Job Description

Title:   ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

Position Type: Exempt

Primary Function:

Provides leadership for and supervises special programs for students with disabilities, preschool, related services, Children’s Services Act (CSA), and New Horizons Regional Education Center (NHREC) special education programs. Provides leadership in and coordinates the development, planning, implementation, sustainability, and evaluation of division-wide professional development, Extended School Year (ESY), and instructional programs for students with disabilities. Provides leadership in securing contracted services and ensuring compliance with Medicaid.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Postgraduate professional certificate with an endorsement in school administration and completion of those courses at the graduate level that are pertinent to the assignment.
• Master’s Degree in Special Education or related discipline preferred.
• Have at least three years' experience in administration. Some building level leadership preferred.
• Division level experience in at least one area of special education preferred.
• Have demonstrated, in a public school division, professional knowledge necessary for working effectively with school personnel and members of the community.
• Considerable knowledge of current changes and developments in instruction for students with disabilities, technology and professional development.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the state and federal regulations governing special education programs.
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office to perform job duties.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Considerable skill in the use of data analysis in performance of tasks.
• Demonstrated experience in leading special education programs and initiatives.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with students, parents, school personnel, and members of the community.
• Demonstrates positive school-community relations.
• Ability to prepare required written reports including clear and concise reporting.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership, supervises, and evaluates the effectiveness of instructional programs for PK-12 students with disabilities.
• Provides leadership, supervises, and evaluates the effectiveness of Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) programs including but not limited to:
• directly supporting principals and assistant principals to implement preschool programs in their schools
• implementing curriculum
• developing, training on, and ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures
• adhering to VDOE guidance and state and federal regulations
• allocating staff in preschool classrooms according to state and federal regulations and guidelines
• monitoring teacher caseloads
• placing of students in elementary schools
• ensuring compliance with and maintaining data on preschool enrollment, evaluation and assessment programs
• ensuring compliance indicators for the State Performance Plan

• Works collaboratively with the Director of Special Education to develop and implement the special education program improvement plan.
• Provides leadership and works collaboratively with special education and instructional staff in the planning, design and implementation of a quality professional development program for building administrators, Coordinators of Special Education , licensed staff, and para-educators to include, but not limited to:

• Assistant principal and principal instructional meetings
• Special education meetings
• Teacher training
• Leadership Academy
• Para educator training
• Division-wide professional development activities

• Provides leadership for the referral process, compliance, and data management for Children’s Services Act (CSA), New Horizons Regional Education Center (NHREC) special education programs, and parentally placed private school students.
• Works collaboratively with the Coordinator of Special Education and related services personnel to ensure compliance with Medicaid billing.
• Works with Coordinators of Special Education to implement Extended School Year (ESY) programs including but not limited to 

• developing, training on, and ensuring compliance with standard operating procedures
• hiring and training appropriate ESY staff

• Assesses the need for Contracted Services, facilitate the contractual process, facilitate the onboarding process, and monitor the continued need for services.
• Serves as representative at Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), Special Education Program Improvement (SEPI), and Autism Services and Improvement Team (ASIT) meetings.
• Models non-discriminatory behavior at all times and follows established safe work practices.
• Follow established YCSD policies and procedures at all time
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to meet minimum, necessary and special qualifications and perform each essential performance responsibility satisfactorily. The essential performance responsibilities listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, enter data into a computer; hear and understand speech at normal levels; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal classrooms, outdoors and on the telephone; physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds; to bend, stoop, climb stairs, walk and reach overhead.

Reports to:

Director of Special Education

Terms of Employment:

Twelve months a year. Salary according to School Board Pay Plan.

Evaluation:

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with School Board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of administrative personnel.

2/7/2025