Special Education Coordinator Job Chicopee area,Massachusetts USA,Education / Teaching

Special Education Coordinator Overview

The Special Education Coordinator supports the Director of Special Education in the development, coordination, supervision, and evaluation of a comprehensive continuum of special education programs and services. The Coordinator provides district wide leadership to ensure students with disabilities receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE) and that all programs operate in compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

Responsibilities

Program Development and Oversight

Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of inclusive and substantially separate special education programs, including alternatives to out-of-district placements.

Evaluate existing programs to determine effectiveness and recommend programmatic changes, staffing adjustments, supports, and curriculum enhancements as needed.

Determine the need for new programs and services to meet student needs.

Oversee program location changes, including the establishment of new classrooms or program moves between buildings, and supervise related staffing and logistical needs.

Oversee and manage Extended School Year (ESY) programming.

Staffing, Supervision, and Leadership

Analyze caseload data and determine equitable caseload assignments for special educators, Team Chairs/Evaluation Team Leaders, related service providers, and paraprofessionals.

Work with district and building administrators to ensure appropriate staffing levels and assignments for the current and upcoming school years.

Address staff performance concerns through coaching, supervision, and corrective action, as appropriate.

Participate in the recruitment, hiring, placement, and assignment of special education personnel.

Compliance and Regulatory Responsibilities

Ensure district compliance with all applicable state and federal special education laws, regulations, and procedural requirements, including 603 CMR 28.00.

Monitor, review, and maintain compliance of student records, IEPs, and service documentation.

Disseminate updates regarding special education laws, regulations, and guidance to staff.

Assist the Director of Special Education with matters related to the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA), Problem Resolution System (PRS), and required federal, state, and local reporting.

Collaboration, Communication, and Professional Development

Collaborate with the Director of Special Education, fellow coordinators, principals, and district leadership to support a cohesive and effective special education management team.

Work collaboratively with families, community agencies, public and private partners, and out-of-district programs to support student services and placements.

Review IEPs for newly enrolled students and coordinate placement, transportation, and programmatic support.

Initiate, organize, and facilitate professional development and in-service training for special education staff.

Attend professional conferences, workshops, and required meetings, including after-school and evening meetings.

Operational and Administrative Duties

Assist in the preparation and submission of required reports and documentation.

Manage annual ordering of inventory, including supplies, equipment, and instructional technology.

Assist in summer operations, including coverage of the Special Education Office, interviewing staff, and coordinating summer testing or IEP meetings as needed.

Maintain required certifications, including district-approved restraint training.

Perform other tasks as assigned by the Director of Special Education.

Serve in a full-year (12-month) administrative role with availability for after-school, evening, and summer work as required.

Maintain regular interaction with students, families, staff, administrators, and external agencies.

Travel among district buildings and external sites as necessary.

This position requires traveling between school buildings within the City.

Required

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Master’s degree or higher from an accredited institution

A valid Massachusetts educator license as a Special Education Educator and Administrator

Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement

Experience in public education, part of which must have been in teaching or supervising in the field of Special Education

Must be trained, or willing to be trained, in the deescalation and physical restraint techniques utilized by the District

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

Knowledge and ability to implement Special Education regulations

Ability to be flexible to work and communicate with parents, teachers, students and administrators to desired outcomes

Ability to understand the climate of the Special Education Department and to work effectively in different situations

Ability to acknowledge problems and to resolve them in positive ways

Ability to set high personal standards that staff and other administrators respect

Ability to be flexible to work with principals, parents, teachers and other…