Director of Special Education Jobs in California
A Director of Special Education is a critical figure in school administration, responsible for overseeing the special education program within a school or a district. They design, implement and monitor effective special education programs, ensuring they meet the needs and enhance the learning experience of students with special needs. They collaborate with teachers, school administrators, therapists, and parents to ensure that the services provided align with the goals of the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Furthermore, they are in charge of coordinating training for special education staff, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Important skills for a Director of Special Education include leadership, communication, problem-solving, and knowledge of special education practices and regulations. A master's degree in special education or a related field is usually required, along with a special education certification. Some states may require additional certifications or licensure for this role. Before becoming a Director of Special Education, one might serve in roles such as a Special Education Teacher, Educational Consultant, or Special Education Coordinator, acquiring a deep understanding of special education needs, classroom strategies, and administrative processes.
California Special Education Credential Master's Degree Eligibility for Administrative Services Credential preferred Bilingual in Spanish Preferred Please upload and attach to your online edjoin application...
Director of Special Education- Walnut Creek School District - Northern California
- Walnut Creek, CA
- 1 day ago
- Walnut Creek, CA
- 1 day ago
Walnut Creek School District - Walnut Creek California Engage, Inspire, and Empower ALL Learners! See attachment on original job posting Valid Administrative Services CredentialCover...
Executive Director, Special Education Resource Lead (ID 2812) - INTERNAL EMPLOYEES ONLY
- San Diego, CA
- 4 days ago
- San Diego, CA
- 4 days ago
Job Summary Job Summary The San Diego County Office of Education is recruiting for an Executive Director, Special Education Resource Lead for the East Coast SELPA department of the Student Services...
School Psychologist/Special Education Coordinator
- San Luis Obispo, CA
- 4 days ago
- San Luis Obispo, CA
- 4 days ago
for special education or other special services....
View Job Description For more information about this position, go to the pdf file here Description - Special Education School Support Specialist PDF-...14.pdf...
GENERAL DESCRIPTION Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, the Director of Special Education is responsible for the overall operation of Special Education services...
Education: California Teaching Credential in Special Education or Pupil Personnel Services Credential AND California Credential authorizing performance and service as a school administrator....
The Assistant Director of Special Education will provide leadership and management in administering, monitoring, coordinating and evaluating Special Education programs and services in the least restrictive...
BASIC FUNCTION: The Director, Special Education, supporting Special Education Compliance, will plan, organize, manage, and direct the daily operations within assigned Special Education programs and...
Director, Special Education School Supports - Programs for Exceptional Children (PEC) (2025-26)
- Oakland, CA
- 13 days ago
- Oakland, CA
- 13 days ago
Ref. 9495 Position Description TITLE: Director, Special Education School Supports REPORTS TO: Assigned Supervisor DEPARTMENT: Special Education CLASSIFICATION: Certificated Management FLSA: Exempt WORK...
#247-25, Director, Special Education, District Office - Special Education
- Visalia, CA
- 13 days ago
- Visalia, CA
- 13 days ago
Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Services (Special Education, Adult Basic Education, Consolidated Categorical Aid Programs, Migrant Education, Career Technical Education) Assistant Superintendent...
Senior Director of Special Education and Student Services (2025-2026 School Year)
- El Centro, CA
- 13 days ago
- El Centro, CA
- 13 days ago
Job Summary Job Summary POSITION: Senior Director of Special Education and Student Services LOCATION: Special Education Department / District Office SALARY: Range 14: $168,176.00 - $207,273.00 per year...
- Fullerton, CA
- 14 days ago
- Fullerton, CA
- 14 days ago
We seek an exceptional individual to join our Special Education team as the Special Education Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator I)....
Special Education Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator I)
- Fullerton, CA
- 14 days ago
- Fullerton, CA
- 14 days ago
We seek an exceptional individual to join our Special Education team as the Special Education Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator I)....
We seek an exceptional individual to join our Special Education team as the Special Education Coordinator (Administrative Support Coordinator I)....
Demographic Data for California
Moving to California? Find some basic demographic data about California below.
Director of Special Education Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Salary for Director of Special Education Jobs in California
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Director of Special Education positions.
Highest Education Level
Director of Special Educations in California offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Director of Special Education position
- Instructional Leadership
- School Administration
- School Leadership
- Educational Leadership
- School Improvement
- Student Services
- Instructional Coaching
- MTSS
- Student Management
- District Leadership
- School Psychology
- Gifted and Talented Education
- Restorative Justice
- Assistive Technology
- Special Education
- Teacher Training
- Response to Intervention
- Early Intervention
- Individualized Education Program
- Social and Emotional Learning
- Interventions
- Behavior Intervention
- Masters
- Early Childhood Education
- Community Relations
- Special Needs
- Curriculum Development
- Mediation
- Staff Development
- File Management
- Personnel Management
- Masters In Education
- Liaison
- Program Development
- Educating
- Computer Programming
- Referrals
- Closing
- Staffing
- Background Checks
- Implementation
- Decision Making
- Events
- Collaboration
- Documentation
- Employee Development
- Teaching
- Interpersonal Skills
- Coaching
- Education Experience
- Reporting
- Filing
- Budgets
- Regulations
- Policy Development
- Problem Solving
- Research Skills
- Staff Supervision
- Organization
- Scheduling
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Director of Special Education Related Career Advice Articles

4 Careers in School Administration that Don’t Require a Principal’s Certificate
Learn more about careers in school administration like instructional designer, school psychologist, speech-language pathologist, and occupational therapist.
Read article »
6 Steps to Finding the Best Principal Jobs
If you’re wondering how to become a principal or seeking principal jobs, check out our quick guide to school administrator careers.
Read article »
Essential Interview Prep for School Administrators
Whether you’re a seasoned teacher seeking to take the next step in your career or a veteran administrator looking to relocate, interview preparation is essential to landing the position. Study this guide closely to ace your next interview.
Read article »