Director of Integrated Preschool​/Interm Out of District Coordinator

Position: Director of Integrated Preschool/ Interm Out of District Coordinator
WESTWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Westwood, Massachusetts

POSITION

Director of Preschool/OOD Coordinator

REPORTS TO

Director of Student Services

NATURE AND SCOPE

The Westwood Public Schools seeks an Director of Integrated Preschool/Interm Out of District Coordinator to join our caring and innovative community. The Director of Preschool/Interm Out of District Coordinator is a critical leadership role responsible for the effective oversight of both the Integrated Preschool and all out-of-district student placements. This position requires a clear vision, strong administrative skills, and a commitment to ensuring all students receive the services and support they need to succeed.

The Director/Coordinator will work collaboratively with the Director of Student Services, parents, staff, and external agencies to ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Director of Preschool

* Articulate a clear vision and plan for the effective implementation of the early childhood program, inclusive of working knowledge of early childhood programming/curriculum.

* Assist the Director of Student Services in all matters related to student success.

* Oversee all special education processes at the preschool level, including the transition from Early Intervention, the evaluation process, eligibility determination, and the creation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

* Ensure the implementation of recommendations made by Evaluation Teams are written into educational plans.

* Coordinate the transition process for students moving from Early Intervention into the preschool program.

* Manage the day-to-day operations of the preschool programs inclusive of monitoring the physical condition of the preschool spaces

* Oversee the peer enrollment process and preschool screening for the early childhood program.

* Monitor individual student progress by serving as a liaison between staff, parents, and advocates to facilitate communication and resolve differences of opinion.

* Recommend and collaborate in the recruitment, appointment, evaluation, supervision, and staff development of student services personnel at the Integrated Preschool.

* Assess, develop, and coordinate professional development for all early childhood staff.

* Represent the Student Services Department at preschool administrative meetings.

* Make recommendations to develop, implement, monitor, and modify programs and services to best meet students' needs and comply with state and federal regulations.

* Prepare data for state, federal, and other reports, including grants.

* Administer procedures for the collection and maintenance of building-level records in accordance with regulations.

* Serve as a resource for principals, administrators, and staff regarding student services policy, procedures, and regulations.

* Oversee the functioning of Evaluation Teams for preschool students to ensure compliance.

* Develop, maintain, and propose a budget to the Director of Student Services that supports the needs of all assigned programs, including staff, materials, and services.

* Plan, manage, and run the Extended School Year program for PreK-5 in conjunction with other department heads.

* Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services

Out of District Coordinator Responsibilities

* Manage all aspects of the out-of-district placement process, including generating necessary budgetary documents as required by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the district's Student Services office.

* Manage and monitor expenditures for students attending out-of-district programs

* Assist the Director of Student Services to prepare for Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) proceedings as circumstances warrant.

* Ensure compliance with DESE regulations regarding the on-site monitoring of student placements and the timely submission of all necessary fiscal documents.

* Represent the district's interests in all matters related to out-of-district placements, in accordance with state and federal special education regulations.

* Serve as a member of the special education administration team, providing input for annual program planning, budget preparations, and community outreach.

* Engage families as collaborative partners in the planning and problem-solving process for out-of-district placements.

* Collaborate with other coordinators, principals, and teaching staff (internal and external) in the development and monitoring of appropriate educational plans.

* Collaborate with external agencies (such as DCF, DMH, and DDS) and provide liaison services for interagency collaboration.

* Represent the District's interests in seeking additional community and state agency support for families of children with special needs.

* Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services

The ideal candidate:

* Demonstrates good judgment.

* Maintains a sense of calm and communicates clearly and directly when dealing with urgent or emotional…