Special Education Coordinator for Elementary School and Out of District

Elementary School-Based and Out-of-District Special Education Coordinator

The role of the Special Education Coordinator is to ensure compliance with established Special Education policies, procedures and regulations; to manage the team process including referral, eligibility determination; to ensure consistent quality of IEPs; and to provide ongoing supervision and support to special educators, educational support personnel and related service providers. Special Education Coordinators schedule and chair initial and reevaluation team meetings and annual review and progress meetings, as needed. In addition to case management, a primary responsibility of the Special Education Coordinator will be to establish and maintain on-going communication with families and to be a resource for information in the school community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Active member of the school-based leadership team to assist the Principal with compliance and implementation of required SPED services, procedures and regulations.

• Lead weekly special education department meetings (school-based) to review upcoming evaluations and scheduled meetings; review cases and plan and problem-solve.
• Case management: Chair Initial and Reevaluation meetings with the goal of establishing consistent practices, close monitoring of progress, promoting gradual release of support staff and increased student independence and self-advocacy
• Provide leadership in the implementation of evidence-based, inclusive practices in the least restrictive environment for students with disabilities.
• Provide ongoing support and consultation to the principal and staff in the school’s specialized education programs
• Serve as a resource to parents regarding the special education process, procedures and services related to referral, eligibility and services.
• Receive referral requests for initial evaluations and call parent/guardian to specify referring questions related to the suspected area of disability.
• Collaborate with building principal and district departments in the delivery of special education services, supporting staff and scheduling common planning/meetings for general and special educators
• Support special educators and related service providers with scheduling students
• Collaborate with the Director of Special Education and Special Education Coordinator colleagues, weekly, to discuss, review and assist in determining program needs and procedures and ensuring consistency and vertical alignment.
• Assign and schedule evaluations.
• Regularly observe the classroom environment to support staff and students.
• Assist in the collection of data for state reports such as the federal Child Count.
• Provide leadership for Out of District students
• Other appropriate responsibilities as assigned by the building principal.
• Participate as a member of working groups/committees at the request of the building principal.

Education, certification, licensure

• Master's degree in Special Education or related field, required
• Supervisor’s/Director’s DESE license, Admin of Special Education, Preferred
• SEI Endorsement or ESL Certification

Experience

• Experience in special education leadership and supervisory responsibilities, required
• Successful teaching experience in field of special education or related field, required
• Experience and skilled in assessment procedures, analysis and interpretation of results of testing, required
• Knowledge of research-based best practices in assessment, intervention (MTSS) and specialized instructional programming, preferred.

Essential knowledge, skills:

• Knowledge of special education regulations and laws related to referral, evaluation and team processes in Massachusetts public schools.
• Experience with digital databases such as ESPED, Powerschool etc.
• Ability to honor confidentiality, demonstrate discretion and apply sound judgment.
• Ability to effectively communicate both in verbal and written form with students, staff, parents and community members.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Strong organizational skills
• Collaborative philosophy towards shared leadership
• Can prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Reports to the building Principal and the Director of Special Education