Director of Special Education Services
Bronx, NY
Charter School Network / School-Based Leadership Role
Full-Time | 12-Month Position
Position Overview
At Cardinal McCloskey Community Charter School (CMCCS), we are seeking a seasoned and mission-driven Director of Special Education Services to lead and strengthen our special education, ELL, and academic interview programming at our Bronx-based charter school, who will report directly to the Principal. All special education, Social Worker, ELL and other intervention staff (reading specialist, ELL Teacher, instructional specialist, service providors) will report to the Director of Special Student Services.
The Director of Special Education Services will also oversee the development, implementation, and compliance of all special education services to ensure students with disabilities receive high-quality instruction and support in alignment with federal, state, and local regulations.
The Director of Special Student Services is expected to collaborate closely with the Chief Academic Officer to ensure integration of intervention services within the classroom and in accordance with student IEPs. In addition, the Director of Curriculum and Instruction is expected to work closely with the Director of School Culture and Parent and Community Relations Coordinator to ensure the social and emotional well-being of all students.
The ideal candidate is a strategic instructional leader with deep expertise in special education compliance, inclusive practices, and staff development, and is committed to ensuring equitable outcomes for all learners.
Key Responsibilities
- Program Leadership
- Lead the vision and implementation of special education services across the school.
- Ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate supports aligned with their IEPs.
- Oversee inclusive and specialized instructional models.
- Work with the Principal and Chief Academic Officer to oversee the implementation of the co-teaching model through supervision, staff development and evaluation.
- Apply high-quality problem-solving skills and exercise expert judgment to resolve issues for parents, students and/or staff.
- Confer frequently with the district of residence special education support staff and administrators.
- Provide thorough and timely reports, data, and information as requested.
Compliance & Regulatory Oversight
- Ensure full compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and New York State Special Education regulations.
- Oversee IEP development, reviews, reevaluations, and documentation.
- Maintain accurate records for audits and reporting requirements.
- Effectively liaise with CSE to ensure compliance
- Remain current regarding laws, policies, trends and best practices related to education in general and special education, ELL and Title I programs, specifically, and share this knowledge with administrators and staff on a regular basis.
Team Management
- Assist with recruiting, screening, hiring, assigning and providing leadership in training special education staff, Social Workers, ELL Teacher, and other intervention staff.
- Supervise and coach special education teachers, coordinators, related service providers, and paraprofessionals.
- Provide professional development on differentiated instruction, inclusive practices, and compliance procedures.
- Interpret, explain, and apply district State and Federal laws, guidelines, policies and procedures for staff, students, parents, and others in a timely and accurate manner.
- Develop systems, tools and policies/procedures for effective implementation of special education, ELL and Title I services, as needed.
- Supervise and evaluate classified and certified special education staff, Social Workers, ELL Teacher, and other intervention staff providing support; opportunities, coaching, mentoring, and guidance for professional growth; and assist with timely performance evaluation in a manner that promotes team development and effective work.
Interdepartmental Collaboration
- Collaborate and coordinate with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction to ensure the needs of special education, ELL and Title I students are met and programs are in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Assist and provide support with complex individualized education plans including facilitating meetings and advising instructional leaders for more involved IEP processes.
Student Support & Services
- Coordinate related services including speech, occupational therapy, counseling, and other supports.
- Collaborate with school leadership, instructional staff, and families to ensure student success.
Family & Community Collaboration
- Serve as a key liaison between families, staff, and external service providers.
- Facilitate IEP meetings and ensure family engagement in the special education process.
Data & Program Evaluation
- Use student data to evaluate program effectiveness and improve service delivery.
- Monitor student progress toward IEP goals.
- Oversee special education and related services (in-house and external), programs and grants, and ensure Cardinal McCloskey Community Charter School compliance with state and federal laws and regulations related to the implementation of IDEA.
- Conduct observations and performance evaluations of all Special education staff, ELL and intervention staff and social workers.
- Serve as Tile I Coordinator. Oversee Title I program, and ensure Cardinal McCloskey Community Charter School compliance with state and federal laws and regulations related to the Title I.
Required Qualifications
- Must have worked as a Director of Special Education Services for at least 3-5 years
- Minimum 5–7 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher , including leadership responsibilities in an urban elementary school setting
- Valid New York State certification in Special Education -status will be checked in TEACH
- Master’s degree in Special Education or related field
- School Building Leader (SBL) or School District Leader (SDL) certification preferred
- Strong knowledge of IDEA, IEP development, and NYSED compliance requirements
- Experience supervising staff and managing special education programs
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in urban public or charter school environments
- Experience with inclusive and co-teaching models
- Strong background in data-driven instruction and intervention planning
- Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply
Key Competencies
- Strategic leadership
- Compliance and regulatory expertise
- Staff development and coaching
- Collaborative problem solving
- Equity-driven decision making
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience ($70K + , commensurate on both Verified NYSED certification and work experience)
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
- 403B Retirement plan available
- Professional development opportunities
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter detailing leadership experience in special education
- Copies of certifications
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Dir. of SpEd Services: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Students with Disabilities (Initial or Professional) (Required)
- School Building Leadership Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
