ARD Facilitator

Job Title: ARD Facilitator Wage/Hour Status: Exempt/Professional

Reports to: Director of Special Education Pay Grade:

Dept./School: Special Education                                            Duty Days: 197

Primary Purpose:

Coordinate and facilitate admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee meetings so that families and school staff can participate meaningfully, review student information, and develop clear, individualized education programs (IEPs). Support accurate documentation and timely communication of committee decisions. 

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Master’s Degree preferred 
• Valid Texas Teacher Special Education Certification or diagnostician certification 

Special Knowledge/Skills: 

• Effective communication skills 
• Ability to use a variety of computer software 
• Knowledge of ARD procedures, IEP process, special education law, and education/programming of special education students
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills 
• Ability to maintain organization of multiple schedules 
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in decision-making, especially under challenging circumstances

Experience: 

• Minimum of three years as a special education classroom teacher

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Compliance: 

• Schedules and prepares paperwork for all Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee meetings on assigned campuses. 
• Leads the ARD committee meetings regarding the development of the individual education plan (IEP) and appropriate placement of students eligible for services under IDEA. 
• Meets timeline requirements for annual ARD meetings. 
• Works with the Diag/LSSP to ensure all required notices have been sent and evaluations reviewed within timelines, and all are tracked through the documentation system. 
• Implements and follows the ARD agenda during all ARD meetings. 
• Ensures that all federal, state, and district requirements are met when conducting ARD meetings. 
• Helps teachers and service providers prepare current progress information, proposed goals, and other materials for committee consideration. 
• Ensures that the committee considers relevant evaluation information, student strengths and needs, parent input, progress, goals, services, supports, and placement. 
• Makes recommendations to the ARD Committee, when necessary, for educational programming, based on the student’s individualized needs, needed services, and federal/state/district requirements. 
• Shows accuracy when using PEIMS coding to represent appropriate instructional arrangements, related services, and other services provided. 
• Reviews state assessment reports for accuracy with LSSP/Diag and Administrator. 
• Promptly archives IEP documents and submits paperwork to parents and staff. 
• Takes deliberations during the ARD meeting and reads them to the committee at the conclusion of the ARD. 
• Ensures all required documents and supplemental forms are reviewed and included in the IEP paperwork. 
• Maintains confidential student records and collaborates with families, campus leaders, teachers, evaluation personnel, and related service providers. 

Communication and Professional Development: 

• Coordinates schedules for ARD meetings and staffings with teachers, Principals, and parents. 
• Supports families and school personnel with special education questions. 
• Maintains a positive and effective relationship with supervisors, Principals, colleagues, and parents. 
• Communicates professionally and effectively with supervisors, Principals, colleagues, and parents. 
• Is visible and readily accessible to the Principal, staff, and parents. 
• Participates in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Computer and peripherals, and other instructional equipment

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking

Lifting: May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities, control behavior through physical restraint, assist nonambulatory students, and  lift and move adaptive equipment; may work prolonged or irregular hours

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards; may require districtwide travel

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress