[SY 24-25] Diverse Learner Case Manager

At KIPP Chicago, we are guided by a simple, yet powerful mission: Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. Our campuses are located in the Austin, Englewood, North Lawndale, and West Humboldt Park neighborhoods. KIPP Chicago also advises over 2000 KIPP alumni currently in high school or college through our KIPP Forward program.  KIPP Chicago is the highest-performing network of schools in Chicago, as measured by our city’s school quality index.  We attract, develop, and retain a diverse and talented staff of educators. Our students and families choose our schools because our teachers are exceptional educators who work together as a collective to ensure students achieve and thrive.  For more data and information about our successes and vision for the future, visit www.kippchicago.org 

The Diverse Learners Case Manager (CM) is responsible for collaborating with Kindergarten - 8th Grade school based staff to create an inclusive culture where  children and adults from diverse backgrounds and perspectives can excel. One way the CM does this is by ensuring  that all students with diverse learning needs receive services specified in their IEPs and 504 plans. Case Managers schedule, manage and complete all IEP and 504 meetings for their caseload in compliance with state and federal  laws; monitor the process for admitting students to and exiting students from Special Education services; and  support our school leaders, teachers, and support staff in all matters and decision-making concerning the Special  Education process. 

This role requires a passion for collaboration and a deep commitment to making decisions in service of students  and families. In addition, a mindset of ensuring students are in the least restrictive and most inclusive setting as  possible is crucial. While a CM may begin with a school that is not fully grown, the vision is for this role to lead  compliance for a campus serving grades K-8. The CM reports directly to the school leader, and is supported by the  region’s Managing Director of Student Services (MDSS). 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 

• Manage 100% compliance with regards to diverse learner protocols, including but not limited to:  95% year to date completion rates for annual IEP meetings for the campus. 
• 95% year to date completion rates for evaluations (initial and re-evaluation) for the campus. Score as “Evident” in all areas of the CPS School Profile Review Rubric (or similar school assessment  tool) at the campus. 
• Score 75% or better (agree or strongly agree) when on bi annual survey of teachers the CM supports 
• Set and exemplify norms of follow through, meeting of deadlines, and achievement of goals for the DL team

RESPONSIBILITIES 

DIVERSE LEARNING PROGRAMMING

• Develop, oversee, and coordinate Special Education services at the campus. 
• Develop a yearly meeting schedule that ensures 100% compliance in accordance with special education due  dates and timelines. 
• Proactively communicate with staff members to ensure all members of the IEP team are prepared to meet  all IEP and 504 deadlines. 
• Schedule, complete, and document all required parent communication in preparation of IEP and 504  meetings in compliance with state and federal laws. 
• Lead IEP and 504 meetings as a member of the IEP team.
• Support school teams in collecting and compiling data for paraprofessional and transportation approvals if  applicable to a student. 
• Maintain student paper and electronic files in accordance with CPS file protocols and state and federal laws. 
• Review all IEPs for quality as measured on the KIPP Chicago IEP rubric. 
• Provide feedback and professional development to teaching staff regarding IEP writing. ∙ Manage and track completion of paraprofessional anecdotal record keeping and data tracking on a bi weekly basis. 
• Approve paraprofessional records weekly. 
• Manage and track completion of IEP goal tracking by teaching staff in compliance with student IEPs. ∙ Manage staff to complete all IEP report cards in accordance with IEP benchmark dates. ∙ Throughout the school year, keep accurate and current lists of accommodations to be provided during  standardized testing.
• Serve as a thought partner and offer guidance to school teams regarding student schedules, staffing, and  accommodations facilitation in accordance with state and federal laws. 

SUPPORT AND MANAGEMENT

• Serves a liaison between the school and the MDSS and in doing so is responsible for communicating  the unique needs of the school to the MDSS. Furthermore, the CM is responsible for collaborating with the  MDSS to ensure that the needs of the school are met. 
• Leads professional development by identifying, planning and implementing school based professional development as it pertains  to developing school based staff in their capacity to be in compliance with their caseloads. This includes but  is not limited to teaching teachers how to writing high quality, inclusive IEPs and developing systems for  being current with IEP reports cards and meetings. 
• Partnering with school leaders to ensure that each Diverse Learner staff member  is on track with compliance expectations and is developing and growing in their capacity to do so. 
• Maintain consistent and prompt daily attendance during scheduled school hours 
• Model professional norms, such as being organized, consistent, and  understanding and always holding high expectations for oneself and students. Also, model a willingness and  desire to request feedback from others in service of improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree (required); Master’s degree in Special Education (preferred)

• Active Illinois PEL with LBS-1 Endorsement 

• Strong evidence of helping students achieve academic success, primarily with students who have been  traditionally underserved and who have special needs. (required)
• Previous experience as a Case Manager in an urban school. (required)
• Experience with and strong knowledge of local, state, and national Special Education laws and mandates. (required)
• Willing and able to be flexible and play different roles within the school, and to go above and beyond to  meet the varied and constant needs of the students of KIPP Chicago with a relentless focus on student  achievement. (required)
• Unquestioned ethics, integrity, and commitment to the KIPP Chicago mission and willingness to serve the  KIPP Chicago community. (required)
• Excellent organizational, communication, and facilitation skills. 

• Cleared CPS background check before first date of employment 

COMPENSATION

KIPP Chicago Public Schools offers a competitive compensation and benefits package:

• Salaries based on experience related to role and responsibilities

• Competitive rates for medical insurance and short-term disability insurance.  Dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, and long-term disability insurance are offered at no cost.

• Competitive retirement savings benefits 

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

KIPP Chicago Public Schools is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals applying for employment. KIPP Chicago does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic background. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.