LAKE TAHOE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT/ TAHOE-ALPINE SELPA

Title:Program Specialist – Special Education

Brief Description: Under the direction of the Director of Special Services, theProgram Specialist-Special Education shall develop, coordinate and assist in supervising programs and support services for Special Education students and staff throughout the Lake Tahoe Unified School District and Tahoe-Alpine Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. The Program Specialist shall observe, consult with, and assist resource specialists, designated instruction and services instructors, special class teachers and non-public schools/agencies.
  1. The Program Specialist shall plan programs, coordinate curricular resources and evaluate effectiveness of programs for individuals with exceptional needs.
  1. The Program Specialist shall participate in each school’s staff development, program development and innovation of special methods and approaches.
  1. The Program Specialist shall provide coordination, consultation and program development primarily in one specialized area or areas of his or her expertise.
  1. The Program Specialist shall be responsible for assuring that pupils have full educational opportunity regardless of the district of residence.
  1. The Program Specialist shall coordinate and facilitate an ongoing network of communication between the district and non-public schools/agencies.
  1. Assists parents in participating in the special education process including but not limited to identification of child’s needs, IEP development and resolution of disputes.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Interview and participate in the selection of special education teacher positions.
  1. Chair IEPT placement meetings for full day programs as requested/needed.
  1. Serve as liaison to:
  • District Office
  • Community Agencies/Services
  • State & County Schools & Services
  • Private Schools
  • State Department of Education/Special Education Division
  • Parent & Professional Groups
  1. Make presentations to professional organizations and groups as requested.
  1. Supervise and implement special education program at school sites.
  • Observe in special education classrooms.
  • Evaluate educational programs.
  • Participate in parent conferences as needed.
  • Observe students integrated in regular classrooms.
  • Conference with principals, psychologists and others.
  1. Assist the Director of Special Services in planning budget requirements of special education programs.
  1. Prepare Board of Education presentations.
  1. Supervise, coordinate and participate in the evaluation of special education, programs essential to the maintenance of programs.
  1. Assist the Director of Special Services in developing and implementing a local plan.
  1. Coordinate and supervise committees to revise Teacher Handbooks for SELPA and District programs.
  1. Participate in formulating District Policy and Procedures for SELPA special education programs utilizing Education Code and Title V Guidelines.
  1. Attend meetings as requested by Program Director:
  • Special Services Staff
  • Special Education Commission
  • County Special Education
  • General Staff
  • SELPA Management
  1. Attend conferences, workshops and in-service training sessions pertaining to areas of responsibility.

Supervision exercised by: The Program Specialist/Special Education works at the direction of and is immediately responsible to the Director of Special Services.

Qualifications:

  1. Bachelor’s Degree is required; a Master’s Degree is desirable.
  1. Hold one of the following valid California credentials:
  • Special Education credential
  • Services credential in Clinical Rehabilitations, Health or Psychology
  1. Hold a valid California Administrative Services credential.
  1. Program Specialist must have advanced training and related experience in the education of individuals with exceptional needs and a specialized in-depth knowledge in preschool handicapped, career vocational development, or one or more areas of major handicapping conditions.

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