Coordinator of Special Education

Job Description

Position Summary: 

The Coordinator of Special Education is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining high-quality special education programs and services across Kankakee School District. This role involves ensuring that all students with diverse learning needs receive appropriate services and individualized education programs (IEPs) that support their academic and personal growth. The Coordinator will collaborate with staff, families, and community partners to create inclusive learning environments and equitable opportunities for all students. Additionally, the Coordinator will monitor and ensure compliance with all applicable state, federal, and local regulations, promoting best practices in special education to enhance student outcomes and foster a culture of respect and support.

Essential Functions: 

• Assist in the development and delivery of special education curriculum and instructional programs that incorporate District goals and support student achievement 

• Ensure curriculum renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs 

• Creates an accountability and evaluation process for the effectiveness of the special education  referral process  

• Maintains a process for overseeing student assessments and recommendations regarding placement and program management for individual students are completed in a timely manner  

• Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to gauge special education  program effectiveness 

• Develop and implement training for campus and special education support staff based on findings and needs assessments 

• Ensure that the necessary time, resources, materials, and technology to support and  accomplish educational goals are available 

• Encourage and support the development of innovative instructional programs 

• Assist with transition services for special education students entering and exiting public school  programs 

• Assist in the formulating and implementing contracts for special education students receiving services outside the District 

• Assist in the development of the special education budget based on documented needs 

• Ensure that operations are cost-effective and funds are managed wisely 

• Assist in the selection, training, supervision, and evaluation of special education staff 

• Assist in making recommendations relative to staffing assignments 

• Serve as district liaison to community agencies providing  services to students and notify parents and students of available services 

• Interpret and implement the policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education, and local board policy in the area of special education  

• Recommend sound policies and procedures to improve the program 

• Keep abreast of developments and changes in special education and assist in decisions on staff and  student issues regarding compliance and procedural safeguards

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of federal and state special education law 

• Knowledge of state and federal compliance reports/indicators such as State Plans  

• Understanding of the individual needs of special needs students 

• Extensive experience with Student Information Systems  

• Experience with technology and its current and future use with special education programs 

• Ability to communicate with all levels of special needs students and their parents 

• Ability to implement policy and procedures 

• Ability to interpret data 

• Ability to manage budget and personnel 

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills 

Experience: 

• Five years or more of teaching experience in special education 

• Three to five years of experience as a special education supervisor and/or principal (preferred)    

Education: 

• Special Education Certification in one or more areas (required) 

• Bachelor’s Degree (required) 

• Master’s Degree in Education Administration (preferred) 

• Type 75 General Administrative License (required)

Physical Requirements:  

• Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle 

• Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force  constantly to lift, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body 

• Light work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree 

Working Conditions and Environment: 

• Work is routinely performed in a typical interior/office environment 

• Very limited or no exposure to physical risk 

Disclaimer: 

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. 

In connection with hiring for this position the district shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status or national origin.