Special Education Program Specialist Overview
Under the guidance of the Director of Special Education (DSE), the Program Specialist will support a portfolio of 3-5 schools to achieve outcomes for special education students. Program Specialists provide coaching, consultation and guidance to school-based administration teams (i.e. School Leaders, Special Education Manager, etc.) in order to drive equitable and compliant special education programs and services at their assigned school sites and across the KIPP SoCal Region. Ideal candidates are passionate about meeting the needs of all students, have deep functional knowledge and expertise working in special education, and have a āmake it happenā attitude.
The Opportunity
- Manage a portfolio of 3-5 schools to implement effective special education services and programs that lead to strong academic and behavioral achievement outcomes for ALL students
- Analyze, respond to, and communicate special education student group data to key stakeholders with clarity and urgency
- Use data-driven approaches to develop, monitor, and improve specialized programs across the region
- Champion compliance at schools by evaluating IEPs, 504 plans, behavior intervention plans, and collaborating with school site leadership teams to ensure that these resources support student achievement and are implemented with fidelity
- Manage & Coach Regional Case Managers to meet compliance goals and trauma-informed IEP practices
- Create and deliver practice-based professional development to improve student services systems and structures at the regional and school level
- Consult and assist school-based teams with identifying appropriate least restrictive environment (LRE) placements on the continuum of services
- Lead and develop school-based leadersā expertise in the areas of academic/behavior intervention, compliance, and talent development
- Drive the development of the Special Education Managers through weekly check-ins, data reviews, and school visits (focused on instructional walkthroughs, co-observations, coaching, etc.)
- Expand the School Leaderās knowledge of special education through bi-weekly check-ins and targeted support on how to develop the Special Education team members.
- Lead monthly Student Service Team meetings & participate in PBIS meetings
- Member of the KIPP SoCal Special Education Leadership Team