Special Education Program Specialist

Special Education Program Specialist OverviewUnder 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 “make it happen” attitude.The OpportunityManage 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 studentsAnalyze, respond to, and communicate special education student group data to key stakeholders with clarity and urgencyUse data-driven approaches to develop, monitor, and improve specialized programs across the regionChampion 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 fidelityManage & Coach Regional Case Managers to meet compliance goals and trauma-informed IEP practicesCreate and deliver practice-based professional development to improve student services systems and structures at the regional and school levelConsult and assist school-based teams with identifying appropriate least restrictive environment (LRE) placements on the continuum of servicesLead and develop school-based leaders’ expertise in the areas of academic/behavior intervention, compliance, and talent developmentDrive 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 Leader’s 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 meetingsMember of the KIPP SoCal Special Education Leadership Team