Director of Special Education & Assistant Head of School (The Hope Academy) at The Hope Academy – Providence, Rhode Island

Full year position with a expected start date of 7/1/26

SUMMARY OF MAIN DUTIES:

Creates an intentional culturally responsive learning environment inclusive of students from all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, abilities and family structures. Encourages a sense of belonging and positive school community for students with special needs and those suspected of possibly needing such services. Supports the staff to motive student learning by validating students as asset-based individuals. All administrators are expected to be aware of microaggressions and redirect to amplify affirmations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Functions as an active member of The Hope Academy’s Administrative Team including duties that are necessary, such as morning duty, lunch duty, etc.
• Establish routines and consistency in: IEP Development/Presentation/Data Collection/Progress Monitoring, Specialized student plans (i.e., sensory)
• Facilitate all Evaluation Team Meetings and IEP meetings
• Review and provide feedback to staff for all IEP related documents prior to presentation of IEP
• Maintain compliance with RIDE OSCAS procedures, policies, reporting, the RI Regulations and all applicable Federal & State statutes
• Oversight of MTSS Team and 504 Plans, insuring that all plans are being followed and data is collected on a regular basis
• Collaborate with the Social Worker and Behavior Specialist to implement and monitor FBA (Functional Behavior Assessment)/BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan) development and progress on a regular basis
• Collaborate in the coordination of students with special needs participation in mandated state assessments including but not limited to: Training, Monitor/Review, Analyze and make program adjustments based on data
• Coordinate all aspects of Rhode Island Alternate Assessment (RIAA) Program if needed
• Supervise and evaluate all special education staff which includes but is not limited to individual meetings, regular observations, bi-weekly staff meetings and formal evaluation as required by RIDE
• Responsible for PTO oversight, corrective action including performance improvements plans, when needed, for all special education staff (teachers, therapists, 1:1 teacher assistants)
• Manage all special education assessment accommodations and other documents as required by RIDE
• Collaborates with therapists to implement an integrated educational/ therapeutic model in order to limit services provided outside of the classroom
• Manage PowerSchool including updating all documents and other requirements as needed, such as student rollover each year
• Knowledge of authentic assessment practices using strategies to mitigate stereotype threat in feedback, assessment, and progress monitoring.
• Coordinate and supervise school-based therapists for school-related needs, i.e. IEP goals, delivery of services (how, when and where), program needs, etc.
• Coordinate and manage all Medicaid related documents for timely and accurate bi-weekly submission for reimbursement
• Provide and/or identify professional development opportunities for special education staff and others to support students with special needs
• Knowledgeable about external trends and opportunities around inclusion and new delivery models
• Develop, coordinate and implement EYS (Extended School Year) programs to meet the needs of students
• Assist in facilitation and/or oversight of common planning meetings, as assigned
• Develop and/or assist with the development of other initiatives that benefit students, specifically those with special needs
• Review all progress reports and report cards for students with IEPs prior to them being shared outside of the school to ensure consistency with comments and grades/scores
• Develop and oversee allocation plans and budgets for IDEA funds
• Assist in the development and management of school budgets
• Reach out and maintain contact with families with an awareness and respect for each student and their families from all racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds, abilities and family structures.
• Implement and co-facilitate the Special Education Advisory Board with at least four (4) meetings held each year
• Participate in all School Improvement Initiatives
• Actively seeks and participates in ongoing professional development as offered by the school or independent study.
• Assists in the evacuation of children during fire drills and other emergencies
• Perform other duties as directed or required by the Head of School or Superintendent

• Master’s degree in education or related field with valid certification from RIDE as a Director of Special Education Administrator, or the ability to obtain
• Organizational skills including developing effective schedules for special education staff
• Culturally influenced effective communication skills
• Proficient technological skills for remote work and day-to-day tasks such as but not limited to Zoom, Google Classroom, MS Word, etc.
• Work environment and physical requirements consistent with those of a typical school environment.
• Ability to move about the classroom and building continuously throughout the workday.
• Utilize the computer (20%) of the time and other office equipment.