Duties
- Assists with oversight of Special Education services of the District and ensures they are administered in accordance with all Federal and State mandates and established Board Policies. 2.
- Coordinates and monitors services and reporting for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act.
- Assists with coordinating and supervising the District’s Extended School Year (ESY) services.
Special Education & 504 Programming
A. Monitors current procedures for screening, referring, and identifying children with disabilities.
B. Coordinates and supervises Special Education services as designated by the Director.
C. Monitors student attendance, homelessness supports, homebound services, transportation, and other related services for students with disabilities as designated by the Director.
D. Monitors achievement of students with disabilities on IEP goals, standardized testing, and other indicators of success and assists building administration in the responsibilities associated with building level monitoring.
E. Develops and monitors an appropriate system of record keeping for students with disabilities.
F. Works closely with Schools of Choice staff, Guidance Counselors, and others to ensure students with disabilities are placed appropriately.
G. Coordinates summer Special Education evaluations.
H. Works closely with the District’s Multilingual Services Department to meet the needs of English Learners with disabilities.
I. Coordinates services with other District departments (Food Service, Nursing, Transportation, etc.) as needed.
J. As assigned by the Director, coordinates District initiatives or serves on District Committees (Crisis Response Team, Threat Assessment, Restraint/Time Out, etc.).
K. Assists with oversight of the placement and programming for students in private facilities.
L. Identifies problem areas in Special Education that adversely affect significant numbers of the school community and directs efforts to resolve unwarranted disparities in the referral and identification of students to Special Education.
M. Assists with identifying grants and other funding sources to enhance the District’s Special Education programs.
N. Assists with administration and monitoring of State reimbursement programs related to students with disabilities and the Federal Medicaid Reimbursement program.
O. Consults with the Director regarding District program needs for strategic allocation of resources relating to personnel, contractual services, supplies, materials, etc.
Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership
A. Establishes and maintains two-way communication with both internal and external stakeholders.
B. Actively promotes the breadth of the District’s Special Education programs to others. C. Maintains visibility with students, staff, parents, and the many diverse segments of the community the District serves.
D. Shares expertise about legal requirements regarding students with disabilities with others.
E. Where appropriate, assists with Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) matters that pertain to programming for students with disabilities, Special Education personnel, rules and regulations, legislation, etc.
F. Where appropriate, assists with due process hearings pertaining to students with disabilities.
G. Works with non-public schools on issues pertaining to students with disabilities.
H. Coordinates services for students with disabilities with community and state agencies.
I. Coordinates services for students with disabilities qualified under the Orphanage Act.
J. Works with the Transition Planning Committee (Office of Rehabilitation Services) as assigned by the Director.
Equity Leadership and Student Success
A. Cultivates a commitment among all District staff to enable all students to achieve high standards.
B. Confronts preconceptions and models open dialogue around race, culture, class and other issues of difference.
C. Operates with a lens of cultural proficiency, sensitivity, and equity to ensure students’ needs are met.
D. Assesses the distribution of behavioral, emotional, health, and other non-academic supports with a clear racial equity lens, ensuring allocations provide the best resources to equitably and effectively meet the needs of all students, families, and schools.
Acting with Integrity, Fairness, and In an Ethical Manner
A. Demonstrates accountability for student growth.
B. Models the attributes of an effective District leader, including demonstrating ethical actions, positive demeanor, collaborative working relationships, and a connection to community agencies that support schools.
C. Models a positive approach to interacting with all District staff.
D. Exercises confidentiality and good judgement in all aspects of work.
Other Responsibilities
A. Assists with the development of, complies with, and monitors budgets relevant to the areas of supervision.
B. Complies with and ensures others comply with Federal, State, and local laws; regulations of the Illinois State Board of Education; and the District’s Board of Education Policies.
C. Assists with the development of department procedures and makes recommendations regarding District policies and negotiated agreements.
D. Implements the District's supervision and evaluation program for all designated staff.
E. Builds relationships with all staff members, promotes a team-oriented environment, and maintains high standards of accountability.
F. Develops and maintains successful, cooperative relationships with personnel, union leadership, and the general public.
G. Participates in professional growth opportunities (e.g., attends regional, state, and national professional conferences, reads professional publications, or enrolls in advanced courses).
H. Performs all other duties necessary to the position and such other duties as may be assigned.