Special Education Program Specialist

LCPS Special Education Program Specialist JD

At Lighthouse Community Public Schools we are engaged in an educational movement that goes beyond our classrooms working to disrupt inequities by providing our students and families exceptional educational opportunities every day. Grounded in our core values of community, integrity, agency, love, and social justice rooted in the Expeditionary Learning Education Model, LCPS is a leader in fostering innovative schools achieving exceptional student outcomes where each child is at the center of their own learning. Our mission is to prepare diverse students for college, a career of their choice, and to be lifelong changemakers. Founded in 2002, LCPS operates two high-achieving K-12 public charter schools--Lighthouse and Lodestar--serving nearly 1,600 students in East Oakland. Lighthouse is a beacon for public education and our graduates fulfill the promise of a better, brighter Oakland. Learn more at www.lighthousecharter.org.

CORE COMPETENCIES

As a strategic and visionary leader for equity:

• Ensure an exceptional education for all students, in particular students with disabilities, by monitoring and developing the academic program and by facilitating data-driven and equity-focused teams.

• Enable others to act by partnering with school site leaders to develop education specialists and student support aides resulting in retention of a diverse, highly effective team and increased student outcomes.

• Lead and facilitate teams, professional learning, coaching, and mentoring for a range of stakeholders on topics related to special education and multi-tiered systems of support

• Highly skilled at complex special education cases and well-versed in IDEA and Educational Code.

• Provide oversight and program monitoring to ensure we are fulfilling our commitments to students with disabilities.

• Bring an equity lens and awareness to the management of complex cases, data-analysis, and conversations regarding disproportionality and be willing to lean in to interrupting inequitable outcomes.

• Innovate and problem solve by exhibiting persistence, creativity, flexibility, motivation to make a change, and the ability to imagine new approaches and opportunities for impact.

• Model the way as a leader for equity through skilled and culturally aware collaboration, communication, and relationship-building.

• Embody LCPS’ core values of community, integrity, love, social justice, and agency.

• Bring passion to the special education program’s growth as a dependable, organized, solutions-oriented, and optimistic transformational leader committed to our community.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Responsibilities:

Support the Special Education Model & Program:

• Support a portfolio of schools to implement a strong, inclusive, equity-focused special education program that leads to academic, behavioral, and social-emotional achievement outcomes for ALL students

• Oversee 1 or more specialized projects in the development of the special education and/or MTSS model

• Use data-driven approaches to develop, monitor, and improve the instructional program and ensure student growth and achievement

Support Complex Cases:

• Support complex cases by providing guidance and recommendations, offering consultation with the team, attending and facilitating staffing meetings, participating in IEP meetings, and/or facilitating IEPs

• Apply conflict resolution strategies with parents or other stakeholders to resolve disputes related to a student’s IEP, demonstrating knowledge of current IDEA and LCPS policy and procedures

Oversight of High-Quality IEP Development & Implementation:

• Provide ongoing monitoring, semi-annual caseload reviews, and feedback with education specialists regarding individualized education plans (IEPs) and IEP meetings, in order to ensure they are anchored in educational benefit and are IDEA compliant

• Consult and assist school based teams with designing an appropriate offer of a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment, including supporting with non-public school and residential treatment center placement

• Ensures a continuum of supports are provided in meeting the needs of students requiring behavior interventions, including the use of evidence-based pre-referral interventions, and the development of the BIP, if needed

• Collaborate with school-site leaders to support the implementation of IEPs and behavior intervention plans (BIPs)

• Remain up to date with special education research, law, and best practices

Design & Delivery of Professional Development:

• Design and deliver professional development aligned to organization-wide and department-specific goals

• Provide 1:1 and group coaching and professional development to support the development of Education Specialists, in particular, new hires, Instructional Aides, and MTSS Coordinators

• Serve of an induction coach or intern mentor for assigned Education Specialists, if assigned

Build a High Quality Special Education & Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) Team

• Assists in recruiting and screening of special education and MTSS staff, in conjunction with the Sr. Director of Special Education

• Support in designing coaching and professional development structures for special education, related service providers, and MTSS staff

• Serve as direct supervisor or secondary supervisor of assigned special education staff, including MTSS Coordinators, Instructional Aides, Education Specialists, and other Related Service Providers

Develop a Strong MTSS System:

• Collaborate with leaders to develop systems and structures in support of MTSS, including data systems, COST processes, 504 plans, and attendance systems

• Coach MTSS Coordinators to implement MTSS processes

• Monitor the effectiveness of MTSS systems

• Design and lead trainings to enhance the impact of MTSS

Additional Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, LCPS mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior

• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree with emphasis in special education highly preferred

• Appropriate CA credential either in Special Education or Pupil Services, preferred

• 5+ years of special education experience, including school psychologist, speech and language pathologist, education specialist, or special education administrator

• 2+ years of leadership and/or coaching experience required (e.g. leading professional development, participating on the leadership team, mentoring new teachers, etc.)

• Extensive knowledge and experience with special education law and best practices and serving students with disabilities

• Knowledge of El Dorado Charter SELPA and SEIS, preferred

• Spanish fluency, preferred

SUPERVISION

This position reports to: Senior Director of Special Education and Specialized Programs

TIME COMMITMENT

This position is a full-time salaried exempt 12-month position that follows the 233-day school year and summer schedule. Includes approximately 5 weeks of paid holidays/breaks during the school year in addition to 10 days of vacation time during the summer. Start date is July 8, 2024.

COMPENSATION

Commensurate with experience. Competitive benefits package and generous time off and vacation policies.

TO APPLY

People of color and bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume

• Cover letter describing your interest in this position and why you are an optimal fit

• 4-5 references with Name, Email, Phone Number and Title/nature of working relationship

Application submission screening and initial phone interviews will be completed on a rolling basis. In-person interviews and performance tasks will take place on-site.

Lighthouse Community Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity at all levels.

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