Duties
The Special Education Administrator serves as the LEA at IEP meetings, provides leadership, technical assistance, and supervision to special education programs and staff in alignment with the Illinois School Code, 23 Illinois Administrative Code Part 226, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
This role ensures the delivery of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) through legally compliant, student-centered programming. The administrator collaborates with district personnel, outside agencies, and private facilities to support high-quality services and equitable outcomes for students with disabilities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Serve as LEA at IEP meetings
- Assist in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and retaining qualified special education and related service staff in accordance with district procedures.
- Assist with the scheduling and coordination of IEP meetings, including initial evaluations, reevaluations, and annual reviews, ensuring compliance with mandated timelines under 23 Ill. Admin. Code 226.110–226.220, serving as the LEA.
- Collaborate with building leadership to ensure consistent implementation of special education services and supports.
- Create, coordinate, and supervise Extended School Year (ESY) services in accordance with 34 CFR §300.106 and Illinois guidance.
- Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations, including IDEA, Section 504 (as applicable), and Illinois Part 226, with an emphasis on procedural safeguards and parent rights.
- Evaluate certified and non-certified staff in alignment with the Danielson Framework for Teaching and the Illinois Performance Evaluation Reform Act (PERA).
- Facilitate meetings with related service providers and multidisciplinary teams to support student programming and service delivery.
- Identify, coordinate, and monitor private placements, including out-of-district placements, ensuring appropriateness, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with LRE requirements.
- Maintain ongoing supervision of related service staff, including support for service delivery models, caseload/workload considerations, and best practices.
- Monitor IEPs for legal compliance, accuracy, and quality, including alignment to evaluation data, measurable goals, and service delivery as required under IDEA and Part 226.
- Participate in the training and onboarding of new staff, including compliance, instructional practices, and district procedures.
- Prepare and submit reports to the Director and ISBE as requested, including data related to compliance, staffing, and student outcomes.
- Promote and support professional development aligned with evidence-based practices and department goals.
- Provide direct consultation and problem-solving support to IEP teams, including guidance on eligibility, programming, behavior supports, and least restrictive environment decisions.
- Perform other duties as assigned.