The Special Education Coordinator provides leadership, oversight, and support for the district’s special education programs to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This position works collaboratively with administrators, teachers, intervention specialists, paraprofessionals, and families to support high-quality instructional and behavioral services for students with disabilities. The Coordinator ensures that programs meet students’ individualized needs, promotes staff development, monitors program effectiveness, and fosters a positive, inclusive learning environment.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee the implementation of all special education programs and services in compliance with IDEA, state regulations, and district policies.
- Support administrators, teachers, and intervention specialists in developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Monitor student progress and ensure appropriate accommodations, modifications, and interventions are provided.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development for special education staff, including teachers and paraprofessionals.
- Collaborate with general education staff to ensure inclusive practices and alignment with district initiatives.
- Conduct observations and provide feedback to teachers and support staff regarding instruction and behavior interventions.
- Assist in the evaluation of special education programs and identify areas for improvement.
- Facilitate communication and collaboration among families, staff, and outside agencies regarding student services.
- Ensure accurate and timely documentation related to evaluations, IEPs, and compliance reporting.
- Support behavior intervention planning and implementation for students with challenging behaviors.
- Coordinate special education assessments, eligibility determinations, and re-evaluations.
- Stay current on research, trends, and best practices in special education and instructional strategies.
- Participate in district committees and initiatives to support student success and inclusion.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education or district administration.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Valid Ohio Administrative license
- Experience teaching students with disabilities in K–12 settings.
- Strong knowledge of IDEA, state regulations, and special education compliance requirements.
- Experience developing, implementing, and monitoring IEPs.
- Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Ability to provide coaching and support to staff, including paraprofessionals.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or related field.
- Administrative or leadership experience in special education programs.
- Experience with data-driven decision-making and program evaluation.
- Knowledge of behavior management frameworks, PBIS, or MTSS.
Physical Demands:
- Frequent standing, walking, and moving between classrooms and offices.
- Occasional bending, kneeling, crouching, or sitting on the floor when working with students.
- Ability to lift or carry materials up to 25 pounds.
- Use of hands and fingers to operate computers, tablets, and office equipment.
- Ability to observe student behavior and instructional practices visually and auditorily.
- Ability to maintain composure in potentially high-stress situations involving students with behavioral or emotional challenges.
Working Conditions:
- Primarily works in school buildings, including classrooms, offices, and common areas.
- Frequent interaction with students, staff, families, and external service providers.
- May be required to move quickly between locations within the building.
- Occasional exposure to students displaying challenging behaviors.
- Must maintain confidentiality regarding student records and staff evaluations.
- Work schedule generally follows the school calendar, with occasional after-hours meetings or professional development sessions.
- Work may involve interruptions and a fast-paced environment due to the responsive nature of student needs and program oversight.
EEO Disclaimer
Findlay City Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes"). The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.