2026-2027 Director of Special Services

JOB POSTING:
Director of Special Services

• Reports To: Assistant Superintendent
• Terms of Employment
  : 12-Month Employee
• Salary: Administrative Salary Schedule and Benefits in accordance with Board of Education Policy
• Evaluation: Evaluated annually in accordance with DPAS II (Central Office Administrator) and Board of Education policy

The Director of Special Services provides strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and supervisory expertise in developing, implementing, and evaluating educational programs and related services for exceptional children and students with disabilities (Preschool through age 21). Working directly with the Assistant Superintendent, district leadership, school administrators, and community partners, the Director ensures system-wide academic achievement, full regulatory compliance, and inclusive educational practices aligned with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) and Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC) Core Teaching Standards and Learning Progressions for Teachers.

• Promotes a shared district vision of academic success, well-being, and high expectations for all students with disabilities and exceptional needs.
• Directs the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of special education curriculum, instructional practices, and support services to fulfill district educational goals.
• Offers system-wide guidance to improve student achievement, developing targeted technical assistance for low-performing schools and continuous growth initiatives for average/high-performing schools.

• Serves as a transparent, ethical leader who acts with integrity, fairness, and legal responsibility across all district programs and operations.
• Ensures strict adherence to local, state, and federal laws, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and DE Department of Education regulations.
• Maintains academic accountability by preparing and delivering transparent oral and written reports to the Board of Education, staff, families, and community stakeholders.

• Ensures all educational programs and related services are delivered using inclusive, equitable practices across all district school buildings.
• Collaborates with building staff to oversee accommodations, services, and supports for students under Section 504 plans and IEPs.
• Advocates for culturally responsive practices and equal access to high-quality educational opportunities, summer programs, and transition services for exceptional learners.

• Leads district-wide efforts in evaluating, selecting, and implementing research-based special education curricular programs and evidence-based instructional strategies.
• Guides building principals and instructional staff in delivering specialized instruction across all disability categories (including Autism, Severe Disabilities, Visual/Hearing Impairments, and Early Childhood).
• Coordinates special education summer programs to prevent learning loss and ensure continuous developmental growth.

• Coordinates comprehensive related services—including Psychological, Educational Diagnostic, Speech/Language, Occupational, and Physical Therapy—to support the holistic well-being of students.
• Acts as the district liaison to outside community agencies that provide essential transition services and wrap-around support for students with disabilities.
• Ensures safe, supportive, and least restrictive learning environments across all specialized settings, PreK–12.

• Facilitates district-wide, high-quality professional development for special education teachers, early childhood educators, diagnosticians, specialists, and para educators.
• Ensures instructional staff thoroughly understand and execute best practices in special education.
• Supports building administrators at Kent…