Director of Special Education

The Wonderful Company • Delano, CA

21d • $107,000 - $157,135 • Onsite

About The Position

To meet the unique needs of our students, the Director of Special Education is responsible for directing the planning, organization, administration, and evaluation of all special education programs and related services affecting the TK–12 instructional program. This includes oversight of student identification, assessment, placement, and due process, as well as leadership in advancing inclusive practices, compliance, and continuous improvement across the district.

Requirements

• Five years of special education experience with a valid California teaching credential or Pupil Personnel Services (“PPS”) Credential
• Graduate of a recognized college or university with a master’s level or higher degree
• Proven ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
• Passion for working with traditionally underserved communities
• Capability to manage many complex tasks with competing priorities
• Strong leadership abilities related to conflict management, team building, mentoring, coaching, goal setting, prioritization, strategic planning, and inspirational vision
• Strong written and verbal interpersonal communication skills
• Organized and self-managed
• Excellent problem-solver
• Self-reflective leader who is committed to ongoing learning and growth
• Commitment to our organization's mission and educational philosophy

Nice To Haves

• Two years of administrative or supervisory experience, preferred
• Bilingual Spanish speaker, preferred

Responsibilities

• Engages in strategic planning through collaboration with school administrators and staff to facilitate the inclusion of Special Education in the site vision process.
• Develops and executes a Special Education strategic plan aligned to district goals, including quarterly updates to the Board of Directors on the status of Special Education services, student outcomes, and areas for growth.
• Provides leadership for the development of district and department goals, policies, procedures, and continuous improvement initiatives related to Special Education, including the design, implementation, and management of inclusive education programs.
• Maintains strong relationships with regional, county, state, and federal agencies, ensuring alignment with current laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Serves as the district’s lead representative for internal and external program reviews, audits, and compliance monitoring.
• Collaborates with legal counsel in mediation and due process hearings.
• Oversees the design, delivery, and evaluation of all Special Education programs, ensuring high-quality services that promote student growth and access to the general education curriculum.
• Provides consultation and guidance on innovative instructional strategies, inclusion practices, and multi-tiered supports that enhance student learning.
• Recommends and manages the Special Education budget and allocation of resources.
• Supports the assigning and scheduling of Special Education personnel in collaboration with site administrators.
• Determines site placement for SLPs, SLPAs, Psychologists, OTs, PTs, Interns, and other related service providers to ensure balanced and effective service delivery.
• Organizes all aspects of the Extended School Year (ESY) program, beginning early in the calendar year to ensure proactive planning, communication, and staffing.
• Provides a comprehensive professional learning program for Special Education staff, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.
• Facilitates training in required and/or requested areas for administrators, teachers, paraeducators, and other staff to promote equitable, district-wide growth in instructional quality and compliance.
• Establishes and maintains a Special Education Community of Practice (COP) across the district and in collaboration with regional partners to foster a culture of learning, shared problem-solving, and collective efficacy.
• Organizes and leads Special Education team meetings for teachers and specialists to align practice, share updates, and celebrate progress.
• Develops and implements systems to document, archive, and disseminate past, current, and upcoming professional learning across all Special Education programs.
• Serves as a resource and liaison to IEP teams regarding complex placement and programmatic decisions.
• Participates in and coordinates assessments and Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) as needed.
• Ensures timely and compliant IEP processes, including transition meetings and any alternative placement.
• Provides guidance to administrators, staff, and families regarding modifications to general education programs for students determined to be ineligible for Special Education services.
• Aids students, parents, and staff in solving school-related challenges and ensuring alignment between home and school supports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full-time staff benefits include medical coverage, dental, vision, and life insurance at no cost to the employee.
• For eligible employees, WCPA contributes 19% to CalSTRS. Alternatively, employees may participate in a 403(b) plan with up to 5% employer match (if not receiving CalSTRS contributions).
• Employees have free access to the Wonderful Wellness Center and gym.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees