Director of Student Services and Special Education

About the role

The Director of Student Services & Special Education serves as the school’s senior leader for special education and student support services. This position ensures full compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) regulations, and other applicable federal and state requirements while leading systems that support student success.

Responsibilities

• I. Special Education Leadership & IDEA Compliance
• Serve as the Local Education Agency (LEA) representative for special education.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA, RIDE regulations, and all procedural safeguards.
• Oversee IEP development, implementation, timelines, evaluations, eligibility determinations, reevaluations, and manifestation determinations.
• Ensure students receive services in the least restrictive environment (LRE).
• Maintain audit-ready documentation and records.
• II. Section 504 Coordination
• Serve as the school's Section 504 Coordinator.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of Section 504 plans.
• Support families and staff in understanding rights and responsibilities under Section 504.
• III. MTSS & Tiered Student Supports
• Provide leadership for Tier II and Tier III intervention systems across academic, behavioral, attendance, and social-emotional domains.
• Collaborate with instructional leaders, interventionists, and classroom teachers to ensure effective interventions and progress monitoring.
• Coordinate and monitor intervention effectiveness and recommend program improvements.
• IV. Student Services Leadership
• Coordinate student support services, including social work, counseling, behavioral supports, and community-based services.
• Facilitate effective communication between school staff, families, and outside agencies.
• Support attendance intervention planning and implementation.
• Assist with behavioral support planning and documentation.
• Coordinate re-entry meetings following disciplinary removals, hospitalizations, or extended absences when appropriate.
• V. Related Services Oversight (Non-Fiscal)
• Coordinate scheduling and delivery of related services.
• Maintain compliance with service minutes, caseloads, and provider assignments.
• Ensure providers maintain required documentation and progress reporting.
• VI. Medicaid Documentation & Reporting (Special Education-Related)
• Ensure accurate documentation of Medicaid-eligible services delivered under IEPs and Section 504 plans, as applicable.
• Collaborate with administrative and business office staff to support timely and accurate Medicaid reporting and claiming.
• VII. Family & Staff Collaboration
• Serve as a resource to families regarding special education and student support services.
• Facilitate effective communication between school staff, families, and outside agencies.
• Train and support staff on IDEA, Section 504, accommodations, behavioral supports, and compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Special Education or a related field.
• Rhode Island certification or eligibility as a Director of Special Education.
• Demonstrated experience with IDEA compliance and IEP leadership.
• Knowledge of Section 504 requirements and student support systems.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to analyze data and use information to improve student outcomes.
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, families, staff, and community partners.