] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

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Director, Department of Special Education Services

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Director II CODE: 0262 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Director, Department of Special Education Services GRADE: Q MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction of the Associate Superintendent, develops and coordinates all programs and services for students with disabilities throughout Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). Provides support to schools and special centers, including the coordination, planning, monitoring, and evaluation of services designed to meet the requirements set forth by federal and state legislation for educating children and youth with disabilities. Coordinates services for pre-school children with disabilities, the management and use of federal funds provided for special education, and the planning and coordination of all special education programs and services, including budget development and grant preparation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) (13A.05.05); the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), (P.L. 101-476); the Americans with Disabilities Act; other legislation that impacts students with disabilities; and Board Policy IOB, Education of Students with Disabilities. Ability to manage divisions providing services to students with hearing, vision, physical, or speech/language disabilities; programs for students with intellectual disabilities, emotional disabilities, autism, learning disabilities, assistive and augmentative technology, and transition services, as well as the Placement and Assessment Services Unit. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills. Knowledge and application of the three MCPS Professional Growth Systems (PGS). Ability to work collaboratively with parents and groups representing families of students with disabilities, as well as government and nonprofit organizations. Thorough understanding of curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Masters degree from an accredited college or university with additional graduate coursework in special education, administration or supervision. Doctorate desirable. A minimum of five years of special education teaching and three to five years of central or school based administrative experience with special education programs. Demonstrated successful experience in providing leadership in the planning, development, and implementation of countywide policies, programs, and procedures related to special education. Successful experience working with parents and community groups. Experience working with a continuum of special education programs and services for students with disabilities. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.
CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Meets Maryland Administrator I certification requirements. Certification in special education required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.)
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) None
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Oversees the provision of a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment based on an individualized education program for students with disabilities.

Improves instruction in schools through the provision of a well-designed curriculum, high quality instructional materials, and the identification of effective instructional practices, including implementation of the MCPS curriculum including specialized curriculum for students with disabilities.

Increases support for effective program implementation and improved classroom instruction through coordinated efforts with central and school-based administrators and specialists. Achieves goals of the MCPS Strategic Planning Framework.

Establishes partnerships among general and special educators, parents, other government agencies, nonprofit organizations, the community, and the business sector to promote the success of students with disabilities in all aspects of MCPS and the community.

Assures a high quality of support to schools and special centers, including the coordination, planning, monitoring, and evaluation of services.

Coordinates programs for students with disabilities throughout MCPS.

Designs and administers ongoing evaluation of special education programs and services.

Meets the requirements set by federal and state legislation for educating children and youth with disabilities.

Maintains current knowledge regarding innovative services for students with disabilities. Keeps abreast of local, state, and national legislation and developments in order to affect changes in operations.

Evaluates findings and suggest changes or modifications to improve existing programs.

Keeps abreast of local, state, and national developments in order to affect changes in operation as necessitated by current changes in laws, society, business, education, etc.

Communicates with staff and community and respond to questions about the instructional programs, facilities plans, professional development, and budget, etc.

Assists the Office of Shared Accountability in conducting research and evaluation studies related to the instructional program.

Identifies professional development needs, plans, and coordinates professional development programs in cooperation with other MCPS offices and units designed to assist administrators and teachers in implementing instructional programs.

Participates in the selection, assignment, and evaluation of staff.

Prepares an annual departmental operating budget with such supporting data as are necessary for clarification to the superintendent of schools and to the Board of Education.

Assists in the preparation of special reports.

Reviews data and make funding and services decisions aligned with the analysis.

Writes grants to secure additional funding and align priorities with supplemental grant funds.

Presents at Board of Education and community meetings.

Prepares memoranda; respond to buck slips, legislative proposals, and reports.

Performs related work as required.
Class Established: 5/82
Date(s) Revised: 1/91, 6/91, 10/91, 7/93, 12/93, 06/00, 5/04, 7/2015
Last Reviewed:

This description may be changed at any time.