DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION - Yonkers Public School District : Job Details

Job Description: The Yonkers Public Schools, an urban district of approximately 26,000 students in Westchester County, seeks a Director of Special Education who is dedicated to student success. The selected candidate will have substantive knowledge of teaching and learning, as it relates to the diversity of students with disabilities the district serves. Moreover, (s)he must be conversant with a) the regulatory framework underlying CSE and CPSE operations, b) quality IEP development, and c) the administration of the NYSAA framework. Position Summary: The Director of Special Education will also possess a firm understanding of Next Generation Learning Standards, proven communication skills, highly developed organizational skills, collaborative experience with colleagues, parents, and the community; and a proven track record of designing and conducting effective professional development activities. Working with Central Office and building-level professionals, the Director of Special Education will report to the Office of Student Support Services Associate Superintendent. The successful candidate will also be responsible for monitoring the provision of related services and coordinating the Special Education referral process. Additionally, the Director of Special Education will interface with families and community partners, as appropriate. Reports to: Executive Director of Special Education Responsibilities: Under the general supervision of the Executive Director of Special Education, the selected candidate will:

• Supports the development, organization, implementation, coordination, and evaluation of the Regional Support Team members
• Monitors and maintains Special Education compliance as aligned with New York State Regulations
• Works closely with the District's Research, Evaluation & Reporting Department in the collection and analysis of data, as well as in using data to inform decision-making
• Serves as a coordinator of the District Child Find process to include tracking referrals, evaluations, and scheduled meetings
• Assists with the evaluation of Central Office based staff
• Monitors and informs the scheduling of CSE, CPSE, and 504 meetings
• Supports Central Office and School-Based staff with ongoing case reviews; and best practices in CSE/CPSE meetings
• Supervises CSE and CPSE Chairpersons, case managers, and assigned Central Office staff
• Supervises the District's 504 process and procedures
• Monitors and Supports the use of the range of Graduation Pathways and vocational experiences for students with disabilities
• Conducts school visits and teacher observations, to support the implementation of district instructional foci for students with disabilities
• Leads the District's New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) process
• Observations of Central Office based faculty and staff.
• Provides guidance on the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEP) which are culturally relevant and responsive, with a focus on student needs and parent involvement
• Monitors the provision of related services
• Interfaces with families, and coordinates responses to Due Process complaints
• Engages policymakers in discussions involving the outcomes of programs that impact students with disabilities
• Integrates and supports policy development as it relates to disproportionality and young men of color
• Supports afterschool and summer initiatives involving students with disabilities
• Coordinates district implementation of testing modifications and accommodations
• Conducts and participates in ongoing personal and professional development
• Performs other such duties as assigned by the Associate Superintendent of Student Support Services

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of teaching/administrative experience at the building or central office level
• New York State School District Administrator (SDA) or School District Leader (SDL) certification
• Understanding of NYS Next Generation Learning Standards, NYS Alternate Assessment Standards, CRE Framework, and Early Childhood Literacy Models
• Knowledge of Federal and NYS Regulations guiding the provision of services for students with disabilities.
• Knowledge of the regulatory framework underlying CSE and CPSE functions and processes, as well as quality IEP development and implementation
• Knowledge of Systems Change, Project Management, and an ability to translate ideas into content and deliverables
• Knowledge of comprehensive and innovative teaching specifically for students with disabilities.
• Enthusiastic, conscientious, thoughtful, and creative problem-solver
• Experience in and/or demonstrated ability to plan, organize, implement, and facilitate professional development/workshops
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written required
• Spanish speaking, preferred
• Experience in the following preferred: Differentiated Instruction, Computer Literacy, Culturally Responsive Education, Parent Engagement
• Must be able to work extended hours, evenings, and weekends

tarting Date: Immediately Salary Range: $130,000-140,000