Director of Special Education

Description

About The SEED School of Washington, D.C.

The SEED Foundation (www.seedfoundation.com) was created in 1997 to establish college-preparatory urban boarding schools that prepare secondary students both academically and socially, for success in college and beyond.  In 1998, the Foundation opened The SEED Public Charter School of Washington, D.C. – the nation’s first public college preparatory boarding school.  The school currently serves 250 students in grades 9-12.  In 2015, 100% of SEED’s seniors were accepted to a four-year college or university.  

All SEED students live on campus from Sunday evening through Friday afternoon when they return home for the weekend.  The dormitories are organized into small “houses” of an average of 15-18 students per resident advisor for afternoon and evening routines such as academic study hall, house meetings, SPARKS and other structured activities.  We provide a safe and caring 24-hour boarding experience.  Our relationship with parents/guardians is essential to the success of their scholar while at SEED.

About The SEED Network

SEED is the pioneering national network of public, college-preparatory boarding schools, offering a unique 24-hour, 5-day per week learning environment. Our tuition-free schools, the first of their kind in the U.S., are intentionally designed to serve traditionally underserved students. Supported by The SEED Foundation, we operate in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Miami, and Los Angeles. The Foundation's College Transition & Success (CTS) team provides comprehensive support to SEED graduates from junior year through college graduation. SEED's success has gained recognition from media outlets like 60 Minutes and The New York Times, and former President Obama has lauded it as "a true success story." Learn more at www.seedfoundation.com.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Senior Director of Student Support Services, the Director of Special Education provides leadership and strategic direction for all special education and Section 504 services across grades 9-12. This role involves developing and implementing policies, systems, and processes for overseeing special education programs, ensuring the quality of instruction for students with disabilities and compliance of IEPs and 504 plans. The Director maintains strong communication with school staff, families, and other internal/external stakeholders, collaborates with LEA and school level leadership on regulatory matters, and provides professional development for all staff to support equitable and effective services for all students with disabilities. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the special education department. 
• Creates a continuum of support services for all students and provides instructional strategies to facilitate learning in all classrooms, including problem-solving instruction and interventions.
• Develop, implement, and oversee special education services and supports in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as school policies and procedures.
• Ensure the development, implementation, and monitoring of high-quality, compliant IEPs and 504 plans aligned with standards-based and post-secondary goals.
• Supervise and evaluate special education staff and related service providers while fostering a collaborative team.
• Collaborate with general education staff and administrators to promote and ensure the implementation of inclusive practices LEA-wide.  
• Maintain effective communication with parents/guardians regarding programming, services, student progress, and secondary transition.
• Oversee the implementation of accommodations and modifications for instruction and assessment.
• Manage the provision of related services according to student IEPs.
• Ensure compliance with all special education regulations, including federal, state, and local data collection and reporting requirements.
• Participate in resolving parent concerns and disputes.
• Develop and deliver professional development on inclusive practices and IEP implementation.
• Oversee and monitor the Medicaid billing and reimbursement program.
• Regularly assess the fiscal, capital, and human resources utilized for special education programming to ensure the highest possible return on investments for special education programming and outcomes.
• Stay current on best practices in special education, as well as legal and regulatory updates.
• Collaborate with post-secondary agencies to support effective secondary transition planning.
• Collaborate with other department administrators to implement a multi-tiered system of supports
• Supports and informs Senior Leaders and School Level Leadership Teams regarding effective special education practices and provides regulatory guidance to LEA leads to ensure Federal, State, and Local compliance.

Requirements

 Qualifications and Essential Competencies

• Master's degree in Special Education or a closely related field required.
• Valid Special Education license required; Administrative license preferred.
• 5-7 years progressive special education experience, including 3+ years in a special education leadership or administrative role, preferably at the high school level.
• Exhibits a high degree of knowledge and experience developing and coordinating programs and services for Special Education students consistent with federal and state legislation, policies, and procedures
• Proven success leading and implementing significant improvements in special education programs and student outcomes.
• Deep understanding of best practices in special education at the secondary level including IEP development, differentiated instruction, UDL, the implementation of evidence-based interventions).
• Proven ability to use student data to inform program development and instructional decisions.
• Demonstrates skills in data gathering and analysis, project planning, and program evaluation.
• Excellent leadership, communication (written and oral), interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with staff, parents, and external stakeholders.
• Experience in conflict resolution and managing challenging situations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in relevant special education technology and data management systems.
• Commitment to The SEED Foundation’s mission and beliefs.

Other Requirements

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and other required clearances.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule that includes mornings, afternoons, and evening, as dictated by the needs of a 24-hour residential program.