Director of Special Education & Federal Programs

Florence ISD•Florence, TX

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Coordinate the district in federal/special education programs. Collaborate with district staff and outside personnel to formulate, develop, implement, and evaluate federal/special education programs. Grant management for Title I, II, III, & IV, IDEA, & ESSER and grant development.

Requirements

Master’s degree
Valid Special Education Certification
2 years experience in program or grant management
5 years experience in teaching
experience in special education
Knowledge of federal and state special education law
Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students
Ability to organize and coordinate districtwide program
Ability to interpret data
Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents
Familiarity with federal and special program rules and regulations
Ability to implement policy and procedures
Ability to manage budget
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience with ESPED and Skyward

Responsibilities

Evaluate all federal legislation, projects, and programs for grant, entitlement, and allocation opportunities relevant to the needs of the district.
Participate in the drafting of project proposals and reports, including the writing and development of program goals, objectives, and budget for federal/special funding of programs.
Prepare and submit standard applications for federal funds to Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Evaluate all requests for projects and programs requiring federal/special money.
Coordinate a continuing evaluation of the federal/special programs and implement changes based on the findings.
Consult with administrators, counselors, teachers, community agencies, and other relevant individuals regarding federal/special programs.
Solicit federal funds and participate in grant-writing activities to obtain funding for federal/special programs and services.
Monitor grant-funded programs and their expenditures to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines.
Ensure that programs are cost effective and that federal/special programs are managed wisely.
Compile budget and cost estimates based on documented program needs.
Direct and manage special education programs and services to meet students’ need and evaluate the program for effectiveness.
Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis, and that the findings are used to make special education program more effective.
Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs, helping teachers to pilot such efforts when appropriate.
Plan the necessary time, resources, and materials to support subordinates in accomplishing educational goals.
Manage the special education referral process; arrange for or conduct student assessments; make recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students.
Supervise and monitor the admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) process district wide.
Participate in committee meetings to ensure the appropriate placement and development of individual education plans for students according to district procedures.
Supervise transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
Provide leadership in the formulation and implementation of contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.
Serve as resource person in the design and equipping of facilities for students with disabilities.
Establish and maintain open lines of communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, and teachers concerning vital issues.
Coordinate with the Assistant Superintendent to schedule/ provide professional learning designed to meet the needs of staff in support of special education students.
Participate in the recruitment, selection, and training of personnel and make sound recommendations relative to personnel placement, assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
Inform superintendent or other administration of the effects of current and impending legislation.
Implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education and federal grants to include reporting.
Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
Serve as liaison between school and other agencies on joint projects that are federally funded.
Administer the special education department budget and ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed prudently.