Position Summary
Aspire Trade High School is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and compliance-driven Director of Exceptional Children (EC) to lead and oversee all special education services. The EC Director ensures that the school delivers high-quality, legally compliant programming for students with disabilities while supporting staff, strengthening systems, and fostering an inclusive school culture.
This role is both instructional and operational, requiring a leader who can manage compliance, coach staff, partner with families, and continuously improve student outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with IDEA, Section 504, state EC policies, and charter requirements
- Oversee development, implementation, and monitoring of IEPs, 504 Plans, and related services
- Serve as the school’s EC compliance expert and primary liaison for audits, monitoring, and reporting
- Maintain accurate EC records, timelines, and documentation
Staff Leadership & Development
- Supervise, support, and evaluate EC teachers and related service providers
- Provide coaching on instructional strategies, differentiation, and behavior supports
- Lead EC-related professional development for staff
- Support general education teachers in inclusive practices and accommodations
Student Services & Instructional Support
- Ensure appropriate service delivery models (inclusion, resource, self-contained)
- Monitor student progress and use data to drive instructional decisions
- Oversee evaluations, re-evaluations, and eligibility determinations
Collaboration & Family Engagement
- Facilitate IEP meetings and ensure strong family communication and engagement
- Partner with school leadership to align EC programming with overall school goals
- Collaborate with outside agencies, service providers, and district/authorizer representatives
Operations & Systems Management
- Manage EC budgets, staffing allocations, and service contracts
- Develop and refine internal systems to ensure efficiency and compliance
- Support enrollment processes related to students with disabilities
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Special Education or related field (Master’s degree preferred)
- Valid NC licensure in Exceptional Children / Special Education
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in special education, with leadership experience preferred
- Deep knowledge of IDEA, IEP processes, 504s, and compliance requirements
- Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and ability to navigate complex situations with professionalism
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in a charter school setting
- Administrative or EC Director certification
- Experience managing audits, compliance reviews, or corrective action plans
- Background in building or improving EC programs and systems
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you fully licensed with at least 2 years of EC experience?
Work Location: In person
