Duties
The BEST Program Administrator provides leadership, coordination, and supervision of the district’s K–12 Behavior and Emotional Support Team (BEST) programs for students identified with emotional disabilities and related behavioral needs.
This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, therapeutic, and educational programming aligned with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and 23 Illinois Administrative Code Part 226, with a focus on behavioral intervention, social-emotional development, and access to the general education curriculum.
The administrator works collaboratively with school teams, families, and community agencies to support students in the least restrictive environment while ensuring safe, supportive, and structured learning environments across all BEST classrooms.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and retaining qualified staff for BEST programs, including teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers.
- Collaborate with building administrators and IEP teams to ensure appropriate placement, transition planning, and continuum of services for students with emotional disabilities.
- Coordinate crisis response protocols and support staff in the implementation of de-escalation strategies and safety procedures.
- Create, coordinate, and supervise Extended School Year (ESY) services for students in BEST programs.
- Develop and monitor systems for collecting and analyzing behavioral and academic data to inform programming and decision-making.
- Ensure compliance with IDEA, Illinois School Code, and 23 Ill. Admin. Code Part 226, including manifestation determinations, functional behavioral assessments (FBAs), and behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
- Evaluate BEST program staff in alignment with the Danielson Framework and Illinois PERA requirements.
- Facilitate problem-solving meetings for students with significant behavioral needs, including collaboration with families and outside providers.
- Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of BEST program structures, including classroom design, schedules, and intervention frameworks.
- Maintain oversight of program fidelity to evidence-based practices, including trauma-informed care, MTSS, and social-emotional learning frameworks.
- Monitor IEPs for legal compliance, accuracy, and alignment with behavioral and academic needs.
- Oversee the development and implementation of FBAs and BIPs to ensure they are data-driven and effective.
- Provide coaching and ongoing supervision to BEST teachers, behavior consultants, paraprofessionals, and related service staff.
- Provide professional development to staff on behavior management, de-escalation techniques, and instructional strategies for students with emotional disabilities.
- Serve as a liaison between the district, outside agencies, therapeutic programs, and private placements.
- Support transition planning for students moving between BEST programs, general education settings, and/or out-of-district placements.
- Prepare and submit reports related to program outcomes, compliance, and student progress.
- Promote inclusive practices and support reintegration opportunities into less restrictive environments when appropriate.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Salary/Benefits
Regionally competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package, including health, retirement, and professional development opportunities.