KIPP KANSAS CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Together with families and communities, KIPP Kansas City Public Schools work to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence they need to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. We are a K-9th grade school located in the historical 18th and Vine District. We are part of a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory charter schools with a track record of preparing students in educationally underserved communities for success in life. KIPP KC opened its first school, KIPP Endeavor Academy, in 2007 with approximately 31 fifth grade students. Today, KIPP Kansas City has grown to serve students in Kindergarten through 9th grade and is currently educating approximately 700 students.

Position Description

Reporting to the Head of Schools, the Director of Special Education will lead the Special Education department in the development and implementation of policies and procedures. The Director is also responsible for state reporting and finances with regards to Special Education. Additionally, the Director will support the Special Education teaching staff to ensure all KIPP students with mental or physical disabilities receive a high quality education in accordance with their IEPs, Missouri,  and Federal requirements. 

Compliance Roles and Responsibilities

• Oversee and as needed develop IEPs and support plans based on individual student need.

• Conduct all annual, triennial, initial, and transfer IEP meetings. 

• Implement and monitor the use of a Special Education data tracking and reporting system (SpedTrack).

• Ensure that all records are effectively maintained and that timelines are consistently met for annuals, re-evaluations, and initial evaluations; ensure confidentiality in reporting.

• Facilitate the delivery of services among multiple external constituents, including but not limited to school psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists and act as the liaison among external partners with all KIPP Endeavor staff working with students with disabilities.

• Work with the COO to ensure that KIPP Endeavor is receiving the appropriate funding based on our school-specific population and needs. 

• Work with the Regional Operations Director(s) to prepare all local, state, and federal reports or other documents as required.

• Direct, monitor and manage KIPP KC for compliance with state and federal laws, ensuring consistent, failsafe and quality documentation; provide comprehensive, holistic reporting of student performance data to the Head of Schools

• Respond to any state complaints, participate in IEP meetings as necessary and serve as the lead on any due process activity.

Leadership and Coaching Roles and Responsibilities

• Support the Special Education teachers and Paraprofessionals by providing instructional support that leads to dramatic academic gains for students; this may include helping teachers write or modify lesson plans to meet the needs of student IEP goals.  Hold weekly O3 with each SPED teacher and Paraprofessional.  

• Collaborate with general education teachers and monitor the effectiveness of inclusion programming including any accommodations and modifications.

• Support the ongoing professional development and individual training of Special Education teachers and general education teachers that includes research based interventions, data analysis, assessment modifications; solicit additional training where necessary and monitor effectiveness of training.  

• Participate in IEP meetings as necessary. 

• Monitor that all accommodations are being met for individual students and provide extra support during all assessments

• Support Special Education teachers in developing systems for data analysis to determine student progress and modify programming and training based on this progress. 

• Create/refine students with special needs’ schedules for regular school days and testing days.

• Participate in weekly O3s with the Head of Schools

• Lead Special Education Department Meetings.

• Participate in bi-weekly Content Lead Meetings.

Required Education, Credentials, & Experience

• 3+ years of experience as a high-performing special education teacher or administrator, who has experience closing the student achievement gaps between racial, ethnic and economic groups

• Deep experience in the design, integration, implementation and management of a school including knowledge of curriculum and instructional practices

• Systems builder, able to scale best practices across multiple schools

• Commitment to building relationships and trust with leaders, teachers, students, parents, and community

• Values rooted in high expectations, going above and beyond, and deep humility

Compensation

Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. Additionally, KIPP KC offers a comprehensive benefits package including health coverage and retirement.