Position responsibilities may be adjusted based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate, as well as the evolving needs of the District.

SUMMARY: Directs the Special Education Program for the District.  Ensures that special needs students are in their least restrictive environment (LRE) and are receiving a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Participates in IEP meetings with parents.  Addresses parents concerns about the special education services that the Chillicothe R-II School District provides.  Provides guidance to the district so the special programs are in compliance with State and Federal laws.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Other duties may be assigned)

• Plans, supervises, and evaluates special education and title programs (NCLB/School Improvement).
• Consults with staff, parents and outside agencies regarding Special Education Students.
• Chairs staffing to determine if children are eligible for special services
• Responds to parents regarding the evaluation and placement of their children.
• Discusses Special Education programs, personnel, and students with building administrators.
• Manages budget applications and final expenditure reports for special education and Parents as Teachers Programs.
• Assists in developing and administers the Special Education local budget.
• Monitors staff caseloads and student progress.
• Develops and maintains complete and cumulative individual records of all children receiving special services.
• Assists in the adaptation of school policies to include special education needs.
• Maintains compliance with Title/NCLB Federal Programs requirements.
• Keeps informed of legal requirements governing special education.
• Evaluates performance and effectiveness of staff with guidance of the building principal.
• Helps plan staff in service training activities.
• Arranges Special Education transportation.  
• Supervises and Directs the Autism Program, ECSE & Title Pre-School and Parents as Teachers Program.
• Supervises the District’s Homebound Program (for regular/special students).
• Serve as the District’s Homeless Child Program coordinator (when students are enrolled in the district).
• Supervises the School District Administrative Claiming (Medicaid) Program.
• Cooperates with college and university officials regarding teacher training and preparation.
• Interacts with students in a constructive manner to encourage each individual to perform at their highest level.
• Establishes and maintains an effective learning climate in the school, and provides general supervision and discipline to students.
• Directs the supervision and instruction of the Missouri Options program and provides recognition for students who successfully complete the Missouri Options Program.
• Works with District Testing Coordinator and Counselors in elementary, middle school and high school in administering state mandated testing in the alternative setting.
• Works with District Testing Coordinator and Counselors in elementary, middle school and high school in disseminating disaggregated achievement data and communicating achievement data to instructional staff for effective improvement of student achievement.
• Evaluates performance and effectiveness of programs and staff.
• Understands, coordinates and assumes a leadership role in developing, implementing, and supporting the District in-service training for staff.
• Assigns teachers to classrooms and students to classes.
• Supervises staff attendance and assignment of substitute teachers.
• Resolves staff problems and provides support to teachers.
• Develops and maintains relations with parents, parent groups, school volunteers and outside agencies.
• Work with Elementary and Middle School Administrators and Counselors to identify and provide services to students with behavior management issues that impede the instructional and learning processes.
• Work with High School Administrators and Counselors to identify and provide services to students to support improving their opportunity to meet requirements of high school diploma.
• Screens new students and arranges prior school contact before enrollment.
• Provides services to students with Individual Education Plans.
• Prepares and manages budgetary needs and submits to Superintendent in February for approval.
• Conducts timely meetings with staff and reports to staff and community of educational issues.
• Implements policy and procedure changes from the Board or the State and Federal level.
• Works as a team member with administration from central office and other divisions.
• Assume responsibility for personal growth and development through membership and participation in professional organizations, professional readings, and meetings.
• Assist with supervision of the District’s extra-curricular activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluations of these programs. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; evaluating performance; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Master’s degree and three years of teaching experience in the area of special education.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Valid Special Education Missouri certificate as a Special Education Director, or as approved by DESE and the Board of Education.

EVALUATION: Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation of Professional Personnel.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Eleven-month employee.  Salary to be established by the Board of Education.