Director of Specialized Educational Services

Director of Specialized Educational Services

The Director of Specialized Educational Services provides leadership, oversight, and administration of the district's special education and gifted support programs and services in compliance with federal and Pennsylvania state laws and regulations. The Director ensures the delivery of high-quality educational services to students with disabilities, promotes inclusive practices, supervises special education staff, and collaborates with families, administrators, agencies, and community partners to support student achievement and development.

Performance Responsibilities Include but Are Not Limited To:

• Leadership and Program Administration
• Direct and oversee all special education programs and related services within the district.
• Direct and oversee all gifted support programs within the district.
• Collaborate with the Teaching and Learning Department to ensure differentiated, high-quality instruction for students eligible for gifted support services.
• Ensure compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Pennsylvania Chapter 14 and Chapter 16 regulations, and Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate special education policies, procedures, and programs.
• Work collaboratively with building principals to ensure compliance and effective program implementation.
• Collaborate with the Director of Teaching and Learning and Director of Pupil Services to promote inclusive educational practices and support least restrictive environment (LRE) placement.
• Partner with district and building leaders to strengthen inclusive practices and foster collaborative decision-making that advances the district's vision and strategic plan.
• Coordinate district-wide special education initiatives and lead the district's special education strategic planning process as part of the comprehensive plan.
• Ensure timely and accurate development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Gifted Individualized Education Programs (GIEPs).
• Monitor student evaluations, reevaluations, placements, and due process timelines.
• Oversee compliance reporting and submissions to PDE and other agencies.
• Respond to parent concerns, complaints, mediation requests, and due process hearings.
• Serve as the District liaison to special education legal counsel for the district.
• Supervision and Personnel Management
• Supervise special education supervisors, coordinators, teachers, related service providers, paraprofessionals, and support staff.
• Participate in hiring, training, evaluating, and retaining personnel.
• Provide professional development related to special education and gifted education law, instructional practices, behavior support, and inclusion.
• Support staff in implementing evidence-based instructional and behavioral interventions.
• Collaboration and Communication
• Collaborate with the Director of Student Services, building principals, general education administrators, school psychologists, counselors, and related service providers.
• Maintain effective communication with parents, guardians, advocates, intermediate units, and outside agencies.
• Fiscal and Operational Management
• Develop and manage the special education budget.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure efficient use of district resources.
• Coordinate transportation, contracted services, and specialized placements.
• Assist with grant applications and state/federal funding compliance.
• Data Analysis and Continuous Improvement
• Analyze student achievement performance and program effectiveness data.
• Develop corrective action plans as needed to ensure compliance and improved outcomes.
• Utilize data to inform program decisions and resource allocation.
• Additional Responsibilities
• Attend School Board meetings and provide reports as requested.
• Remain current on legal updates, PDE guidance, and best practices in special education.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Reports to:

Superintendent of Schools

Requirements:

• Education:
  
  Master's degree required; doctorate preferred in Educational Leadership, Special Education, or related field.
• Certification:
  Pennsylvania Letter of Eligibility, K-12 Principal Certification, and/or Supervisor of Special Education certification.
• Experience:
  
  Successful teaching experience in special education required. Five years of administrative or supervisory experience in special education required.