Location: Elkhart,IN, USA
QUALIFICATIONS: Required: Administrative Certification Preferred: Prior experience as a Director of Special Education, Special education teacher
certification and 5 years' experience as a special education teacher
SUMMARY: The Director of Exceptional Learners will supervise special education and high ability programs and services. Provide leadership in the development, supervision, and evaluation of special education and high ability programs and services in order to enable all exceptional learners. The Director of Exceptional Learners will lead district efforts to assure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Other duties may be assigned):
1. Manage the department of exceptional learners.
2. Assure maintenance of complete individual records for all students enrolled in special education, alternative education, and high ability programs and services.
3. Develop class rosters; create school assignments, and direct, in consultation with the Director of Transportation, the arrangement of transportation for students requiring special education and high ability services.
4. Assure that special education programs and services are designed to meet the individual needs of those students who have been identified as needing such services, including students with disabilities encompassed under Indiana Article 7 and the IDEA.
5. Provides ongoing training and support to school staff regarding 504 and the implementation of 504 procedures.
6. Respond to students, parents, staff, administrators, and others who report suspicion of 504/ADA violations, disability discrimination, or harassment based on disability.
7. Conduct and/or coordinate investigations of Section 504/ADA complaints in accordance with the school district's discrimination complaint procedures.
8. Develop, implement, and oversee high ability programming across the school district.
9. Assure proper procedures are used in the identification and placement of exceptional learners.
10. Develop, implement, and oversee the evaluation, assessment and identification of special education, alternative education, and high ability students.
11. Oversee the proper identification of and delivery of instruction to students requiring homebound education.
12. Supervise the Alternative Programs Principals and help coordinate alternative education programs and services. Initiate and assist appropriate staff in the development of alternative educational programs and services.
13. Meet with students recommended for expulsion, along with their parents to advise them of due process rights and to offer alternative education, as appropriate, in lieu of expulsion.
14. Assist in recruitment, selection, and recommendation for employment for special education, alternative education, and high ability staff.
15. Collaborate and consult with building administrators regarding special education, alternative education, and high ability programs and services.
16. Oversee systems for reporting and receiving allowable Medicaid reimbursement for services provided for students with disabilities.
17. Represent Elkhart Community Schools on county and state level special education and high ability issues.
18. Make budget recommendations, develop grants, and oversee the implementation of the budget for the special education, alternative education, and high ability programs and services.
19. Cooperate with staff to achieve system wide objectives.
20. Exhibit positive and cooperative working relationships with educational colleagues and community contacts.
21. Publicize and interpret special education, alternative education, and high ability programs and services to parents, teachers, administrators, students, the Board of School Trustees, and the community.
22. Cooperate with community agencies and make referrals for services for exceptional learners.
23. Gather program data, plan, develop, and make recommendations for long-range needs of special education, alternative education, and high ability programs.
24. Implement Article 7 to assure that the school district is following the Indiana rules and regulations governing special education programs and services.
25. Monitor and oversee all IDOE compliance indicators.
26. Prepare and submit required local, state, and federal reports and forms.
27. Attend conferences and professional meetings, keep abreast of current literature and research, and participate in professional organizations pertinent to special education, alternative education, and high ability.
28. Coordinate special education services to private school students, in accordance with state and federal laws.
29. Regular and Timely attendance.
30. Perform other duties and assignments as directed by the Superintendent of Schools.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.
For the job description, please visit elkhart.k12.in.us.
For benefits information, please visit elkhart.k12.in.us.