ARD Facilitator (26-27)

About the Role

The Special Education ARD Facilitator serves as a critical support to special populations, faculty, and school leaders, providing guidance in the areas of IEP development, 504 plans, and compliance. This role collaborates closely with other school-based personnel to ensure the development and delivery of high-quality, individualized educational programs for students with diverse learning needs. By ensuring adherence to legal standards and compliance with IDEA and Texas State Education Law & Regulations, Section 504 Law & Regulations, the ARD Facilitator helps advance the mission of KIPP Texas Public Schools—ensuring that every student has the tools and supportive environment necessary to thrive.

Responsibilities

• Schedules, or assists in scheduling, Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) meetings and notifies parents of the ARD meeting, including distributing the ARD calendar to appropriate ARD Committee members in a timely fashion.
• Ensures that Individual Transition Plan elements are completed in applicable cases and notifies all appropriate school personnel of ARD meeting/ARD schedule changes.
• Ensures federal/state timelines are met with respect to functions of ARD Committee meetings, including requests for additional assessments and required timelines set by the ARD Committee.
• Writes and monitors ARD paperwork, submitting it by the compliance due date.
• Completes required documentation and reports (e.g., transportation forms, extended service year (ESY) forms, October snapshot, etc.) by due dates.
• Completes appropriate ARD supplements and collects data (i.e., ESY regression, IEP, behavior improvement plan (BIP), etc.).
• Follows beginning, middle, and end-of-year procedures and submits appropriate summer program student recommendations.
• Ensures IEPs, other special education documentation, and 504 plans are compliant with federal, state, and district regulations.
• Participates in IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and other relevant meetings to discuss student progress.
• Maintains systematic communication between special and general education personnel regarding ARD meetings, decisions, IEPs, student accommodations, and instructional concerns and progress.
• Provides coaching to school-based special education managers and staff supporting special populations students across all grade bands, including self-contained classrooms on MTSS, 504, and Special Education.
• Analyzes school data, including 504 and ARD compliance, to inform school-based support and assistance.
• Maintains current state assessment rosters and submits referral sheets for additional testing, re-evaluation, and related services.
• Uses data to develop goals and support the educational needs of special populations students.
• Cultivates trust with key stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and administrators, to support student success.
• Serves as the Special Populations team Liaison, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between teams.
• Supports/provides monthly professional development, newsletter input, and communication to provide ongoing coaching and guidance to school-based staff.
• Develops and delivers training on organization structures, processes, and procedures necessary for effective compliance.
• Collaborates with the Director of ARD Facilitation and school staff to resolve TEA complaints.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Special Education Certification.
• Satisfactory outcome background check.
• 3+ years of experience teaching with a focus on special education services.
• Knowledge of 504 and the 13 eligibility categories under IDEA.

Skills

• Unwavering commitment to the KIPP Texas mission, students, families, and community.
• Understanding of the function of the Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meeting and special education law and procedures.
• Strong record of helping students achieve academic success, primarily with students in educationally underserved communities.
• Desire to continuously learn and increase effectiveness as an ARD Facilitator and professional; offer and receive constructive feedback.
• Willingness to be flexible and go above and beyond to meet the needs of KIPP Texas students.

Additional Information

Reports to the school site Monday-Friday in a typical school environment with frequent interruptions. Regular travel to other school sites or regional offices for professional learning or meetings is required. Reliable transportation is needed. The role requires the ability to maintain emotional control under stress and work with frequent interruptions.

KIPP Texas offers comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, competitive vacation and PTO policies, paid family leave, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs. Additional employee-paid benefits include legal plans, LifeLock identity protection, life insurance, and disability insurance.