulations.
• The successful candidate will coordinate 504 services; coordinate the RTI process within the SANY district; coordinate with Child Find referral activities; assist with the out of school placement and services; foster parental participation in the Special Education process.
• The successful candidate will manage the timely submission of reports, records, and inventories; direct the delivery and continuous improvement of Special Education programs; uphold board policies and follow administrative guidelines and procedures; build community/school partnerships that enhance the Special Education operational effectiveness; maintain open and effective communications with Special Education team and Building leaders.
• The successful candidate will supervise enrollment and withdrawal procedures for Special Education students; oversee proficiency and alternative testing programs; analyze test results; provide staff direction for instructional modifications and interventions that enhance student learning and improve test performance as needed; assist with the collection of educational management information and student data (e.g.,Rediker ) as directed.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for trainings and assist the Special Education teams with best practice instructional strategies; conduct observations for students and staff; assist with staff and paraprofessional evaluations giving input to administrative teams; ensures procedural safeguards are met; provide training for staff regarding Special Education processes and classroom instructional practices; promote the effective use of available technology in records management and instructional activities; uphold computer technology acceptable use policies; respects staff privacy and maintain the confidentiality of privileged information.
• The successful candidate will supervise the delivery of a continuance of Special Education services (e.g., student records, testing, Speech/Language Pathology, Physical and Occupational Therapy, orientation/mobility, visual/hearing, special needs transportation, transition, 504s, RTI process, etc.); keep current with the K-12 courses of study, scope and sequence framework, and state standards/guidelines; comply with state model policies and procedures for the education of students identified as having a disability; monitor education laws, rules, and regulations; develop and/or update administrative guidelines and procedures to comply with legal mandates.
• The successful candidate will promote the continuity of the instructional program; provide insights about the progression of student skills and key contributions made by staff at each level; encourage Special Education teams to develop and disseminate innovative program materials; coordinate the transition process for special education students entering or leaving the program; help staff resolve problems that impede student learning and/or participation in appropriate peer group activities.
• The successful candidate will serve as a liaison and information resource for our Special Education teams; support a full range of educational options; coordinate placement procedures; participate in parent conferences as necessary; ensure that services are provided in the least restrictive educational environment; promote staff knowledge and use of appropriate assistive technology; oversee monitoring procedures to ensure that assistive devices operate properly; provide guidance, communicate high expectations, and show an active interest in student progress.
• The successful candidate will participate in hearing/grievance processes; monitor Special Education student graduation requirements; help Special Education teams and Building leaders with discipline and pupil management issues with Special Education students; maintain effective relationships with community services (e.g., court systems, law enforcement, health care facilities, child welfare services, etc.).
• The successful candidate will engage in staff selection, orientation, and evaluation processes as needed; express high expectations and monitor staff performance; collaborate with administrators to improve staff competencies; support opportunities for staff to develop new skills; complete staff evaluations as requested; provide leadership in the planning and delivery of staff development programs that improve teacher outcomes (e.g., methods, skills, commitment, etc.).

Competencies Required

The following characteristics and physical skills are essential for the successful performance of assigned duties.

• Takes precautions to ensure staff/student safety. Watches for behavior that may indicate a problem. Works with staff to eliminate unacceptable behavior.
• Reports evidence of suspected child abuse and neglect as required by law. Encourages and supports partner school activities as time permits.
• Supports appropriate research and pilot projects. Identifies and recommends funding opportunities. Helps prepare grant and foundation proposals.
• Participates in professional growth opportunities. Accepts personal responsibility for decisions and conduct. Wears appropriate work attire and maintains a professional demeanor. Strives to develop rapport and serves as a positive role model for others. Performs other specific job-related duties as assigned.
• Articulates a clear vision and provides leadership to advance the change process. Promotes a positive work environment and engenders staff enthusiasm. Skillfully manages individual, group, and organizational interactions. Addresses problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Interprets information accurately and initiates effective responses. Effectively uses listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills. Organizes tasks and manages time effectively.
• Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle; traveling to meetings and work assignments; using a computer keyboard and monitor; working extended hours; working under time constraints to meet deadlines.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master's degree preferred
• Experience in leadership
• NYS Students with Disabilities or SPED certification required
• Experience with diverse population of students or in an urban setting a plus
• Fingerprint clearance through NYS Department of Education

Want to learn more about our district? Be sure to check out the following links to get a closer look at our schools, hear from our parents and see what our state and community leaders are saying about SANY. District Website: www.sany.org

Equal Opportunity Employer
Science Academies of New York is committed to maintaining a working and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or those who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.