District Special Education Coordinator (Central Arkansas)

Lisa Academy Charter Schools•Little Rock, AR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The District Special Education Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that special education services and documentation within the district comply with all state, federal, and local requirements. This role involves maintaining knowledge of current Special Education regulations and best practices, overseeing the timely completion of Special Education tasks and paperwork, and ensuring adequate training for special education staff. The coordinator will monitor program implementation, conduct campus visits for audits, and provide support to campus Special Education staff. Key responsibilities include analyzing assessment results to guide instruction and IEP development, managing vendor relationships for related services, facilitating IEP meetings, and collaborating with campus staff on student discipline. The role also involves developing positive relationships with parents, planning and conducting staff development sessions, evaluating SPED programs, and maintaining confidential records in compliance with FERPA and other relevant laws. Additionally, the coordinator will assist with SPED staffing, ensure timely submission of federal/state reports, and manage processes for ESY and compensatory education.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Special Education or related field required.
Minimum of 3 years administrative or professional experience
Knowledge of curriculum development, education trends, research, and technology

Responsibilities

Maintain knowledge of current Special Education regulations and best practices, by attending conferences, webinars and other available professional development.
Ensure that special education services and the documentation of services in the district are provided in compliance with all state, federal and local requirements.
Ensure timely completion of all Special Education Tasks and Paperwork.
Ensure timely training of all special education teachers/campus coordinators and maintenance of the related training documentation
Ensure that district program goals are met by close monitoring of the implementations
Conduct Weekly Campus Visits- audit reviews and submit feedback to the coordinators noting any compliance actions that need to be completed
Conduct regular meetings with campus Special Education staff to provide direct support and address challenges or issues regarding the program
Analyze assessment results to drive instruction and IEP development
Analyze and report on results of academic assessments
Manage relationships with outside vendors and LISA Academy therapists to ensure students receive all individually prescribed related services (i.e. Occupational Therapy, Language and Speech, etc.)
Facilitate IEP meetings in a collaborative and professional manner, if needed.
Collaborates with the campus staff on SPED students’ discipline prior to and during a MDR meeting.
Develop positive relationships with parents and families in order to engage them in the IEP process and keep them apprised of student progress
Plan, develop, and conduct staff development sessions at the district level. Conduct regular training sessions with SPED Teachers to ensure full compliance of IDEA. Conduct periodic training to School Staff on SPED Regulations, accommodations, etc.
Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of SPED programs and make recommendations to implement changes based on the findings.
Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, while maintaining strict confidence in accordance and guidance of ADE, SBOE, state laws, and federal laws in regards to FERPA.
Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rule, and the local board policy.
Assist with the selection of supplemental equipment and supplies for SPED programs.
Assist campus principals in determining SPED FTE based on eligible student population.
Interview and be involved in the hire process for appropriate SPED staffing.
Ensure all applications (school age / preschool), cycle reports, and other federal / state required submissions are accurate and done in a timely manner by reviewing and confirming the data that is going to be submitted.
Participate in professional development activities and staff meetings as required or assigned
Check Smart Choice and campus checklists for special education transfer students on a regular basis.
Maintain special education spreadsheets to track timelines and information for eSchool.
Ensure ESY for qualifying Special Education students
Ensure compensatory education for any missed education services
Perform other duties as assigned