| PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Director of Special Education provides leadership, recommendations and assistance to District administration and staff in the development, implementation and evaluation of all special
education programs and services; oversees and ensures District-wide compliance and fiscal accountability of programs; is a District representative to the Special Education Local Area Plan (SELPA) Governance Structure. RELATIONSHIP TO STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT: Collaborate with administrators, special education and general education staff, to create an integrated, inclusive environment that promotes the academic, and social-emotional growth of
students identified with special needs in order to ensure their academic achievement and progress. SUPERVISION OVER:
• School Psychologist
• Behavior Specialist
• Speech Therapists
• Nurses
• Special Education Office Staff
• Occupational Therapists
• Preschool staff ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties,
knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but to accurately reflect the primary job elements. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a
logical assignment to this classification. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-Develops and implements all programs and services for eligible students with disabilities as per State and Federal laws;
-Ensures District-wide compliance with all State and Federal laws pertaining to IDEA, Title V, the SELPA Local Plan and school health mandates;
-Assists site principals with resolving issues and needs pertaining to students, parents, IEPs, facilities, etc.;
-Prepares all Special Education budgets, monitors costs, approves purchase orders and makes budget revisions as necessary and oversees day-to-day operation of the Special Education department;
-Serves as the District representative and attends SELPA Special Education Council (SEC) meetings where recommendations are made which effect DUSD;
-Represents the District at joint governmental and/or private agency meetings where issues pertaining to special education are discussed;
-Monitors the costs of services provided by the Solano County Office of Education;
-Monitor students placed in non-public schools or receive services from non-public agencies; reviews monthly invoices presented to SELPA based on student attendance;
-Assists with and/or provides the supervision and evaluation of certificated and classified staff;
-Develops agenda and facilitates monthly staff meetings;
-Recruits and recommends for hire staff members, as necessary;
-Works on behalf of DUSD, to respond to parent complaints, seek legal advice and facilitate formal mediation and/or due process procedures;
-Acts as a senior administrator, attending Director meetings, Cabinet meetings, and other administrative meetings as necessary;
-Attends IEP meetings when necessary or as appropriate;
-Analyzes student and staff data, develops proposals with recommendations for staffing, facility and program needs for approval by the Superintendent’s Cabinet;
-Attends legal seminars, conferences and other meetings to learn of new laws, program mandates and requirements and updates the Superintendent and staff;
-Serves as Administrator responsible for maintaining student records for Special Ed. students;
-Coordinates Home and Hospital Program for Special Ed. students;
-Works with parents and community members of Curriculum Advisory Council (CAC) to ensure quality programs;
-Assists in day-to-day case management issues and provides direction for appropriate resolution;
-Assists in program staffing and program evaluation to ensure student needs are being met in a consistent and effective manner; -Advocates funding from the Superintendent, the Associate Superintendent, and the SELPA for Special Education staff development needs;
-Performs other duties as assigned. STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR AND APPEARANCE: District Office workers are expected to have integrity and to be responsible, diligent, and ethical. They will project a professional, positive image through dress
and demeanor and be loyal to the district and supportive of their colleagues. They will respect authority and treat the public with fairness, practicality, common sense and good taste. They will respect the confidential nature of their positions and the information they encounter by practicing the highest degree of confidentiality. District Office workers are expected to take pride in their work and to continually strive to upgrade their skills and learning. They will understand that they are here to provide a service to staff, students, parents and the community so that the education of the students will be more effective and community support for the district is maximized. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: The following outline of essential knowledge, abilities, and physical requirements is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary in accordance with the job.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
-In-depth knowledge of and experience implementing a breadth of special education programs and services including the knowledge of revenues and costs;
-Detailed knowledge of all current State and Federal laws pertaining to special education operations; knowledge of the school nursing programs and mandates;
-Familiarity with the strategies, materials and equipment for students with disabilities and curricula that is based on research;
-Knowledge of principles of public school administration, policies and procedures ABILITY TO:
-Ability to work effectively with administration, staff, students, families and community members;
-Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
-Organize department and effectively implement day-to-day operations;
-Collect and analyze data which is required for the maintenance of the student data base,
-Problem solve and make informed decisions based on sound managerial practices, collaborative planning and research;
-Ability to collaborate and cooperate with Student Support Services Department on placement/assignment of nurses and implementation of 504 Plans
-Consideration will be given to qualified disabled persons who with reasonable accommodation can perform the essential functions of the job. WORK ENVIRONMENT: District office; in vehicle traveling to job assignments; outdoor environment on school sites in
variable weather conditions. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:
Work Position (Percentage of Time):
Standing: Walking: Sitting:
Body Movement (Frequency):
None (0) Limited (1) Occasional (2) Frequent (3) Very Frequent (4)
Lifting (lbs.): 25 Lifting: 1 Bending: 1 Pushing and/or Pulling Loads: 1
Reaching Overhead: 1 Kneeling or Squatting: 1 Climbing Ladders: 1
Climbing Stairs: 1 SAMPLE PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Hear and speak to make presentations, and exchange information in person and on the telephone; dexterity of hands and
fingers to operate a computer keyboard; see to read, prepare documents and reports, and view a computer monitor; sit or
stand for extended periods of time; bend at the waist, reach overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally to retrieve and
store files; lift light objects. |