Job Description

Founding Director of Special Education

ABOUT US

ZEST Preparatory Academy Charter School is a K-5 charter school in Douglasville, GA (Metro Atlanta area). Our mission is to provide an academically rigorous, supportive, and joyful learning environment to develop the leader inside every student for lifelong educational achievement and impactful community service.

We will accomplish our mission through an academically rigorous environment where students will master the core subjects, develop advanced academic skills, hone their leadership skills in and out of school, and demonstrate community service.

Our staff hold an unwavering belief that all students deserve an excellent education and it\xe2\x80\x99s our collective responsibility to prepare students to take a seat at the table, so they can emerge as the next generation of leaders. We also believe that it\xe2\x80\x99s never too early to prepare students for college and career, so they have the opportunity to live choice filled lives.

OUR APPROACH

Our college preparatory model includes three key components beginning with an intentional focus on language and literacy development to increase critical thinking and reading proficiencies for all students. Second, a discovery-based learning approach where teachers encourage our students to take ownership of their learning by discovering new ideas and solutions to real world challenges. The third component, leadership, teaches essential habits of leadership so students can apply real world skills to their overall growth and development. ZEST Prep intentionally teaches leadership skills beginning in kindergarten.

JOB TITLE: Director of Special Education

CLASSIFICATION: Administrative

POSITION SUMMARY

Serving in a founding role provides the opportunity to build something new and set the foundation for success. An integral part of our success will be the daily implementation of highly effective, and compliant special education programming to ensure effective teaching and learning that allows students to thrive academically and socially.

This position administers special education program and services for ZEST Preparatory Academy and provides technical assistance to principals, teachers, support staff, parents, and the community in assigned special programs; coordinates assigned special education programs district-wide. The work includes, but is not limited to, the direct supervision of the identification, placement, and programming for children with special needs; development, implementation and evaluation of service delivery models in collaboration with appropriate administrators and staff; explanation and interpretation of the instructional program to the staff and the public; compliance with Federal and State laws; and supervision and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

• Advocate: Advocates for the mission, vision, and strategic direction of ZEST Preparatory Academy
• Positivity: Promotes a positive and effective climate by ensuring that all interactions with staff, students, parents, and the public are prompt, efficient, helpful, and friendly
• Flexible: Embraces an \xe2\x80\x9call hands on deck\xe2\x80\x9d mentality. Must be comfortable with ambiguity
• Problem Solver: Recognizes problems as an opportunity and actively assists with constructive resolutions

• Learner: Actively seeks out and participates in personal and professional development opportunities
• Plans, implements, and coordinates education policies and procedures in reference to IDEA
• Collaborates with appropriate District administrators and staff to ensure the necessary program supports and resources are in place for all students with an Individual Educational Plan
• Assists the in the planning, implementation and coordination of instructional programs consistent with the SSIP
• Provides direction to principal with respect to Federal and State mandates for students with disabilities
• Secures outside service providers, keeps documentation and supervises the work of such providers. (Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapists, Psychologist, Audiologist.)
• Maintains Special Education data updated in the SIS and the IEP Management software
• Responsible for ensuring accurate Special Education data during FTE and SR reporting
• Reports data to the DOE via the DOE Portal and the specific Special Education Applications
• Collaborates with the Student Support Teams in the referral of students for Special Education Evaluation
• Performs periodic monitoring of physical Special Education Files to ensure they are complete and compliant
• Collaborates with the register on ensuring Child Find Procedures are conducted during registration periods
• Maintains and updates knowledge and skills required for success in the position by participating in professional development activities as needed or as assigned.
• Participates in at least the following: GaDOE Data Collection Conference, Spring Leadership Meeting for Special Education, Monthly Directors Webinars, and Collaborative Communities Meetings.
• Demonstrates the ability to problem solve and plan for improvement and school reform.
• Observes the performance of teachers as requested by the school leadership team
• Analyzes data using a variety of available systems to evaluate programming and for continuous program improvement
• Makes recommendations for additional or reductions in staffing, when necessary, based on enrollment, programs or budget.
• Collaborates in the planning and implementation of staff development and remediation programs for teachers, administrators and staff.
• Engages parent and community groups for the purpose of generating a broad base of community interest, understanding and support of the Special Education program.

JOB EXPECTATIONS

The Director of Special Education is responsible for all aspects of Special Education programming for ZEST Preparatory Academy. Duties include, but are not limited to:

Special Education Compliance

Special Education Teacher Support and Compliance

• Provides Special Education Teachers with technical assistance on writing and implementing compliant IEPs, conducting eligibilities and interpreting evaluation data.
• Participates in IEP, eligibility and re-eligibility meetings as LEA Representative.
• Provide teachers with on-going job-embedded professional development and support in issues related to understanding disabilities, and providing the students with Specialized Instruction.
• Provides technical assistance regarding Behavior Management data collection, interpretation and Behavior Intervention Plan development.
• Creates and manages any IDEA grant budgets following CFR 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.)
• Collaborates with the Financial Department to ensure the Districts comply with MOE.
• Orders and inventories instructional supplies and equipment for the schools following allowable expenditure and general Federal Grants guidelines.

Academic Growth and Leadership

Fiscal and Grant Compliance

Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Ancillary Duties:

Include, but are not limited to:

• Demonstrate positive support for the Board, administrative team, school staff, and the community
• Participate on School Leadership Team
• Promote positive school culture
• Attend after school activities
• Assist with student arrival and dismissal

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• A Bachelor\xe2\x80\x99s degree in education or a related field from an accredited college or university; Master\xe2\x80\x99s degree preferred
• Certification or Licensure: Valid Georgia Educators Certificate with special education fields
• Five years\xe2\x80\x99 experience as a special education teacher required. Charter school experience desirable.
• Special education leadership experience preferred

Experience:

Knowledge of Georgia public school funding and data reporting requirements

Current authorization to work in the United States

Clear Criminal Background Check

Knowledge and Competencies:

• Professional demeanor, strong work ethic, and excellent organizational skills

• Strong communication skills
• Commitment to excellence balanced with human-centered leadership

• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people in a multi-generational workplace

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience. Salary range $70,000-$80,000.
• A comprehensive benefits package is offered to full-time employees.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

ZEST Preparatory Academy is actively seeking to build a diverse and experienced team of leaders. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin. We are an equal opportunity employer

ZEST Preparatory Academy