Director of Special Education

Framingham Public Schools • Framingham, MA

357d

About The Position

The Director of Special Education provides leadership and vision in alignment with the Framingham Public Schools strategic and instructional plans, and ensures continuous organizational development and leadership for the Department of Special Education. The Department of Special Education is composed of: special educators, paraprofessionals, speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, board certified behavior analysts, applied behavior analysts, team evaluation coordinators, and additional specialists. Director of Special Education is responsible for implementing and maintaining Special Education programs and services in compliance with district, state, and federal objectives and laws; planning, designing, and implementing all phases of service provided by the Special Education department and staff; serving as a resource to patrons, school administrators and staff; development and management of the departmental budget; and maintaining adequate staffing to ensure objectives of programs and services are achieved for Framingham Public Schools Students.

Requirements

• At least three years of administrative experience in Special Education.
• Current and valid DESE license as a Special Education Administrator and SEI Endorsement for Administrators or Special Education or evidence of application for DESE license and progress towards attaining.
• Master's degree in special education, educational leadership, or a related field.
• Licensure as a Special Education Administrator.
• Minimum 3 years of special education administration or leadership experience.
• Experience with Special Education programming development and oversight.
• Knowledge of federal and state special education laws and regulations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including students, families, staff, and community members.
• Strong organizational and management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve common goals.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual (Portuguese or Spanish) skills are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement strategic vision for district and school based programming and program implementation
• Arranges for providing appropriate services for all special education students in accordance with individualized educational plans; and designs, implements, evaluates and maintains a program of special education services in the district.
• Oversee district processes for identification, referral, evaluation, and program planning for all students in need of special education services.
• Oversee systems and procedures in special education data collection
• Ensure current student records are maintained in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations
• Collaborates with departmental directors to plan, develop, and implement curriculum, instructional activities, and programs for special education students
• Collaborates with Departmental and program directors to develop school year and summer programs to strengthen student achievement.
• Collaborates with the Executive Director to evaluate existing programs and assist in the enhancement of programs and services including grant writing, budget preparation and professional development that serves the needs of the program
• Ensure processes and procedures pertaining to special education transportation are compliant with state and federal laws and regulations, and oversee systems for implementation and efficiency.
• Ensure that Special Education programs, including location and class size, and related procedures are in compliance with the Special Education Regulations.
• Provide supervision to the Assistant Director of Special Education and other Special Education Administrators
• Identification, application and implementation of state and federal grant funds
• Coordination, planning, and implementation of professional development needs for staff and programs.
• Collaborate with district leaders in planning district-wide strategic prioritization areas of focus.
• Collaboration and support of the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (F-SEPAC) and attendance at meetings.
• Oversee the development of policies and procedures to maintain compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Oversight and lead coordinator of DESE monitoring activities as required: Tiered Focused Monitoring, Mid-Cycle Reviews, Proportionate Share, preparation of all Federal, State and local reports for special education.
• Provide educational leadership for Special Education program assessment, Special Education program developments, and research and methodology for Special Education.
• Support, coordination, and planning meetings with Special Education Team Evaluation Coordinators.
• Oversight of the facilitation and procedures for Special Education students from within the district as well as from other public and private schools, including hospitals, DCF and DYS facilities, and other institutions to the public schools.
• Assist in the recruitment, interviewing, and recommendation of personnel for special education programs.
• Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities as determined by the Executive Director of Student Supports.
• Coordinate the use of consultation and external resources for student support services, including but not limited to identifying contracted service providers, managing scheduling, and monitoring expenditures.
• Coordination with the Student Registration Department with school placements for move-in students, class list process for incoming Kindergarten students, and monitoring special education numbers at each school.
• Coordination and collaboration with the Early Education Manager and the Assistant Superintendent in the implementation and expansion of PreK district-wide.
• Keeps abreast of current research and professional literature and meets with other professionals to exchange information about new practices.
• Coordinates, responds to, and successfully submits all documentation required for CPR and MCR process, PRS complaints, BSEA referrals and processes, DESE submissions and reports.
• Prepare other reports assigned or requested by the Executive Director of Student Supports.
• Demonstrate sound judgments and decisions aligned with the District Strategic Plan and vision, and promotes a positive school and district climate that fosters high student expectations and support.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.
• Compliance with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.
• Encouragement of applications from persons with disabilities and who identify as members of historically underrepresented groups.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Master's degree