Director of Special Education

Northwest Kansas Educational Service Center • Oakley, KS

6d

About The Position

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Demonstrate leadership while directing and managing the NKESC special education program. Ensure that services are provided for special needs students and individualized education plans are provided to meet the needs of all students. Complies with all state, federal, and local requirements and supports the philosophy and mission of NKESC.

Requirements

• Master's degree with valid Kansas professional license as a Kansas School Administrator of Special Education Director License
• Valid Kansas driver's license
• Knowledge of federal and state special education law.
• Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents.
• Ability to implement policy and procedures.
• Ability to interpret data.
• Ability to manage budget and personnel.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Teaching experience in special education (3-5 years)

Nice To Haves

• Special Education administrative experience (3-5 years preferred)

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and delivery of special education curriculum and instructional programs that incorporate NKESC goals and support students achievement. Ensure that curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to students needs.
• Develop and implement an effective special education referral process and ensure that students assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner.
• Monitor the admission, review, and dismissal process district wide for special education students.
• Participate in committee meetings as needed to ensure that students are placed appropriately and developement of individual education plans for students are consistent with district procedures.
• Ensure that student progress is evaluated on a systematic basis.
• Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to guage special education program effectiveness and make changes when warranted.
• Ensure that the necessary time, resources, materials, and technology to support and accomplish educational goals are available.
• Encourage and support the developement of innovative instructions programs.
• Direct transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school programs.
• Take an active role in the formulating and implementing contracts for special education students receiving services outside of the district.
• Demonstrate support for the district's student management policies and expected student behavior related to special education programs.
• Implement and comply with the policies established by federal and state law, Kansas State Department of Education rule, and local board policy in area of special education. Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve the program.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
• Follow district safety protocls and emergency procedures.
• Develop and administer the special education budget based on documented needs and ensure that operations are cost effective, and funds are managed wisely.
• Maintain a current inventory of supplies and equipment and recommend the replacement and disposal of equipment when necessary.
• Prepare, review, and revise job descriptions for the special education department.
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff and make recommendations relative to assignment, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with principcals, teachers, staff, parents, and community members.
• Receive, respond, and investigate questions and/or complaints related toe service delivery and/or disabilities.
• Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing services to students and notify parents and students of available services.
• Articulate the district's mission and goals in the area of special education to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission.
• Demonstrate awareness of district-community needs and initiate activities to meet those needs.
• Use appropriate and effective techniques to encourage community and parent involvement.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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