Carlson Home Hospital School - Assistant Principal, Special Education

Los Angeles Unified School District

11d•$110,981 - $138,149•Hybrid

About The Position

The Los Angeles Unified School District seeks an outstanding Assistant Principal, Special Education to partner with the Principal to lead the students, staff, and community at Carlson Home Hospital School towards achieving academic success for all students. Carlson Home Hospital School is a TK–12 Options School within LAUSD that provides temporary educational services to students whose medical or mental health conditions prevent them from attending their school of residence. Carlson serves students through home instruction, hospital instruction, and virtual learning options, ensuring continuity of education during periods of illness, recovery, or treatment. Carlson serves approximately 400–600 students throughout the school year, with enrollment fluctuating based on referrals and student medical needs. The school population is highly diverse and reflects the demographics of LAUSD, including approximately 70% Hispanic/Latino, 12% African American, 8% White, 6% Asian, and 4% identifying as multiracial or other ethnic groups. Approximately 20% of students are English Learners, and over 70% are students with disabilities receiving Special Education services. Carlson serves a significant number of students with eligibility categories including Other Health Impairment (OHI), Specific Learning Disability (SLD), Autism (AUT), Emotional Disturbance (ED), and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Many students receive instruction while recovering from serious medical conditions, psychiatric hospitalizations, or long-term illnesses. The school operates on a traditional LAUSD calendar and provides individualized instruction through credentialed teachers who deliver services in students’ homes, hospitals, residential treatment facilities, or through virtual platforms. Students receive standards-based instruction aligned with district curriculum and, when applicable, individualized supports outlined in their IEPs. Carlson's unique instructional model emphasizes flexibility, collaboration with medical providers and families, and maintaining educational access for some of the district’s most medically and emotionally vulnerable students. As a temporary placement program, Carlson focuses on academic continuity, successful transitions back to comprehensive school settings, and ensuring compliance with all Special Education and Home-Hospital instructional requirements.

Requirements

Valid California teaching credential requiring a Bachelor's degree and a program of professional preparation, including student teaching.
Valid California Administrative Services Credential.
Master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Multicultural coursework.
District Master Plan requirements.
Five years of successful full-time public school district certificated service.
A minimum of three years of experience as a teacher in a K-12 program.
A minimum of two years directly working in a special education school, special education class, or in a similar situation working directly with students with disabilities.
Candidates must be in the appropriate LAUSD eligible pool for the position or currently serving in the class for which they are applying, or qualify to be placed in the eligible pool by completing the LAUSD Aspiring Administrator Program.
Comprehensive understanding of IDEA, Section 504, Special Education law, and LAUSD policies and procedures.
Expertise in IEP development, implementation, compliance monitoring, and dispute resolution.
Knowledge of alternate curriculum, assessment systems, transition planning, and specialized instructional supports.
Understanding of home and hospital instruction, medically fragile student populations, and mental health considerations.
Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to manage complex compliance systems and timelines.
Exceptional communication and collaboration skills when working with families, medical professionals, district personnel, and multidisciplinary teams.
Skilled in conflict resolution and problem-solving.

Nice To Haves

Extensive Special Education teaching and/or leadership experience.
Knowledge of Alternate Curriculum and students with significant support needs.
Experience supporting medically fragile and mental health populations.
Bilingual (Spanish preferred).
Demonstrated success improving Special Education compliance, instructional outcomes, and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Principal to lead students, staff, and community towards achieving academic success.
Lead and supervise Special Education programs serving students with diverse and complex needs.
Build positive relationships with staff, students, families, and community partners.
Maintain high expectations while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Support instructional innovation and service delivery models across home, hospital, community, and virtual environments.
Effectively prioritize competing demands while ensuring compliance and student-centered decision-making.
Conduct and lead IEP meetings.
Analyze student data to improve outcomes and ensure compliance.
Coach and support teachers in evidence-based instructional practices and Special Education service delivery.
Facilitate difficult conversations.
Monitor student progress, compliance, and service implementation using technology and data systems.