Assistant Director for Early Childhood Special Education Services

The Assistant Director for Early Childhood Special Education Services will support and provide oversight for the district special education early childhood programs. This will include providing instructional leadership and oversight/management of the special education programming at the Early Intervention Academy (EIA). The incumbent will provide strong educational leadership including leading a specialized early education program for students with disabilities, placing an emphasis on the development of targeted evidence-based interventions at an early age to prepare students for future access to educational curriculum and support in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instructional Leadership

• Serve as the instructional leader for the program overseeing the implementation of intensive instructional services within a full day preschool program with non-disabled, age-appropriate role models based on current research and/or evidence-based methodologies
• Facilitate the development and implementation of the Early Intervention Academy schedule that prioritizes learning time for students and staff
• Oversee the implementation of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) interventions embedded within the instructional day
• Plan and provide professional development for ECSE/EIA teachers and staff
• Coordinate district ECSE services, intake placements (3-5 years) and transition to kindergarten and update ECSE database
• Assist with collection and analysis of State Performance Plan Early Childhood Indicators
• Implement a progress monitoring system that includes data collection, monitoring, reviews of student progress, and communication to parents
• Serve as the LEA in ARD and/or 504 meetings for students served at the Early Intervention Academy
• In collaboration with the Department of Special Education, establish and oversee implementation of community partnerships and outreach programs that promote the development of the Early Intervention Academy Management Plan, which includes the goals and objectives of the program as well as defined milestones and projected timelines

Collaborative Community

• In collaboration with the Department of Special Education, establish and oversee implementation of community partnerships and outreach programs that promote the development of the Early Intervention Academy
• Oversee the implementation of a parent training, in-home and community training, and parent/sibling support groups for students served at the Early Intervention Academy
• Establish professional learning communities that prioritize student and adult learning
• Facilitate the implementation of lab classrooms, conduct guided observations, and provide ongoing feedback to the Early Intervention Academy staff related to instruction
• Promote a positive, inclusive culture and climate through collaboration and shared decision making
• Collaborate with campus and district leaders to ensure appropriate systems of communication are utilized to address the needs of the program
• Provide regular updates to the Director of Special Education regarding growth and development of program as well as ongoing program updates
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to advance the mission and vision of the Early Intervention Academy

Program and Personnel Management

• Define expectations for staff performance related to instructional, behavioral and therapeutic services; compliance with special education legal requirements; community involvement; and communication with the public
• In collaboration with campus and district administrators, oversee operations for the Early Intervention Academy to ensure alignment with the program goals and objectives including defined milestones and projected timelines
• Recruit, interview, select, evaluate, and grow high quality staff
• Recommend to the Director of Special Education decisions regarding termination, suspension, transfer, promotion, renewal or non-renewal of employees assigned to the Early Intervention Program

Fiscal, Administrative, and Facility Management

• Develop, monitor and implement a system to collect and analyze data and create reports to assist in compliance with state and federal requirements
• Oversee budget expenditures aligned to documented program needs, and accurately report financial information
• Remain current on best practices, special education law, policies and procedures
• Monitor and supervise staff in completion of accurate and timely reporting of the District’s Medicaid reimbursement program; Collaborate with the business office to provide appropriate and timely data reporting of the District’s Medicaid reimbursements
• In collaboration with the Department of Education, facilitate the selection and implementation of instructional materials, professional development, and products, and services for the Early Intervention Academy
• Adhere to all federal, state, and local laws
• Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Carry out supervisory responsibilities for the faculty and staff of the Early Intervention Academy in accordance with the District’s policies and applicable laws
• Recruit, interview, hire, and provide professional development for faculty and staff assigned to the Early Intervention Academy
• Plan, assign, direct work, and appraise performance of assigned faculty and staff
• Address complaints and resolve problems in a timely manner

Qualification Requirements

• Master's degree Education or related field
• Valid Texas Mid-Management or Principal Certification
• Advancing Educational Leadership (AEL) certificate or its equivalent Instructional Leadership Development (ILD or ILT)
• Board Approved T-TESS Certification Must complete within 60 days of employment
• Minimum of 3 years Special education experience working with students with significant disabilities in a specialized setting to include serving as a special education teacher and/or service provider
• Minimum of 2 years special education leadership and/or campus administration experience preferred
• Demonstrate a heart and passion for serving children and families of children with disabilities
• Demonstrate knowledge of special education laws, polices and procedures
• Possess an inclusive mindset and establishing a culture of inclusion within the program
• Strong organizational, public relations, interpersonal, and communication skills, both orally and written