Special Education Coordinator

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Special Education Coordinator serves as the primary liaison between New Heights Academy Charter School and the Committee on Special Education, oversees compliance as related to special education and coordinates services within the school for students with disabilities.

REPORTS TO

Student Support Services Director

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT

11 months

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A valid master’s degree in special education
• A valid NYS teaching certificate in special education
• At least 5 years of teaching experience, preferably in middle/high school
• Demonstrated success working in non-traditional and/or urban school settings
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; bilingual (English/Spanish) skills a requirement
• Good working knowledge of basic computer skills (word processing, databases, internet, etc.)
• Prior experience with NYC special education system, including SESIS
• Willingness to learn and grow professionally

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Special Education Compliance

• Analyze student performance data to track progress towards IEP goals
• Coordinate classroom observations and testing (i.e. psychological) as needed
• Coordinate the provision of related services with CSE and parents in timely manner
• Direct staff for CSE meetings (including triennials, annual reviews & initial meetings)
• Ensure appropriate testing modifications are implemented for students with disabilities
• Ensure necessary documents (eSchool behavior logs, attendance records, etc.) are obtained in advance of IEP meetings
• Facilitate timely evaluations and meetings with CSE (including triennials, annual reviews & initial meetings)
• Identify incoming students’ special education needs and ensure compatibility with the services NHACS can provide
• Keep IEPs up to date, coordinate initial write-up and revisions, and ensure quality control
• Maintain current special education rosters and disseminate them to instructional staff
• Manage time frame for re-evaluations and initial referrals with parents including follow-up regarding process
• Monitor learning strategists in the creation of SWD portfolios containing  frequent anecdotal observations and sample work
• Serve as the primary liaison between NHACS and CSE
• Update information on student IEPs in SESIS in a timely manner

1. Teacher/Student Supports

• Collaborate with school directors to create support services schedules
• Counsel families (includes visiting schools with parents or going to the CSE)
• Facilitate Child Study Team (CST) meetings
• Provide occasional professional development workshops to whole staff on issues/strategies/topics related to special education
• Train academic intervention team members in observation and evaluation for students in the CST process
• Work with related services personnel who are not based at NHACS to create open lines of communication with teachers.

1. Other

• Assist with non-instructional supervision of students as needed (for example – arrival/dismissal, hallway monitoring, substitute teaching, and  lunch & recess duty)
• Effectively communicate with families in their language of choice (Spanish/English)
• Ensure the safety of students at all times
• Keep accurate & organized records of student information
• Maintain accurate inventory of supplies and materials for special education
• Maintain privacy of student records and information
• Perform additional relevant duties as requested by director
• Prepare written reports accurately and submit in a timely manner
• Remain current on rules set forth in special education law and regulations
• Uphold NHACS’s behavioral expectations for all students

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrate good judgment and good problem-solving skills
• Direct and instruct students
• Follow safety procedures and written and verbal instructions
• Make independent decisions
• Organize tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks
• Respond appropriately to evaluation and changes in the work setting
• Work autonomously within school established guidelines and policies
• Work effectively with staff, students, and public