Director of Elementary Special Education (C129-2627)

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Special Education

POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Elementary Special Education oversees and directs all special education programs, services, and personnel across the district's elementary schools. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring high-quality, compliant special education services while advancing the district's vision for inclusive education. The Director establishes strategic direction, ensures legal compliance, and advocates for the needs of elementary students with disabilities. This position collaborates with district leadership to develop and implement policies that support exceptional educational experiences for all students with disabilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES: This position requires extensive knowledge of special education law, strong leadership abilities, excellent communication skills, and a collaborative approach to supporting students with disabilities while maintaining compliance with all regulatory requirements. Leadership and ComplianceProvide leadership for all special education programs and services for students across all elementary schools in the districtCollaborate with Compliance Team to establish and maintain effective policy/procedures and Child CountsServe on district teams and committees, as assigned, to represent special education interests and ensure alignment with district initiativesBuild and maintain strategic partnerships with other departments to support integrated service delivery for studentsIn support of the Executive Director of Special Education, identify, prepare, and deliver comprehensive reports, presentations, and communicationsProgram Development and ImprovementDirect, oversee, and actively participate in the development and implementation of the department's comprehensive improvement planSupervise and engage in activities related to student eligibility determinations, IEP development, appropriate placements, and transportation servicesCollaborate with relevant departments to design and implement system-wide professional learning initiatives that enhance services and instruction for students with disabilitiesDevelop, implement, and evaluate curriculum and instruction initiatives to ensure alignment to district standards, state requirements, and evidence-based practicesSupport the Executive Director to conduct comprehensive special education programming reviews that drive positive student outcomes and inform decisions regarding specialized programming and curriculum materialsLegal and Dispute ResolutionCoordinate departmental and system-wide responses to legal issues including: Due process complaintsLocal dispute resolution requests and mediation proceedingsOffice of Civil Rights complaintsState complaintsResolve complex, sensitive inquiries and complaints through effective stakeholder communication and conflict resolution strategiesPerform other duties as assignedQUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:Advanced degree in special education requiredMinimum of five (5) successful years of experience special education settingsExperience implementing and monitoring compliance with federal and state special education requirementsExperience with special education data management systems, particularly CT-SEDS or similar systemsExperience leading professional development initiatives related to special educationIn-depth understanding of IEP development, implementation, and monitoring processesThorough knowledge of FAPE and LRE principles and their practical applicationExperience with special education program development and evaluation, including data analysis to drive program improvementExperience with special education legal proceedings and due processOutstanding leadership and organizational skillsExcellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skillsStrong orientation toward urban school systems preferredCERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Connecticut Intermediate Administrative Certification (092) and Connecticut Certification in Special Education (165) are required.

UNION AFFILIATION: Hartford Principals' Supervisors' Association (HPSA)

SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: This is a twelve-month position and the salary is in accordance with the Hartford Principals' and Supervisors' Association 2026-2027 Schedule: Group 12: $149,609 - $162,873.