Assistant Director of Special Services

Description Working under the direction and in collaboration with the Executive Director of Special Services provides leadership, administrative support, and supervision to the Districts out-of-district placements, as well as to other daily operational functions of the Special Services Department. Responsibilities Establish and communicate Districts philosophy of least restrictive environment for serving special needs students. Assist with the implementation of the long-range and short-range plans for achieving special education goals and objectives in alignment with the district's APS strategic plan.

Serve as the out-of-district liaison for students placed in out-of-district programs and ensure a systematic and consistent approach to the development of IEPs (Individual Education Plans) that are written to meet federal and state standards and student needs. Oversee the ongoing budget costs and projected costs relative to the out-of-district programs throughout the school year and prepare related reports for the School Committee and Finance Committee. Monitor referrals to out-of-district placements, and when appropriate, help to develop in- district specialized programming and assist the Executive Director of Special Services in building capacity within the schools to support students so that they may remain within district and/or to return from out-of-district programs.

Manage complex and challenging cases, as designated by Executive Director of Special Services, by maintaining effective and professional contact with parents, staff, advocates and outside services. Executive Director of Special Services in coordinating the special education services for all students with disabilities and ensure that students have access to the Massachusetts State Curriculum Frameworks. Manage special education processes by facilitating and chairing team meetings for students in out of district placements.

Assist the Executive Director of Special Services in the collaboration with the Early Childhood Coordinator, special education program heads and middle school coordinators in the transition of students from pre-school to the elementary level to the middle school level. Observe, supervise, and evaluate special education staff designated by the Executive Director of Special Services within the consistent and systematic approach embedded in the new teacher evaluation system. Work with the Executive Director of Special Services to ensure consistency, cohesion, and coordination of practices across the District.

Attend all weekly regularly scheduled meetings with the Special Services Administrative Team as convened by Executive Director of Special Services. Assist with the planning and preparation of ESE (Elementary and Secondary) indicators and reviews by implementing and supporting the procedures as outlined in the policy and procedure manual. Assist in overseeing the ESY (Extended School Year) programming during the summer.

Assist in the preparation of the special education budget for the subsequent fiscal year. Qualifications Masters Degree in Special Education and/or Special Education Administration Massachusetts license as an Administrator of Special Education. Four or more years experience in one or more areas of special education Prior administrator experience required.

Thorough command of special education laws, regulations, processes, and procedures. Ability to facilitate meetings and handle case management issues with extreme diplomacy and to develop appropriate resolutions in the best interest of the child. Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work to diffuse conflict and promote collaborative decision making.

Supplemental Information TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Employment is subject to a personal services contract not to exceed three (3) years in length.