Director of Student Support (SPED/Diverse Learners) (Immediate & 26-27 SY)

Duties/Responsibilities

• Holds Primary Responsibility For Ensuring That KIPP Capital Region NY Provides The Academic, Emotional, And Physical Services For Students Who Require Additional Support To Thrive Within The Schools’ Core Academic Programs
• Coordinate summer and academic year staff professional development in the areas of special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
• Identify, train, support, and coach school-based special education coordinators, special education teachers, providers of related services (e.g., occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, social workers, counselors), and English Language Learner instructors.
• Train, support, and coach general education teachers in the areas of special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
• Cook up, in collaboration with the KIPP Cap Region Principals, the recruitment of full-time and part-time staff in the areas of special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
• Provide support to the school-based special education coordinators in the following areas:
• Conducting “Child Find” activities in accordance with State and Federal law.
• Identifying incoming students’ needs for special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services as indicated by family questionnaire responses.
• Reviewing the results of intake assessments of new students to identify students in need of special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
• Pre-referral and referral processes for special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
• Coordinating classroom observations and testing (i.e. psychological) as needed using service providers when appropriate.
• Participating in the development and maintenance of IEPs & 504s.
• Implementing IEPs and 504s, including managing the provision of direct services by the schools.
• Ensuring that all general education teachers know, understand, and implement all classroom accommodations and modifications required by IEPs and 504s.
• Designing curricula and differentiating instruction to best serve students in need of special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
• Complying with Special Education regulations and maintaining accurate special education records and reports per state and federal law.
• Help to create a culture of order, structure, humanity, and academic rigor in the classrooms and schools within KIPP Capital Region.
• Collaborate with teachers, other school staff, and administrators to ensure that all our students climb the mountain to high school and college.
• Work with the Principals to ensure sharing of best practices across KIPP Capital Region in the areas of special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.
• Document KIPP Capital Region protocols and best practices in the areas of special education, English Language Learner instruction, and at-risk student services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s Degree preferred from an accredited College or University.
• Certified as a Special Education Teacher or Administrator.
• 4+ years of professional experience, working within a classroom with Special Education and/or ELL students.
• Prior experience working in schools (preferably in the charter, private, or public school environment) and urban communities is preferred but not required.