WDE Special Education Programs Director 2024-01266

Description and Functions

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This position oversees the Special Education Programs Division to implement and ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Human Resource Contact: Pam Glick 307-777-7962 or pam.glick@wyo.gov

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.

• Manage and provide leadership to the WDE's Special Education Programs Division.

• Establish an effective division communication format to facilitate communication and sharing of pertinent information amongst the division's staff located throughout the state of Wyoming as well as other state and federal agencies and individuals; support and coach division staff, manage and complete performance appraisals, coordinate division level meetings and manage workflow for the division and its staff.

• Work with other divisions in the Wyoming Department of Education to provide information and collaboration on projects and activities that will improve outcomes for students with disabilities, early learners, parents and guardians, and distant/digital education.

• Work with stakeholder groups and advisory panels that impact the services of Wyoming students and their parents.

• Oversee the provision of Technical Assistance and Professional Development to parents, parent organizations, school district staff, and child development center staff.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulations and case law

• Research customer questions or review staff responses to such questions to ensure that the public's needs have been met with accurate, meaningful solutions and answers.

• Provide expert guidance and direction in the creation of reference guides, technical assistance documents, and presentations.

• Actively manage and monitor the provision of statewide and regional professional development activities.

Oversight of state-wide data collection and the federal and state reporting functions; assuring accurate measures are in place and meaningful data is collected and reported on.

• Collect and analyze data as the foundation for planning for statewide activities to support the improvement of outcomes for students with disabilities.

• Ensure deadlines are met for state and federal reporting.

Ensure school districts and developmental preschools are implementing all provisions of IDEA, as well as federal and state rules and policies related to special education.

• Provide oversight in the implementation of on-site monitoring and desk audit processes.

• Review all monitoring reports and notification letters for accuracy, trends, and any other relevant information.

• Review monitoring processes and implement improvement strategies and changes as needed.

• Oversee related rule and policy promulgation processes.

Manage state and federal funds related to special education to ensure they are used appropriately.

• Setting and managing budgets

• Ensure that districts are planning the use of state and federal special education funds appropriately.

• Ensure audit processes are in place and utilized to ensure that federal special education funds are used appropriately.

• Ensure federal and state grants are being implemented and funds used to meet grant goals.

Oversee Dispute Resolution processes as outlined in IDEA.

• Ensure the Wyoming Department of Education has processes in place for State Complaints, Mediation, and Due Process.

• Assist in the investigation of State Complaints as needed for the organization.

• Ensure Hearing Officers and Mediators receive appropriate training and follow prescribed processes.

• Approve State Complaint decisions and Corrective Action Plans.

• Ensure Corrective Action Plans are implemented; monitor and report on the progress of same.

Qualifications

PREFERENCES:

Master's Degree in Special Education or Leadership. 5 or more years of experience in Special Education

KNOWLEDGE:

• Ability to support, mentor, coach and manage staff.

• Skill in addressing sensitive personnel issues.

• Ability to manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously.

• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, small and large groups.

• Ability to provide legally accurate information to educational agencies.

• Ability to follow procedures related to budget, data collection, and federal and state reporting.

• Knowledge of educational practices that support students with disabilities.

• Knowledge of the general supervision requirements of the US Department of Education (monitoring, general supervision, policy development, dispute resolution, technical assistance, professional development, use of incentives and sanctions) and the ability to implement a system that addresses all these areas.

• Ability to analyze data and make program decisions based on this analysis.

• Ability to understand fiscal processes and budgetary procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

None - See "Preferences"

Necessary Special Requirements

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Typical office environment.

• Travel may be required.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Exempt

Supplemental Information

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.