Director of Exceptional Children and Special Education - NC Connections

School Summary

North Carolina Connections Academy is a public remote charter academy serving students across the state. The school delivers a personalized learning experience through the Connections Academy model, emphasizing strong family partnerships, academic rigor, and equitable access to student support services. The virtual environment allows students to learn flexibly while receiving the guidance and support needed to succeed academically and personally.

Position Summary

North Carolina Connections Academy seeks a highly experienced virtual education leader to serve as Director of Exceptional Children and Special Education, providing strategic oversight and leadership for the school’s special populations program. Working from their home or from our Durham office, the Director of Exceptional Children and Special Education will participate in all steps of the IEP process and is accountable for ensuring full compliance with IDEA, Section 504, and all North Carolina specific special education regulations while driving the delivery of high-quality, student-centered services for students with disabilities statewide. They will play a critical role in fostering a student and family centered school culture while building strong, collaborative relationships with school leadership, staff, service providers, and external stakeholders.

The Director of Exceptional Children and Special Education is a 12-month leadership position reporting to the School Leader. This position will be responsible for the successful completion of the following tasks:

• Manage a department of special education teachers, providing institutional and instructional guidance;
• Oversee the development and implementation of student IEPs;
• Oversee the Child Find, referral, and evaluation processes in accordance to IDEA and NC requirements;
• Oversee 504 development and compliance;
• Monitor and ensure 100% compliance of all IDEA documentation, including conducting compliance and reporting audits;
• Ensure appropriate Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) placements;
• Coordinate contracted service providers statewide;
• Develop standardized processes and protocols for EC/SPED department;
• Maintain positive relationships with NCDPI and regulatory agencies;
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and confidently with families, students, staff, and external stakeholders;
• Takes personal responsibility for departmental outcomes, compliance, and deadlines;
• Work closely with State Testing Coordinator to ensure testing accommodation implementation;
• Communicate regularly with case-managers/parents/learning coaches of students with special needs to ensure that IEP goals are being met, and that student needs are addressed in a timely and appropriate fashion;
• Consult with teachers and monitor the implementation of specially designed instruction as defined in the IEP regarding students with specific needs and potential learning issues;
• Schedule, organize, conduct, and/or serve as LEA for IEP related meetings in a virtual environment, as needed;
• Guide special education teachers in best practices when collaborating with general education teachers and learning coaches to develop and implement program modifications and strategies for all students;
• Assist, as needed, with the organization and proper implementation of all paperwork, documentation and procedures for the IEP process;
• Communicate with providers for students needing related services as mandated by their IEPs;
• Collaborate with third party companies to assist with services and transition planning;
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date data in the school’s Learning Management System and special education software;
• Assist with administering state testing and coordinate the special adaptations that are required based on the IEP;
• Complete transition interviews and draft an effective transition plan;
• Communicate regularly with learning coaches, students, and team teachers through use of computer and telephone;
• Other duties as assigned.
• ECATs experience preferred.

Requirements

• Valid North Carolina Teaching License with certification in Exceptional Children or Special Education.
• Master’s Degree in Special Education, Exceptional Children, or related Education Field.
• North Carolina Administrative License preferred.
• Virtual Special Education Leadership Experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in policy (IDEA) and/or administration with Special Education.
• Experience with contract management and external service providers preferred.
• A valid driver’s license or state-issued identification card.
• Availability to work full-time from 8am - 4pm, Monday through Friday.
• Strong interpersonal skills which include the ability to work effectively with students, parents, staff, and community members from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong technology skills (especially in Google Suite).
• Demonstrated ability to create a positive, equitable, and student-centered environment.
• Customer focused approach.
• High degree of flexibility.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel for school-based meetings, training, graduation, field trips, and state testing events (may require overnight travel).
• Please note, if given a job offer, 2-step authentication is required to login to all systems.

North Carolina Connections Academy is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive educational experience that reflects a diverse student body and fosters innovation through technology.