Director of Special Education - Chileda Institute Inc.

Chileda's mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with cognitive and behavioral challenges. Chileda's goal is to help students increase their appropriate social behaviors and develop independent living skills through an enriched learning environment and individualized behavior programming. Chileda's population includes children and young adults with special needs, including Autism, Attachment Challenges, related developmental delays, and intensive behavioral needs.

The Director of Special Education is responsible for the overall strategic and operational responsibilities of all Chileda Learning Centers. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, and Chief Operating Officer, COO, this position will establish goals for performance and growth along with policies and procedures that promote the mission, vision, and values of Chileda. The Director of Special Education is responsible for the operations of the private special education schools, managing staff, ensuring safety, and developing curricula. The Director of Special Education ensures all students are provided an excellent educational experience while working on behavioral and education goals. This position ensures compliance with all licensing and accreditation, as well as any additional rules and regulations.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Requires an Administrative license and Director of Special Education license or the ability to obtain within 2 years. Two years of supervisory experience is preferred.

GENERAL HOURS OF DUTY: Generally, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday - Friday. Additional hours of work may be required. This is an exempt, benefited position averaging a minimum of 40 hours of work per week. This position requires travel and some overnight travel.

REPORTS TO: Chief Operating Officer

JOB DUTIES:

• Oversee operations and safety of Learning Centers at multiple locations.
• Develop and implement education department policies and procedures reflective of Chileda's philosophy and mission.
• Direct curriculum and assessment tools to fulfill programming needs for students at various ability levels.
• Assist teachers in following grade reporting and graduation requirements from multiple school districts as appropriate.
• Assist teachers in addressing annual state testing for students from multiple school districts and states.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of all Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs), including annual and quarterly review meetings with families, school districts, and social service agencies from multiple states. Attend meetings as necessary.
• Oversee school compliance reporting to multiple agencies in multiple states.
• Working collaboratively with the COO and Director of Finance, managing budget for Learning Centers.
• Manage scheduling needs of the Learning Centers, including annual school calendar and Education Manager schedule. Collaborate with the Principal and Education Manager to schedule specials and create daily classroom schedules designed to meet individual student needs.
• Conduct bi-weekly department meetings to build leadership and collaboration.
• Promote an atmosphere of enthusiasm with the education team, encouraging collaboration and consultation with Behavior, Case Managers, administration, and other Chileda staff to meet student needs.
• Remain current on Special Education law.
• Ensure that all professional education staff are properly licensed in the state including ensuring supervision for student teaching.
• Train classroom teachers to teach in a unique environment in which they collaborate with multiple departments (e.g. therapists, behavior, case, residential) to ensure consistency across environments.
• Strive to enroll students as requested by local counties and Chileda's Administrative Team.

• Work with agency administrators to improve and implement actions that affect program delivery. Serve as the educational representative on various agency committees such as the Enrollment Committee.
• Provide consultation and technical assistance to classroom teachers in a team-oriented manner, providing direction and plans of action to meet the needs of students.
• Represent Chileda in state and national Special Education organizations.
• Work closely with the CEO and COO to implement Strategic Planning Goals.
• Maintain an open dialogue with the COO and CEO.
• All other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the Job Duties of this position successfully. While performing the duties of this job, there is frequent physical interaction with students in fulfilling self-care, behavioral interventions, and educational and recreational programs. The position involves implementing all Nonviolent Physical Crisis Intervention (CPI) aspects, including blocking, grab releases, physical transport, and physical restraint. Must be able to talk and hear to communicate with and exchange information with co-workers. Employees must be able to perform all essential functions without direct risk of harm to others or themselves. Please see the Essential Functions document for specific position physical demands.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work will primarily be performed in an office environment. Hours will be spent in the classrooms, and other shared areas throughout the Chileda campus.