Job Information
Nevada Connections Academy Director of Special Education - Georgia Connections Academy in United States
Description
School Summary
Georgia Connections Academy is a tuition-free, full-time virtual school for students in grades 5-12 throughout Georgia. The school is authorized by the Georgia Charter Schools Commission and governed by an independent Board of Directors, with a mission to maximize academic achievement for students who are seeking other academic options. The school is operated by Georgia Connections Academy, a nonprofit corporation, through a contract with Connections Academy of Georgia, LLC, to provide its educational program and other services. Connections Academy, a division of Connections Education, is accredited by AdvancED, and GACA is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.
Georgia Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
Position Summary
The Director of Special Education is a district-level leadership position tasked with ensuring that Georgia Connections Academy adheres to all federal and state laws, regulations, and policies related to special education. Functioning as the district’s internal auditor, this role is responsible for monitoring schools’ practices, maintaining rigorous documentation, and ensuring consistent compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, and other applicable standards.
This position oversees the special education compliance team and engages in ongoing professional development to stay informed of updates in special education laws and compliance practices. The Director will ensure all schools within the district provide appropriate services in the least restrictive environment for students with special needs, supporting equitable access to high-quality education. A critical aspect of the role is frequent and effective communication and collaboration with Principals and special education Assistant Principals (APs) to ensure school-level alignment with district goals and compliance standards.
Key Responsibilities
Compliance Oversight:
Monitor and audit schools across the district to ensure compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and other federal and state regulations.
Develop, implement, and enforce district-wide policies and procedures to maintain compliance and address identified areas for improvement.
Oversee the timely and accurate submission of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and compliance-related documentation.
Serve as the district’s liaison with the Georgia Department of Education on compliance-related matters.
Program Auditing and Reporting:
Conduct detailed audits of school-level special education records, ensuring documentation meets state and federal standards.
Prepare compliance reports for internal stakeholders and external regulatory agencies.
Provide actionable feedback to schools to improve practices and meet compliance benchmarks.
Collaboration and Communication:
Foster ongoing communication and collaboration with special education APs to align school-level practices with district compliance goals.
Serve as a resource to APs for addressing challenges related to special education compliance and service delivery.
Facilitate regular meetings with APs to discuss updates, review data, and plan improvements to special education programs.
Professional Development and Training:
Attend training sessions and workshops on compliance standards, special education updates, and best practices.
Disseminate knowledge gained through training to school staff and administrators.
Organize and lead district-wide professional development for compliance staff, APs, and special education teachers to strengthen understanding and application of legal standards.
Program Leadership:
Ensure the pre-referral and IEP processes align with district policies and legal guidelines, facilitating appropriate interventions and services for students.
Supervise the identification and contracting of service providers across the state to deliver specialized services.
Maintain oversight of service delivery to ensure quality and compliance.
Data Management and Utilization:
Oversee district-wide use of Go-IEP for tracking student progress, monitoring IEP timelines, and assessing compliance metrics.
Leverage tools such as Power BI, Google Sheets, and Excel to create data dashboards, analyze trends, and drive decision-making.
Monitor and report on key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of special education programs.
Team Leadership:
Manage the special education compliance team, ensuring roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and effectively executed.
Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within the team.
Parent and Community Engagement:
Communicate with families to address questions and concerns about special education services and compliance.
Provide clear guidance to parents on their rights and responsibilities under IDEA and Section 504.
Additional Responsibilities:
Handle escalated issues involving students, parents, or teachers.
Perform all other duties as assigned to ensure the smooth operation of the school and its programs.
Qualifications
Master’s degree in Special Education and/or Educational Leadership or in progress.
Current Georgia Special Education or Educational Leadership certification (required).
Minimum of 2 years of experience in special education leadership, compliance, or auditing, with district-level experience preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in Go-IEP, Power BI, Google Sheets, Excel, and other Google products.
Experience conducting compliance audits or evaluations in an educational setting.
Deep understanding of federal and state special education laws and regulations.
Experience in a virtual or hybrid educational environment (preferred).
Skills and Competencies
Strong organizational and auditing skills with an ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines.
Exceptional analytical skills for data-driven decision-making and program evaluation.
Proficiency in using technology for compliance monitoring, data analysis, and reporting.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an emphasis on presenting findings to diverse audiences.
Ability to collaborate effectively with School-level leadership teams, families, school staff, and external agencies.
Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a customer focused approach