Dean of Special Education, PreK-8th Grades (2023-2024 School Year)

Start Date: 2023-2024 School Year

Reports to: Principal / Director of Special Education

OVERVIEW

Prodeo Academy, a network of public charter schools serving the Twin Cities, is a meaningful education solution closing the opportunity gap through data-driven instruction in a culture based on a foundation of five core values: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Development, and Engagement. Shared expectations around these values enhance the opportunity for our scholars to reach their full potential. We are looking for team members committed to helping our students access greater opportunities, achieve future success, and contribute to the vitality of our community.

VISION FOR POSITION

The Dean of Special Education is responsible for the coaching and development of special education teachers, educational assistants, and staff towards transformational outcomes for students in alignment with the network-wide vision for an inclusive special education program. This leader will also design, monitor, and coordinate the district due process rules and regulations to assure that these procedures are in compliance with state and federal regulations with regard to special education for children with disabilities and to implement special education services which are in compliance with appropriate services for students with disabilities.

POSITION FUNCTIONS

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Design, monitor, and coordinate the district due process rules.
   1. Implements and monitors the child student process system to provide assessment, program services, and evaluation; facilitates non-biased assessments; provides interpreters and cultural liaisons when needed for due process; and provides translated forms.
   2. Works with the Department of Education and the Department of Human Services for monitoring and audits. Works with the Director of Special Education in designing and implementing the Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) as deemed necessary.
   3. Acts as a resource to interpret and clarify federal, state, and local district regulations and policies for staff. Provides consultation to staff and building administrators in implementing rules for the discipline of students with disabilities.
   4. Participates in the dispute resolution processes as needed and appropriate.
   5. Provides mentoring to Special Services staff in learning the necessary skills for due process rules and regulations and oversees the timelines and completion of due process documents.
   6. Works with new families to understand due process regulations and service delivery within the district.
2. Facilitates the implementation of alternative dispute resolution processes.
   1. Implements alternative dispute resolution processes such as conciliation, facilitated IEP, and mediation and prepares a written summary for inclusion in the child study folder.
   2. Works with the Director of Special Education to coordinate dispute resolution activities.
   3. Works with the Director of Special Education on complaints filed by the parents with the Minnesota Department of Education, accountability, and compliance.
   4. Works to mediate differences between parents and the district.
3. Provides program leadership, supervision, instructional coaching, and training to Special Services staff in the building.
   1. Promotes the team development of the Special Education staff with one another and with the building staff, including weekly observations and coaching meetings.
   2. Provides leadership to implement the Special Services Department Continuous Improvement Monitoring Process (CIMP) and strategic plan.
   3. Participates on interview teams as assigned by the Director of Special Education and Building Principal.
   4. Provides supervision to the Director of Special Education and Building Principal, including scheduling, coverage, and professional development
   5. Directs and supervises tuition billing
   6. Conducts program evaluation procedures and improvement processes, including analyzing student outcomes and data
   7. Provides leadership in various areas such as Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), Continuous Improvement Monitoring Process (CIMP), Paraprofessional Development, Assistive Technology
4. Implement special education services that comply with appropriate services for students with disabilities
   1. Works with Director in the implementation of Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments with accommodations and implements Minnesota Test of Academic Skills (MTAS) with assigned special education students meeting criteria for alternate assessment and works with Modified MCAs and standards-based IEPs
   2. Works with Director on implementing criteria for Homebound, Homeless, Third Party Billing, and any other unusual circumstances
   3. Provides consultation with the Director of Special Education in budgeting recommendations, staffing allocations, assignments, and budget allocations; serves as a fiscal steward of resources
   4. Works with the implementation of extended school year options for students with disabilities.
   5. Facilitates placement and monitors students with disabilities in out-of-district placements.
   6. Works with community-based partnerships to help students with disabilities access resources.
   7. Coordinates referrals and services to Director for students in out-of-district placements.
   8. Coordinates the transportation of students with special education needs as a related service.
   9. Participates as an administrative designee in IEP/IFSP/IIIPP meetings and coordinates with building administrators to be administrative designees.
   10. Works with the implementation of Assistive Technology and implements the standards within the department on student computers, Augmentative Communication inventory
5. Other duties:
   1. Perform additional duties as determined by the Director of Special Education.
   2. Works with the Director of Special Education to update the Total Special Education Services (TSES) manual.
   3. Works with the Director of Special Education to implement new initiatives, new regulations, and new ESEA and IDEA reauthorization requirements.
   4. Attends area-wide meetings and keeps informed of current research/literature regarding current trends in delivery systems and new initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong leadership skills in facilitating group processes and team building
• Communication skills in a variety of settings and experiences
• Knowledge and skills in due process compliance and accountability
• Knowledge and skills in program assessment, design, delivery, and evaluation
• Understanding of special education trends and changes in IDEA as well as in federal and state rules and regulations
• Excellent time management skills and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Tolerance for ambiguity, tenacity with follow-up, and creativity in the development of the individual building needs, while seeing the “larger” version of the district
• Ability to work with parents/families, students, staff, and support staff in problem-solving strategies
• Ability to engage in problem-solving and conflict resolutions
• Ability to prioritize and manage the volume of requests and responsibilities
• Leadership in supervising program and paraprofessionals

EDUCATION AND DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education/Certification Requirements: Licensure in special education or related service area such as special education by disability, school social worker, school psychologist, and speech-language pathologist is required for this position.

COMPENSATION

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Prodeo Academy is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We are committed to hiring a diverse and multicultural staff and encourage applications from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.