Assistant Director of Early Childhood Special Education Services & Programs

Lansing School District • Lansing, MI

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Lansing School District is seeking an Assistant Director of Early Childhood Special Education Services and Programs to support the administration of special education services for children ages 3-5. This role ensures high-quality, developmentally appropriate programming aligned with Michigan's early childhood standards and promotes successful transitions into kindergarten, in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE).

Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership, or related field preferred
• Valid Michigan School Administrator Certificate or eligibility (Special Education Supervisor Approval will suffice)
• Approval in Special Education preferred
• Experience in early childhood special education and knowledge of MARSE and Early On systems

Responsibilities

• Assist in the oversight of early childhood special education programs, including school and community-based preschool programs
• Ensure compliance with IDEA Part B (Section 619) and MARSE, including timelines, eligibility, and service delivery requirements
• Support the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) consistent with Michigan timelines and district procedures
• Coordinate transitions from Early On (Michigan’s Part C system) to preschool special education services
• Manage and evaluate the Early Childhood Assessment Center
• Collaborate with families, the ISD, local districts, and community partners to ensure continuity of services
• Provide leadership and support to early childhood special education staff and related service providers
• Assist with dispute resolution, including parent concerns, mediation, and complaint processes aligned with MDE procedures
• Monitor program quality using Michigan’s Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Prekindergarten (ECSQ-PK)
• Support data collection, reporting, and compliance monitoring through Michigan Student Data System (MSDS) and other state reporting systems
• Assist with staffing, budgeting, and program development aligned with state and local requirements
• Facilitate and participate in scheduled data meetings
• Attend and draft IEP and MDR meetings as Case Manager and/or District Representative
• Support building administrators through guidance and collaboration, and regularly review data together
• Coach and evaluate SE Specialist(s) on supporting teachers and compliance
• Facilitate professional development aligned with MDE guidance and early childhood best practices
• Review IEPs for new enrollments and complete permission to place forms to share with families
• Maintain good standing in Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE) and attend PD throughout the year to stay current on certifications
• Other duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager