Job Details

Responsibilities

The Program Director of Special Education works closely with the Superintendent and the Educational Services team to ensure a cohesive, districtwide approach to meeting the needs of all students. This role provides leadership and oversight of special education programs, including management of Extensive Needs Classes, and ensures compliance, high-quality instruction, and inclusive practices for students with disabilities. The Program Director collaborates across departments to identify, assess, and provide appropriate education programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of students with exceptional needs.

The below referenced duties and responsibilities are only representative of the wide range of this position and also include other duties as assigned. Specifically:

• Ensure a cohesive, districtwide approach to meeting the needs of all students by providing leadership and oversight of special education programs.
• Direct the day-to-day operations of the Special Education Department, including the preparation and monitoring of all related budgets, purchase orders, and necessary budget revisions.
• Program manage Extensive Needs Classrooms to ensure student needs are being met in a consistent and effective manner.
• Supervise and evaluate assigned staff, including district psychologists, school nurses, and speech pathologists, to support high-quality instruction and service delivery.
• Represent the District in collaborative networks, including SELPA meetings and joint governmental or private agency sessions where student services issues are discussed.
• Coordinate and oversee specialized services, including Extended School Year (ESY), contract services with outside agencies, and medical placements.
• Manage admissions, enrollment, and transfers for Special Education students, including coordination with outside placements like NPS, RVP, and SCOE.
• Ensure mandated compliance and reporting by overseeing IEP monitoring, legal processes, CDE reports, and Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC).
• Design and implement professional development for both Special and General Education staff to promote inclusive practices and innovation.
• Lead Medicaid and billing initiatives, including Grant writing, Medicaid Reimbursement, and Paradigm/Medi-Cal billing (SMAA & MAA).
• Promote inclusivity in expanded learning, ensuring access for Special Education students during after-school, intercession, and enrichment programs.
• Promote student learning, agency, and equity as the primary focus of all special education programs and services.
• Apply knowledge of best practices in Special Education law, student attendance law, and student discipline.
• Implement the District's Mission and Vision through the interpretation of California State Education Code, federal legislation, and district policies.
• Create an environment where children from diverse backgrounds experience success and build strong relationships with families.
• Demonstrate leadership and management principles in personnel hiring, supervision, and the development of professional growth models.
• Effectively organize and manage multiple tasks, projects, and multi-operational department functions to meet or exceed deadlines.
• Operate office equipment including a computer with proficiency in software and telecommunications related to job requirements.
• Define problems, collect data, and establish facts to draw valid conclusions and prepare clear, accurate reports.
• Model district standards of ethics and professionalism while using effective interpersonal skills to motivate and inspire others.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written forms to a variety of audiences, including the convening and facilitation of collaborative groups.
• Support and encourage ongoing mental wellness and trauma-responsive practices for both students and staff.
• Lead innovative initiatives that support expanded learning systems and summer services for students with exceptional needs.

Qualifications

• Strong background in special education law, student attendance law, and student discipline

• Experience in site leadership roles leading, facilitating, planning, and seeing projects or goals through, and/or

• 3-5 years serving as a site or program administrator