Director of Special Services

Position Overview:The Director of Special Services will lead and manage special education programming, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations while supporting high-quality instruction and services for students with disabilities. This role will work collaboratively with school leaders, teachers, and student support staff to drive student achievement and provide equitable access to education for all learners.Key Responsibilities: Leadership & ManagementOversee and manage the special education program across all KIPP Kansas City schools, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and compliance with IDEA, ADA, Section 504, and other relevant laws.Supervise and support special education staff, including interventionists, SPED teachers, and related service providers.Collaborate with school leaders to implement inclusive practices that support students with disabilities in general education settings.Program Oversight & ComplianceEnsure the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.Conduct audits to ensure compliance with federal and state mandates, including documentation, timelines, and services.Provide leadership during state and district reviews or audits of special education programming.Professional DevelopmentDesign and deliver training for teachers, school leaders, and student support staff to enhance understanding and implementation of special education best practices.Mentor and coach special education teams to build capacity and improve instructional effectiveness.Collaboration & AdvocacyServe as the primary liaison between KIPP Kansas City and external partners, including families, districts, and other service providers.Advocate for students with disabilities and their families, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met.Data-Driven Decision-MakingUse student achievement and compliance data to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.Monitor key performance indicators (e.g., academic progress, service delivery rates, compliance timelines) to guide strategic planning.