Director of Services for Exceptional Children

at  GO BIG Charlotte

Thank you for your interest in joining G.O. B.I.G.! To be considered for this position, all applicants must complete an official application on our website.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Services for Exceptional Children (DSEC) at G.O. B.I.G. oversees the planning, implementation, and monitoring of services designed to meet the needs of students with exceptionalities, including those with disabilities, gifted students, and English language learners. The DSEC ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while fostering an inclusive, equitable educational environment where all students can thrive.

QUALIFICATIONS:

In North Carolina, the educational qualifications for a Director of Exceptional Children (EC) Services are defined by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NC DPI). Candidates must meet one of the following sets of criteria:

• Master’s Level License in an Exceptional Children’s Area or Advanced (Sixth-Year) Level License in School Psychology
• Graduate Coursework:
• Three semester hours in Administration
• Three semester hours in Curriculum Development
• Three semester hours in Supervision
• Praxis Exam:
• Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision (Preferred)
• Master’s Level License in School Administration or Curriculum Instruction
• Graduate Coursework:
• Nine semester hours in Exceptional Children
• Praxis Exam:
• Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision (Preferred)

Program Leadership and Development

• Develop, implement, and monitor programs and services for exceptional children in alignment with G.O. B.I.G.’s mission and educational philosophy.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, ADA, and other applicable federal and state regulations governing exceptional children’s services.
• Collaborate with school leadership to design curriculum modifications, accommodations, and interventions to support academic success for exceptional students.
• Lead the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans, ensuring they meet students’ unique needs.

Compliance and Accountability

• Monitor and ensure compliance with all legal requirements and deadlines regarding exceptional children’s services.
• Prepare and submit required reports and documentation to local, state, and federal agencies.
• Conduct internal audits of exceptional children’s programs to maintain compliance and quality standards.
• Stay current with changes in laws, policies, and best practices related to exceptional children’s education.

Staff Support and Development

• Provide training and professional development for teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff on topics related to exceptional children’s education, including differentiation, behavior management, and inclusive practices.
• Serve as a resource for staff to implement effective instructional strategies and interventions.
• Supervise and evaluate exceptional children’s support staff, including specialists, therapists, and interventionists.
• Facilitate collaboration among teachers, specialists, and other school staff to ensure alignment in support services.

Student Support and Advocacy

• Oversee the identification, evaluation, and placement processes for exceptional children.
• Monitor student progress and ensure that interventions are data-driven and meet students’ individual needs effectively.
• Act as an advocate for students with exceptionalities, ensuring they receive equitable access to resources and opportunities.
• Provide guidance and support to families, fostering strong partnerships and communication.

Instructional Leadership Team

• Work with the instructional leadership team to integrate services for exceptional children into the school’s overall instructional vision and strategic goals.
• Analyze school-wide data on student achievement to identify trends and inform interventions for exceptional learners.
• Co-lead training for teachers and staff on differentiation, inclusive practices, and evidence-based strategies for exceptional children.
• Ensure curriculum modifications and accommodations align with state standards and support exceptional learners.
• Collaborate with other leaders to guide teachers in implementing best practices for inclusive classrooms.
• Participate in evaluating the effectiveness of instructional programs for exceptional learners and recommend improvements as needed.

Operational and Resource Management

• Develop and manage the budget for exceptional children’s programs, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
• Coordinate with external service providers, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists, to ensure comprehensive support for students.
• Ensure accessibility of assistive technologies and other tools that enhance learning for students with exceptionalities.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for all students receiving services.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

• Partner with families to build awareness and understanding of exceptional children’s services.
• Serve as the school’s liaison with local agencies, advocacy groups, and other organizations supporting exceptional children.
• Represent the school in community and professional forums related to special education.
• Collaborate with school leaders and instructional teams to align exceptional children’s services with the broader school mission.

Program Monitoring and Improvement

• Use data to evaluate the effectiveness of exceptional children’s programs and inform decision-making.
• Lead efforts to integrate evidence-based practices and innovative strategies into programming for exceptional children.
• Develop action plans to address program gaps, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Promote high expectations and achievement for all students, regardless of their abilities.