Anticipated Assistant Director Of Special Education And Out-Of-District (Ood) Special Education Coordinator

Winchester Public Schools is seeking a 1.0 FTE Assistant Director of Special Education and Out-of-District (OOD) Special Education Coordinator.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Support Special Education Supervisors within the department on compliance with special education regulations, policy and procedures.

Serve as a resource for Special Education Supervisors in navigating complex cases.

Collaborate with Special Education Department in work centered on Least Restrictive Environment and inclusive practices.

Provide targeted assistance to Special Education Supervisors with larger caseloads/workloads as needed.

Conduct data analysis to identify trends related to student needs, staffing needs, and special education referrals.

Support focus areas based on internal or external data/needs.

Partner with building administrators to develop tiered supports and interventions prior to the special education referral process.

Monitor the effectiveness of program placements for out-of-district students by maintaining close contact with out-of-district providers and parents to assess student progress.

Facilitate all aspects of the IEP Team Process for out-of-district caseload, including chairing team meetings (annual review and re-evaluation) and scheduling necessary evaluations in accordance with the requirements of 603 CMR 28.00.

Manage referrals for students who require an out-of-district placement by: searching to identify appropriate programs, disseminating student profiles and records to potential placements, facilitating placement interviews, chairing all IEP meetings and developing IEPs in collaboration with out-of-district teams.

Oversee compliance with special education procedures regarding evaluation, placement and related monitoring for out-of-district students.

Consult, interpret, document and coordinate student information for assessments/evaluations, IEPs, and Extended School Year (ESY). Supervise the completion of the necessary reports and mandated documentation.

Work with outside state agencies in collaboration with the school team and coordinate interagency communication.

Keep current database on out-of-district students (tuition and transportation costs and assisting with Circuit Breaker reimbursement procedures).

Resolve related transportation issues.

Coordinate and review with Winchester Guidance Department out-of-district student transcripts to ensure graduation requirements have been met.

Plan and facilitate professional development for staff.

Other duties as designated by the Administrator of Special Education.

Qualifications and Requirements/Preferences:
Master's degree in a related field required.

Prefer minimum five years' experience working in a school setting with students with disabilities and their families.

Prefer minimum of three years' experience in an administrative role within the public school setting.

Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing required.

Licensed by DESE as special education administrator.

Must demonstrate an understanding of 603 CMR 28.00 and have thorough knowledge of all aspects of the Interdisciplinary TEAM special education process and mandated special education procedures, including transition planning for students 14 and older required. Proficient in understanding diagnostic procedures, interpretation of various assessment tools and goal/program development preferred.

Reliable transportation for travel to out-of-district placements.