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Job description
POSITION: Director of Elementary Special Education, Office of Special Education
REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Special Education
POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Elementary Special Education oversees and directs all special education programs, services, and personnel across the district's elementary schools. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, compliant special education services while advancing the district's vision for inclusive education. The Director establishes strategic direction, ensures legal compliance, and advocates for the needs of elementary students with disabilities. This position collaborates with district leadership to develop and implement policies that support exceptional educational experiences for all students with disabilities.
RESPONSIBILITIES: This position requires extensive knowledge of special education law, strong leadership abilities, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative approach to supporting students with disabilities while maintaining compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Leadership and Compliance
Provide leadership for all special education programs and services for students across all elementary schools in the district
Collaborate with Compliance Team to establish and maintain effective policy/procedures and Child Counts
Serve on district teams and committees, as assigned, to represent special education interests and ensure alignment with district initiatives
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with other departments to support integrated service delivery for students
In support of the Executive Director of Special Education, identify, prepare, and deliver comprehensive reports, presentations, and communications
Program Development and Improvement
Direct, oversee, and actively participate in the development and implementation of the department's comprehensive improvement plan
Supervise and engage in activities related to student eligibility determinations, IEP development, appropriate placements, and transportation services
Collaborate with relevant departments to design and implement system-wide professional learning initiatives that enhance services and instruction for students with disabilities
Develop, implement, and evaluate curriculum and instruction initiatives to ensure alignment to district standards, state requirements, and evidence-based practices
Support the Executive Director to conduct comprehensive special education programming reviews that drive positive student outcomes and inform decisions regarding specialized programming and curriculum materials
Legal and Dispute Resolution
Coordinate departmental and system-wide responses to legal issues including:
Due process complaints
Local dispute resolution requests and mediation proceedings
Office of Civil Rights complaints
State complaints
Resolve complex, sensitive inquiries and complaints through effective stakeholder communication and conflict resolution strategies
Perform other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:
Advanced degree in special education required
Minimum of five (5) successful years of experience special education settings
Experience implementing and monitoring compliance with federal and state special education requirements
Experience with special education data management systems, particularly CT-SEDS or similar systems
Experience leading professional development initiatives related to special education
In-depth understanding of IEP development, implementation, and monitoring processes
Thorough knowledge of FAPE and LRE principles and their practical application
Experience with special education program development and evaluation, including data analysis to drive program improvement
Experience with special education legal proceedings and due process
Outstanding leadership and organizational skills
Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills
Strong orientation toward urban school systems preferred
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Connecticut Intermediate Administrative Certification (092) and Connecticut Certification in Special Education (165) are required.
UNION AFFILIATION: Hartford Principals' Supervisors' Association (HPSA)
SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: This is a twelve-month position and the salary is in accordance with the Hartford Principals' and Supervisors' Association Schedule: Group 12: $149,609 - $162,873.
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Worksite address
hartford, CT, 06112, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.