About this role
Title: Director of Exceptionality Primary Function: To provide oversight of all special education programs, section 504 plans, homebased and homeless students, school counseling and student support Qualifications: Have a minimum of five years of experience in public education, two of which in administration. Hold a Postgraduate Professional license with an endorsement in administration or supervision or other qualifications that may be considered by the School Board. Possess professional and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with school personnel and members of the community at large. Reports To: Chief of Teaching Learning and Student Support Supervises: School Psychologist Occupational Therapists and Assistants Physical Therapists and Assistants School Social Worker Mental Health Counselor Administrative Assistant for the Office of Exceptionality Speech Language Pathologists Performance Responsibilities 1. Provide oversight of all special education services. 2. Ensure compliance with all special education laws and regulations. 3. Assist professionals with observations, diagnoses and evaluations of students. 4. Plan and schedule professional development for special education personnel. 5. Assist with strategic planning for the purposes of school improvement including the interpretation of data, the development of continuous school improvement plans, and the monitoring of school progress related to special education and 504. 6. Ensure that all special education records are kept and maintained in accordance with federal guidelines. 7. Evaluate special education programs and personnel as needed. 8. Assist in the selection and assignment of staff. 9. Assist in coordination of school special services and student support services. 10. Assist in coordination of transportation for special education students. 11. Assist in the preparation and implementation of the six-year strategic plan and special education plan. 12. Provide oversight for the development and implementation of all Individual Education Plans (IEP). 13. Coordinate the special education advisory committee. 14. Provide oversight for students placed in residential and private day schools. 15. Develop and maintain inter-agency agreements relative to special education services. 16. Provide leadership of the division's “wrap around” services to students. 17. Monitor the in-school screening procedures. 18. Provide oversight of 504 compliance procedures. 19. Manage all applications and responsibilities associated with homebased instruction. 20. Manage students identified as needing services for homelessness. 21. Provide oversight of all programs and regulations associated with foster care students. 22. Serve as the district liaison for the Community Planning and Management Team (CPMT). 23. Serve as district liaison with the Community Services Board (CSB) and Department of Social Services (DSS). 24. Provide oversight for division training and implementation of restraint and seclusion procedures and practices. 25. Provide oversight of the division's school counseling program and mental health services. 26. Provide oversight of the English Language Learners program. 27. Coordinate programs for gifted and talented students. 28. Provide leadership with the crisis intervention team. 29. Assist with the division's new teacher mentorship program as requested. 30. Serve on the budget development committee. 31. Participate in district level advisory committees. 32. Perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent or Chief of Teaching, Learning and Support Services. Terms of Employment: Twelve-month contract with salary to be established annually by the school board. WORKING CONDITIONS: Mental Demands: Can conform to shifting priorities, read communication styles from a broad spectrum of disciplines, elicit cooperation, and diffuse tension; Reading; ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); Ability to operate multiple types of office machines; Ability to work with employees in stressful situations; Ability to meet established deadlines; and Ability to maintain accurate records. It is also anticipated that some stress will be associated with this position primarily due to deadlines and irregular workflow. It is necessary that the individual have the capacity to remain calm, considerate and tactful. Evaluation: In accordance with school board policy and the administrative regulations and evaluation of administrative personnel.