Director of Exceptional Children

Exempt           
Director of Exceptional Children
                                                                                                                                   
General Definition of Work
The Director of Exceptional Children (EC), under limited supervision, performs intermediate level work with considerable decision making discretion overseeing the compliance with federal, state, and local policies as it relates to Exceptional Children. This position is responsible for programming, personnel, and instruction related to the IEP process as defined in the “Policies and Procedures Governing Programs for Students with Disabilities” and IDEA.  Employee performs highly advanced and supervisory work to carry out Board of Education policies and procedures related to a wide variety of Exceptional Children programs and activities under the direction of the Executive Director of Exceptional Children.
 
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Salary/Status
State Salary Schedule/Full-time, 12 months
 
Reports To
Executive Director of Exceptional Children
 
Place of Work
The normal place of work is on the premises used by Durham Public Schools. Durham Public Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.
 
Essential Functions

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Lead, manage, supervise, and evaluate assigned programs/staff in the district
• Assist with the development and implementation of departmental and district strategic plan strategies
• Assist with development and monitoring of the budget including expenditures and allotments
• Utilize the Exceptional Children Accountability Tracking System (ECATS) to generate reports, analyze and use data for compliance, programmatic and instructional monitoring and supports
• Lead projects related to the improvement of instruction for students with disabilities
• Manage contracts with vendor partners
• Plan, implement, and assess professional development across a variety of topics
• Manage the assignment of students with disabilities to district assigned classes
• Attend IEP meetings and EC team meetings to assist with the provision of FAPE

 
Director of Exceptional Children
 

• Serve as LEA designee for formal mediation and/or resolution meetings, parent meetings, and IEP meetings as required/needed
• Coordinate, communicate, and serve as liaison for district services with outside vendors, service providers, serve as resource for families of students with disabilities new to district, collaborate with area group homes, county mental health and social services, and other related agencies
• Collaborate with private, religious, and home schools to identify students with disabilities and arrange services under the Child Find Obligation
• Oversee, develop, implement, and collaborate on policies/procedures concerning evaluation, placement, transfers, discipline, bus policy, out of district student placement, EC field trips, and medical issues
• Assure compliance with continued educational services regulations during disciplinary suspensions or expulsions
• Establish, nurture, and maintain a strong, cooperative working relationship with area educational institutions and programs to enhance the teaching and learning of SWD
• Assist in resolving conflicts with staff, parents, support personnel and community agencies
• Assess district workloads and staffing needs based on Child Count funding for Exceptional Children staff and recommend equitable allotment process
• Prepare and recommend program additions, modifications, and deletions to best meet the needs of the students with disabilities
• Prepare for federally mandated state audits and develop/implement corrective action plans as needed/required
• Provide leadership and support for principals and assistant principals
• Facilitate staff meetings and attend other related meetings as needed/required
• Complete local, state, or federal surveys and reports accurately and promptly
• Participate in professional development workshops and leadership training
• Create an inclusive environment with positive communication/public relations
• Perform related work as assigned or required

 
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of public schools
• Comprehensive knowledge of school board and administrator objectives, procedures, and organization
• Comprehensive knowledge of the instruction, curriculum and staff development practices, procedures, and techniques related to special education students
• Comprehensive knowledge on how to utilize appropriate data and information to make instructional decisions for special education students
• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local policies/regulations regarding curriculum planning and organizational development
• Thorough knowledge of county and school board policies, procedures, and standards
• Ability to maintain professional and emotional control under stress
• Ability to reflect appropriate response to situations, while maintaining a professional and personal demeanor

Director of Exceptional Children
 

• Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business needs
• Ability to develop and monitor a budget
• Ability to direct and evaluate the work of others
• Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums
• Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business
• Ability to develop related charts, graphs, reports, and records pertaining to school planning and strategy
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement 
• Ability to conceptualize, initiate, monitor, and evaluate new and/or current programs
• Demonstrated ability to perform detailed work, planning, risk assessments, and associated risk mitigation actions
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a deadline-driven, rapidly changing team environment

 
Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in teaching/education required
• Master’s degree in Education or related field preferred
• Minimum of five years’ experience as classroom teacher or administrator preferred
• Exceptional Children Director’s License, Administrator/Principal License or eligibility for such licensure required
• Equivalent combination of experience and education

 
Special Requirements

• Possess and maintain a NC Driver’s License or ability to provide own transportation
• Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings

 
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Work requires the occasional exertion of up to ten pounds of force
• Work regularly requires exchange of accurate and detailed information through oral and written communication
• Constantly operates a computer and other office business equipment
• Ability to remain in stationary position for required meetings/work
• Ability to move to other work locations
• Visual acuity requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications

 
Director of Exceptional Children
 

• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating standard office equipment, use of advanced technology
• Work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g., business office, light traffic)
• Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions
• Must be adaptable to performing under mild to high levels of stress
• Must be on-call as a regular part of the job

 
Disclaimer
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees in this job. Job description is sourced from employee interviews, internal documents, representative job descriptions in similar districts, and other state/federal agencies.
 
Durham Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.