Redwood City School District
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

Redwood City School District

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

Job Summary:

Under the direction of the Superintendent, the Director of Special Education plans, organizes, controls and directs the District's Special Education program and Pupil Personnel Services; provides legal and practical guidance to Special Education teachers, assistants and others; assures compliance with State and federal laws and rules and regulations related to assigned areas including local SELPA policies; and supervises the performance of assigned personnel.

Examples of Duties:

Plan, organize, control and direct the District's Special Education program and Pupil Personnel Services including health, speech and language, and psychological services; assure compliance with State and federal laws, rules and regulations related to assigned areas including local SELPA policies; manage departmental operations.

Supervise the performance of assigned personnel; interview and select employees and recommend transfers, reassignments, termination and disciplinary actions.

Provide legal and practical guidance to Special Education teachers, assistants and others; possess expertise and knowledge in Special Education litigation; interpret and maintain current knowledge of developments in curriculum and instruction and make recommendations for inclusion in the District's Special Education program; implement mandated legislation; study, evaluate and make recommendations related to new instructional materials, methods and programs in assigned areas.

Direct, plan and coordinate Summer School Special Education programs.

Direct the formulation of a philosophy and objectives for the Special Education program and provide staff leadership to assure understanding of and promote educational objectives of the District's Special Education program; oversee the development, implementation and evaluation of in-service and staff development training programs for Special Education.

Administer and account for the placement of Special Education students in private schools.

Direct the planning, organization, administration and evaluation of Special Education programs including aspects related to student identification, assessment, placement and due process; provide liaison between IEP teams and the County operated Special Education programs.

Provide technical expertise, information and assistance to the Assistant Superintendent regarding assigned functions; assist in the formulation and development of policies, procedures and programs to assure an economical, safe and efficient work environment.

Plan, organize and implement long and short-term programs and activities designed to enhance assigned programs and services.

Develop and prepare annual preliminary budgets for Pupil Personnel and Special Education Programs; analyze and review budgetary and financial data; control and authorize expenditures in accordance with established limitations.

Direct the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records and files related to assigned activities and personnel; oversee maintenance of student files referred to or serving in the program.

Communicate with other administrators, personnel and outside organizations to coordinate activities and programs, resolve issues and conflicts and exchange information; communicate with parents to resolve difficult issues or concerns.

Attend and conduct a variety of meetings as assigned; represent the District at local, County, State and national meetings, workshops and conferences; attend Board of Trustees' meetings; participate on assigned committees; make oral presentations; attend SELPA meetings representing District interests.

Oversee the maintenance and confidentiality of student records.

Coordinate Medi-Cal billings; review billings for accuracy and completeness; contact staff as needed.

Knowledge of:

Planning, organization and direction of Special Education programs and Pupil Personnel Services.

Special Education litigation procedures.

Compliance review mandates.

Individual and group counseling techniques.

IEP preparation and implementation methods and procedures.

Appropriate referral agencies.

Testing practices, procedures and methods.

Budget preparation and control.

Oral and written communication skills.

Principles and practices of administration, supervision and training.

Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Operation of a computer and assigned software.

Public speaking techniques.

Ability to:

Plan, organize and administer the District's Special Education programs and Pupil Personnel Services.

Supervise the performance of assigned personnel.

Provide legal and practical guidance to Special Education teachers, assistants and others.

Provide knowledge and experience in matters requiring litigation.

Assure compliance with State and federal laws and rules and regulations related to assigned areas including local SELPA policies.

Counsel effectively with students and parents.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

Meet schedules and timelines.

Prepare comprehensive narrative and statistical reports.

Direct the maintenance of a variety of reports and files related to assigned activities.

Maintain current knowledge of curriculum and instruction legislation related to assigned areas.

Education and Experience:

Any combination equivalent to:

Master's degree in special education, education, psychology or related field and a minimum of seven years of successful educational experience. At least five of the years must have been educational experience relating directly to Pupil Personnel Services and Special Education.

Experience in Special Education litigation.

Licenses and Certificates:

Valid California Administrative Credential

Valid California Special Education Credential

Valid California driver's license and proof of current liability insurance at time of appointment and throughout employment in this classification