Special Education Compliance Manager - Lower School and Middle School

School Mission

At the Inspired Teaching Demonstration School, a professional learning community of master teachers and teacher residents ensures that a diverse group of students achieve their potential as accomplished learners, thoughtful citizens, and imaginative and inquisitive problem solvers through a demanding, inquiry-based curriculum. With its clear mission and prominent location in Washington, DC, the school serves as a model of instruction for students and training for teachers, with the goal of becoming a leader in changing the way teachers are prepared and supported and students are educated nationwide.

Job Purpose

The Special Education Compliance Manager is responsible for overseeing and maintaining compliance for all students in the school’s special education program – specifically, students with IEPs or 504 plans. The Special Education Compliance Manager oversees all aspects of special education services, including student assessment, as well as legal and compliance requirements of public schools under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

A firm belief and grounding in the philosophy and values of the school's mission is crucial for every employee. It is of the utmost importance that every member of the school’s staff believes that all children can learn and contribute to the vitality of their learning community. This combined with a deep care for all students is the foundation for our work.

Essential Functions

Special Education Programming

• Coordinates the implementation of, and ensures delivery of appropriate accommodations and/or modifications for students with IEPs and 504 plans by coordinating the implementation of accommodations on state and local testing in collaboration with lower/middle school teams
• Implements effective systems for special education staff to adhere to grade level planning expectations and supports for students with IEPs/504s with fidelity
  • Provides teachers with planning and tracking templates and resources and monitors their implementation
  • Collaborates with division Assistant Principals (ECE & Lower Grades), Director of Special Education, and teachers via grade-level team meetings
• Supports the referral process by participating in discussions regarding students within RTI/MTSS processes who are being considered for referral to special education to ensure smoother transition for families
  • Checks in regularly with instructional coaches
  • Checks in regularly with interventionists
  • Checks in regularly with division assistant principal
  • Ensures successful transition of students from MTSS into special education program
• Serves as the LEA Representative in IEP meetings, inclusive of students receiving homeor hospital instruction or placed in non-public schools of whom The Inspired Teaching Demonstration School is the responsible LEA
• Arranges, updates, and monitors transportation services for students with disabilities,including working with vendors and consulting with ITDS operations team
• Develops positive relationships with parents of students with disabilities to support better understanding of their child's unique needs
• Reviews SPED teachers’ progress report comments and provides feedback
• Provides feedback on IEP goals and Present Levels of Performance (PLOP) PLOP statements
• Sends out letters of invitation for IEP meetings, shares a draft IEP 5 days in advance and provides Prior Written Notice when needed
• Sends IEP and 504 plan final drafts out to sign digitally
• Updates 504 plans annually and completes triennial 504 re-evaluations
• Reviews BIPs for all students, regardless of SPED status
• Case manages students in nonpublic placement, including consistent family and school team communication, monthly site visits, review of all nonpublic documentation,progress reports, report cards, incident reports, and assessments
• Facilitates and monitor home health instruction for students as needed
• Develop and manage transition plans for 8th grade students entering into high school

Special Education Staffing and Support

• Serves as a tone-setter for the school’s special education program by upholding the school values, mission, commitment, and strategic…