Special Programs Manager

This position is remote and strongly prefers candidates that reside in Louisiana. Must be able to attend in-person professional development sessions, testing, and other school events.

About the Role

K12, a Stride Company, provides families an online option for a high-quality, personalized education experience. The Special Programs Manager develops and implements policies and procedures and oversees all matters related to special education for Louisiana Virtual Charter Academy (LAVCA). The role also assists the Head of School with developing and implementing more general academic policies and procedures and with school operations.

The mission of LAVCA is to provide an exemplary individualized and engaging educational experience for students by incorporating school and community/family partnerships coupled with a rigorous curriculum along with a data-driven and student-centered instructional model.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and disseminates “best practices” for special education policies and procedures in collaboration with school leadership.
• Supports the school’s administration and teachers in providing training on and implementation of special education programs and services.
• Creates and maintains appropriate contacts with district(s), intermediate units, and state special education leaders to ensure continued compliance of special education programs and represent the school in meetings and trainings.
• Develops contracts with service providers to provide related services to students and supports full implementation of the related services database to track services and ensure all eligible students receive them.
• Oversees the development, compliance, maintenance, and implementation of all Review of Exiting Data (RED), Multidisciplinary Evaluation and Eligibility Group Summary (MEEGS), and Individualized Education Plans (IEP).
• Ensures fiscal compliance for special programs including IDEA Part B funds and compliance with all school, local, state, and federal reporting related to special education.
• Works with the Test Coordinator to ensure that all students receive appropriate accommodations during state testing.
• Works with K12 enrollment team to develop processes for ensuring timely identification and enrollment of students with special needs.
• Proactively communicates all changes in local, state, and/or federal special education practices and laws to the Head of School.
• Ensures that special education students are integrated in all school activities and that general education and special education teachers and administrative staff work collaboratively.
• Collects data for internal studies of special education.
• Works directly with parents and students (both regular and special education) where necessary.
• Directly supervises 5-10 Full-time Equivalent (FTE) employees and/or contractors (e.g., Related Service Coordinator, School Psychologist, and Speech Therapist).
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities including interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Participates in the school's self-evaluation programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Three (3) years of special education teaching experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Special Education Teacher Certification.
• Early Childhood OR Elementary Education OR Middle or Secondary Education in Math OR Science OR Language Arts Teacher Certification.
• Project management experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills with both in-person and electronic communication platforms and a customer service orientation.
• Able to read data and determine steps needed to assist students academically and behaviorally.
• Able to apply adult instructional methods in the training and development of staff.
• Communicates effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrates good judgment in decision-making.
• Understanding of applicable sections of the State Education Code and other pertinent regulations.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time to the school office for file reviews, meetings, and other tasks if not office-based.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time within and between assigned geographic areas to support students, proctor assessments, attend professional development, and participate in school activities.
• Willingness and ability to obtain additional licensing as required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, as well as internet research methods and report writing techniques.
• Utilizes computer software associated with curriculum and special education.
• Ability to pass required background check.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Supervisory certificate.
• English as Second Language (ESL) certification and/or Reading or Math specialist endorsement.
• Three (3) years of special education administration experience.

Pay

We anticipate the salary range to be $65,000.00 - $80,000.00. Eligible employees may receive a bonus. This salary is not guaranteed, as an individual’s compensation can vary based on several factors including geographic location, experience, training, education, and local market conditions.

Benefits

Stride offers a robust benefits package for eligible employees that can include health benefits, retirement contributions, and paid time off.