ARD Facilitator

Comal ISD•New Braunfels, TX

About The Position

Primary Purpose: Implements, facilitates, and supervises the special education ARD/IEP process. Collaborates with other professionals and parents in the ARD process. Works cooperatively with instructional and evaluation personnel to develop the most appropriate programs for students with disabilities according to the federal requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Requirements

Valid Texas Special Education Teaching Certificate or similarly credentialed (i.e. SLP, LSSP, and/or Ed. Diag.)
Knowledge of Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) procedures, education of special education students, curriculum requirements, state assessment, graduation requirements and legal requirements of IDEA and Texas Education Code.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage conflict and maintain a student-centered focus.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Gmail and Google Calendars.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally (verbal and written)
Three years special education teaching, diagnostic evaluation experience, or similarly credentialed/experience.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.

Responsibilities

ARD/IEP Coordination Identifies the need for and schedules Failure ARDs, Manifestation Determination Review ARDs, Graduation ARDs, Initial ARDs, Transfer Meetings, and Permanent Placement ARDs within District, state, and federal guidelines.
Monitors initial referral timelines, schedules and conducts initial ARD committee meetings within the required timelines set forth by Texas Education Code.
Schedules and conducts transfer meetings and Permanent Placement ARDs within the required timelines set forth by the Texas Education Code.
Investigates and interprets records from previous districts for transfer students to ensure that students are provided with a FAPE upon enrollment and to be prepared for the 30-day Permanent Placement ARD.
Schedules and conducts Manifestation Determination Review ARDs and Staffing in accordance with District policies/procedures.
Responds to parent and staff requests for ARD meetings in accordance with federal, state, and local policies and procedures.
Collaborates with campus administrator(s) to schedule ARD meetings at mutually acceptable times/days and ensure all required members are invited/excused/attend.
Collaborates with other professionals (assessment staff, interpreters, related service providers, outside agencies, initial consent for placement, etc.) and provides timely notifications of ARD meetings.
Informs agency representatives (DARS, BBT, etc.) of ARD meetings when appropriate and with consent from the parent/guardian/adult student.
Confirms ARD meeting times/dates/location with parents and students, when appropriate.
Completes ARD notices and distributes copies to all parents with a legal responsibility for the child in accordance with Department of Special Education Services procedures.
ARD/IEP Meeting Facilitation Maintains neutrality in facilitating ARD meetings while maintaining compliance with District-approved procedures.
Incorporates conflict management techniques when disagreements arise.
Utilizes appropriate questioning techniques to build consensus within the committee members.
Ensures each member has the opportunity to participate.
Promotes a positive, collaborative environment for ARD meetings.
Deals sensitively and fairly with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Trains and collaborates with families to ensure understanding of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards and the Guide to the ARD process.
Provides copies of and utilizes the District-provided ARD agenda to ensure all required items are covered and committee members are prompted to report to the committee appropriately.
Utilizes District and state provided resources/materials to prompt committee discussions or clarify misunderstandings.
Effectively communicates with colleagues, students, and parents.
Documents ARD committee decisions within the electronic IEP system.
Obtains appropriate parental consents (Medicaid, 5-day waivers, committee member excusal, etc.)
Monitoring and Compliance Maintains compliance with Initial, Annual, Graduation and Permanent Placement ARD due dates based on federal and state regulations.
Ensures that all required information is submitted into the electronic IEP system, including: PLAAFPs, IEP goals, transition services, accommodations, behavior intervention plans and any other applicable supplements.
Completes and archives/scans ARD committee documentation in the electronic IEP system and provides to required parties (parents, teachers, service providers, etc.) within District-required timelines.
Provides copies of IEP documents to parents within the district-required timeline.
Ensures all service providers and teachers have access to IEP documents according to district policies/procedures.
Submits PEIMS data to the district PEIMS clerk within the timeline required by the Department of Special Education Services
Completes IEP amendments at the request of parents, adult students, campus and/or district staff.
Maintains eligibility folders (electronic) in a manner consistent with Texas Education Agency requirements and local district policies/procedures.
Submits testing protocols, consents for initial evaluations and audio recordings of ARD meetings to the Department of Special Education Services for filing in the student’s eligibility folder.
Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records, and other documents required.
Ensures the confidentiality of information regarding special education students by abiding by and informing others of the guidelines set forth in the Federal Education Rights to Privacy Act.
Collaborates with transportation services to ensure students receive appropriate transportation services.
Collaborates with campus testing coordinators to ensure state testing arrangements are accurate according to ARD committee documentation.
Collaborates with campus administration and department chairs in an effort to monitor the implementation of IEP services.
Professional Development Maintains current knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Texas Education Code regulations.
Maintains current knowledge of district-approved policies and procedures.
Maintains current knowledge of state testing requirements and eligibility for accommodations/test versions.
Maintains current knowledge of graduation requirements according to the Texas Education Code.
Maintains current knowledge of instructional arrangements according to the Texas Student Attendance Accounting Handbook.
Provides training to teachers, staff and administrators regarding: Documentation requirements for modifications, days of removal, and progress. Determination of appropriate services and development of IEPs. Regulations and documentation for state testing. Use of electronic IEP systems. Appropriate ARD etiquette.
Attends regularly scheduled staff meetings, ARD facilitator meetings, and Special Education Department meetings according to district expectations.
Maintains a regular presence on assigned campuses to provide technical support/training.
Attends training opportunities in the areas of transition, graduation, ARD facilitation, and Special Education law as assigned by the Department of Special Education Services.
Maintains a positive and effective relationship with colleagues and supervisors.
Perform all other duties as assigned.