Regional Director of Special Education

ABOUT ASPIRE

Aspire Public Schools operates a network of high-performing, college preparatory charter schools serving TK-12 scholars in communities across California. Founded in 1998—in an effort to transform the inequitable racial, social, and gender outcomes that our communities persist through—Aspire is one of the largest and most forward-thinking open-enrollment public charter school systems in the nation.

Our purpose is to prepare our scholars for success in college, career, and life. At Aspire, we set a foundation for our scholars to gain knowledge, skills, and power to access and make choices for their families and post-secondary lives. Every day, our community of students, families, teachers and staff comes together to learn, work, and play in an environment grounded in our values of Bienestar (Well-Being), Culture of Belonging, Community Partnership, Agency & Self-Determination, and Joy.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Senior Director of Special Education, the Regional Director of Special Education coordinates the special ed program and delivery within the region, provides leadership to the special education regional team, principals and school sites. The Regional Director of Special Education coordinates special education participation in organizational initiatives, as assigned by the Senior Director of Special Education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Strategy and Program Implementation:

• Assists Aspire Senior Director of Special Education in management of the special education strategy, implementation, plan and calendar in order to coordinate Special Education services in Aspire Schools in the Region.
• Facilitate the delivery of services among multiple external providers by researching, evaluation and selecting the highest-quality providers and acting as the liaison among external partners working with Aspire Special Education Students.
• Assist in the development of evidence based practice to ensure the Aspire Special Education program maintains high quality across all Aspire schools.

• Develops regional budgets that inform individualized school budgets based on school-specific population and needs.
• Assists in facilitating completion of pupil count reports and other state and federal reports.
• Coordinates local and state compliance reviews within the Region related to special education.
• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, Aspire Public Schools mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
• Ensures due process requirements are met to complete the appropriate development of IEPs and provides ongoing monitoring to ensure IDEA compliance.
• Applies conflict resolution strategies with parents or other stakeholders to resolve disputes related to a student’s IEP, demonstrating knowledge of current IDEA and Aspire policy and procedures.
• Facilitates the recruiting and screening of special education staff for the region.
• Supervises and evaluates Program Specialists, School Psychologists, Speech Therapists, and Related Service Providers, and provides leadership to Principals in the supervision of Education Specialists or Instructional Assistants.
• Coordinates and facilitates the regional special education team professional development calendar.
• Coordinates regional special education leadership team meetings.
• Creates Mental Health Plans for the Region under the guidance of the Senior Director.
• Coordinates with the Program Specialist and other Special Education Team members to provide additional support to focus schools in the Region.
• Coordinates special education participation in organizational initiatives, as assigned by the Senior Director of Special Education.
• Participates in professional development with the national team (travel required).
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Additional:

• Perform other related duties as required and assigned.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Competencies:

• Skills to effectively provide leadership and manage the multiple requirements; understand, interpret and apply laws, policies, and guidelines that govern special education or Aspire programs; communicate effectively in writing and orally.
• Knowledge of Aspire’s SELPA procedures and program guidelines; special education instructional practices, procedures and methods; various testing materials, resources or equipment; behavioral and social-emotional interventions.
• Working knowledge of IDEA, California special education law, charter law; IEP preparation and implementation strategies and procedures; current trends and best practices in serving special education students and appropriate referral agencies.
• Abilities to supervise and motivate staff; collaborate with principals on employee management of assigned staff, conduct effective meetings and professional development activities; work effectively with students, parents and staff.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action and work independently.
• Ability to use technology to enhance serve to Aspire schools; knowledge of assistive technology to enhance student learning.
• Experience in training, planning and executing appropriate transition services for special education students.

Minimum educational level:

• CA Education Specialist Credential and CLAD certification required OR CA Related Service Provider
• Credential/License (School Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, etc)
• California Administrative Services Credential recommended
• Master degree in Special Education or related field (preferred)

Experience required:

• 3-5 years’ experience with special education program leadership and charter experience

Physical requirements:

• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Work authorization requirements:

• Clear the Department of Justice background screening.
• Authorized to work in the United States.
• Provide health (TB) clearance (renewed every four years).

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics are representative of those in a normal office, classroom/school setting which one might encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Aspire Public Schools has implemented a Remote Work policy. This position may also require periodic travel to school sites in order to interact with school leaders.

• Work indoors in a standard office environment, computer lab, and/or classroom environment.
• Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Exposure to dust, oils, and cleaning chemicals.
• Some exposure to childhood and other diseases in a school environment.
• May be required to work outside of typical work days and office hours to meet operational deadlines.

Benefits

Aspire Public Schools has equitable and transparent salary schedules that are based upon years of relevant work experience for each role. The salary schedules generally range from 1-15 years of experience, but may also range up to 30 years of experience. The highest salary posted for this role is only available for individuals who meet the maximum years of work experience.