WESTWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Westwood, Massachusetts

 

POSITION

Director of Preschool/OOD Coordinator

REPORTS TO

Director of Student Services

NATURE AND SCOPE 

The Westwood Public Schools seeks an Integrated Director of Preschool/Out of District Coordinator to join our caring and innovative community. The Director of Preschool/Out of District Coordinator is a critical leadership role responsible for the effective oversight of both the Integrated Preschool and all out-of-district student placements. This position requires a clear vision, strong administrative skills, and a commitment to ensuring all students receive the services and support they need to succeed. The Director/Coordinator will work collaboratively with the Director of Student Services, parents, staff, and external agencies to ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Director of Early Childhood

• Articulate a clear vision and plan for the effective implementation of that vision.
• Assist the Director of Student Services in all matters related to students and their success in school.
• Oversee special education at preschool; transition from EI, evaluation process, eligibility process and create an IEP, if eligible.
• Recommend and collaborate in the recruitment, appointment, evaluation, supervision and staff development of student services personnel employed at the Integrated Preschool.
• Ensure the implementation of the recommendations made by the Evaluation Teams and written into educational plans.
• Coordinate transition from Early Intervention into Preschool program.
• Manage day to day operations of preschool programs.
• Oversee peer enrollment process and preschool screening for early childhood program.
• Monitor individual student progress, when necessary, by serving as liaison between staff, parents, advocates, etc. to facilitate communication in resolving differences of opinion.
• Represent the Student Services Department at preschool administrative meetings.
• Develop, implement, monitor, evaluate and modify where appropriate the provision of services and programs that best meet students’ needs and comply with state and federal regulations. 
• Above to include budget recommendations, deployment of staff, acquisition of materials and equipment and provision of staff development accordingly.
• Assess, develop/implement and coordinate professional development for student services staff.
• Develop a budget, monitor expenditures for student services including staff and prepare for BSEA proceedings as circumstances warrant.
• Represent the system’s interests in seeking additional community and state agency supports families of children with special needs.
• Consult and collaborate with principals, parents and other agencies, including Early Childhood Council.
• Develop and implement procedures for compliance with all applicable laws, policies and regulations.
• Prepare data for state, federal and other reports, including grants on Student Services areas as required by the Director of Student Services.
• Administer procedures for the collection and maintenance of building level records in accordance to appropriate regulations.
• Function as a resource for principals, other administrators, and staff regarding student services policy, procedures, or state and federal regulations.
• Oversee the functioning of Evaluation Teams of preschool students to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Plan, manage and run Extended School Year prek-5 program in conjunction with other department heads.
• Communicate effectively, honestly and transparently with all constituencies, including staff, parents, and community members.
• Create ownership through delegation and participation at all levels.
• Prioritize tasks and maintain effective organizational systems.
• Find and implement solutions to complex problems.
• Demonstrate good judgment.
• Maintain a sense of calm and communicate clearly and directly when dealing with urgent or emotional situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services.

 

Out of District Coordinator

• Represent the interests of the District in accordance with all applicable state and federal special education regulations in the placement, monitoring and maintenance of all students beyond the Westwood Public Schools.
• Manage all aspects of the out of district placement process, including generation of budgetary documents as necessary and required by MA DESE and Student Services office in district. 
• Serves as member of the special education administration team, providing input through annual program planning, budget preparations, community outreach, and staff supervision as assigned.
• Remain current and in compliance with department of education regulations pertaining to on-site monitoring of students placements as well as timely submission of all necessary fiscal documents to support such placements.
• Experience engaging families as collaborative partners in the planning and problem solving process regarding out of district placements
• Collaborates with other coordinators, principals, internal and external teaching staff in the development and monitoring of appropriate educational plans.
• Collaborate with external agencies (like DCF, DMH, DDS), and providing liaison services for interagency collaboration and financial administration

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in relevant educational area/Master’s Degree or higher in special education.
• Massachusetts DESE licensure as an Administrator of Special Education and SEI administrator endorsement, or other appropriate certification as determined by the Superintendent.
• 5 years of experience in special education education required guidance, or related fields, with administrative experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential job functions below as evidenced by coursework, educational experience, or preK-5 involvement.
• Thorough knowledge of current state and federal regulations and legal issues regarding students with disabilities.
• Clear understanding and knowledge of disabilities as well as knowledge of current theory and best practices/models in special education.
• Demonstrated commitment to celebrating diversity, pursuing equity, and promoting integration.
• Familiarity with trauma-sensitive educational practices