Exceptional Student Services Director

Full Job Description

To provide leadership and monitoring in the implementation of programs for exceptional

students in compliance with federal, state, and district guidelines, in order to assure high

standards for student achievement. Responsible for coordinating and implementing meaningful professional development that supports the educational focus for the special needs populations of the District.

1. Qualifications:

• Valid Arizona Department of Education Teaching Certificate 
• Special Education Endorsement
• Valid Arizona Principal and/or Administrative Certificate (preferred)

• Master's degree (experience will be considered)

• Five years of successful classroom teaching

• Three years supervisory or administrative experience

• Demonstrated experience in building/district level leadership in exceptional student services

• Demonstrated proficiency with federal and state educational laws

• Evidence of leadership in delivery of professional development to educators

• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)

• Skilled developing talent in colleagues and use of coaching techniques

III. Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of the district’s exceptional students programs in compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations; and district policies.

• Write and submit the exceptional students programs in compliance with federal and state laws, rules and regulations; and district policies.

• Assist in supervising Exceptional Student Services staff including but not limited to sitebased student support services staff.

• Directly work of the Exceptional Students Services positions including but not limited to district psychologist, social & emotional counselors, occupational and physical therapy staff or contracted services for listed positions and to provide appropriate student services.

• Ensure that all reports and records for exceptional students are accurately compiled and maintained as required legally as well as ensuring all student records are held in strictest confidence as directed by federal/state laws and regulations.

• Assist in the development of district policies that meet the needs of exceptional students as well as compliance with all federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.

• Participate fully in professional development at the regional, district, and school level as scheduled.

• Collaborate with the Superintendent and Principals to implement meaningful student assessment, data collection, and analysis to effectively monitor student growth for students identified with special needs.

• Provide up-to-date information regarding all legal requirements governing exceptional student services.

• Maintain and monitor data collection for reimbursement of services rendered under Medicaid.

• Maintain and monitor census data and attendance reports necessary for various funding sources.

• Maintain inventory of equipment purchased with federal/state exceptional students funds.

• Directs the selection of tests and materials used by exceptional student personnel in conjunction with the Superintendent and District curriculum.

• Collaborate with building administrators on the needs of individual at-risk, 504, special education, and gifted students.

• Oversee the coordination with the Transportation Department the busing of students needing specialized transportation.

• Develop internal monitoring processes to ensure Individual Education Plan (IEP) compliance through records, documentation and attend meetings as appropriate.

• Recruit, screen, interview in collaboration with building principals both classified and certified staff, with recommendations to the superintendent for employment of regular Miami Unified School District employees and agency contracted staff as needed.

• Work with the superintendent and principals to develop annual and multi-year calendars for professional development opportunities specific to students of special needs staff.

• Maintain relations with other school districts, city, county, state and federal officials to provide up-to-date and accurate information for developing, maintaining, and evaluating district-wide programs.

• Follow all District policies, procedures, and directives in a timely and appropriate manner.

• Perform all other tasks as may be assigned.

Reports to: Superintendent

Status: Administrative Salary Schedule and District Benefits Package