Interm Director of Integrated Preschool/Out of District Coordinator na Westwood Public Schools

WESTWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Westwood, Massachusetts

POSITION

Director of Preschool/OOD Coordinator

REPORTS TO

Director of Student Services

NATURE AND SCOPE 

The Westwood Public Schools seeks an Director of Integrated Preschool/Out of District Coordinator to join our caring and innovative community. The Director of Preschool/Out of District Coordinator is a critical leadership role responsible for the effective oversight of both the Integrated Preschool and all out-of-district student placements. This position requires a clear vision, strong administrative skills, and a commitment to ensuring all students receive the services and support they need to succeed. The Director/Coordinator will work collaboratively with the Director of Student Services, parents, staff, and external agencies to ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Director of Preschool

• Articulate a clear vision and plan for the effective implementation of the early childhood program, inclusive of working knowledge of early childhood programming/curriculum.
• Assist the Director of Student Services in all matters related to student success.

• Oversee all special education processes at the preschool level, including the transition from Early Intervention, the evaluation process, eligibility determination, and the creation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Ensure the implementation of recommendations made by Evaluation Teams are written into educational plans.
• Coordinate the transition process for students moving from Early Intervention into the preschool program.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the preschool programs inclusive of monitoring the physical condition of the preschool spaces
• Oversee the peer enrollment process and preschool screening for the early childhood program.
• Monitor individual student progress by serving as a liaison between staff, parents, and advocates to facilitate communication and resolve differences of opinion.

• Recommend and collaborate in the recruitment, appointment, evaluation, supervision, and staff development of student services personnel at the Integrated Preschool.
• Assess, develop, and coordinate professional development for all early childhood staff.

• Represent the Student Services Department at preschool administrative meetings.
• Make recommendations to develop, implement, monitor, and modify programs and services to best meet students’ needs and comply with state and federal regulations.
• Prepare data for state, federal, and other reports, including grants.
• Administer procedures for the collection and maintenance of building-level records in accordance with regulations.
• Serve as a resource for principals, administrators, and staff regarding student services policy, procedures, and regulations.
• Oversee the functioning of Evaluation Teams for preschool students to ensure compliance.
• Develop, maintain, and propose a budget to the Director of Student Services which supports the needs of all assigned programs; including staff, materials, and services.
• Plan, manage, and run the Extended School Year program for PreK-5 in conjunction with other department heads.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services

Out of District Coordinator Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the out-of-district placement process, including generating necessary budgetary documents as required by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the district’s Student Services office.
• Manage and monitor expenditures for student attending out of district programs
• Assist the Director of Student Services  to prepare for Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) proceedings as circumstances warrant.
• Ensure compliance with DESE regulations regarding the on-site monitoring of student placements and the timely submission of all necessary fiscal documents.

• Represent the district’s interests in all matters related to out-of-district placements, in accordance with state and federal special education regulations.
• Serve as a member of the special education administration team, providing input for annual program planning, budget preparations, and community outreach.
• Engage families as collaborative partners in the planning and problem-solving process for out-of-district placements.
• Collaborate with other coordinators, principals, and teaching staff (internal and external) in the development and monitoring of appropriate educational plans.
• Collaborate with external agencies (such as DCF, DMH, and DDS) and provide liaison services for interagency collaboration.
• Represent the District's interests in seeking additional community and state agency support for families of children with special needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services

The ideal candidate:

• Demonstrates good judgment.
• Maintains a sense of calm and communicates clearly and directly when dealing with urgent or emotional situations.
• Communicates effectively, honestly, and transparently with all constituencies, including staff, parents, and community members.
• Creates ownership through delegation and participation at all levels.
• Prioritizes tasks and maintains effective organizational systems.
• Finds and implements solutions to complex problems.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Student Services.
• Clear understanding and knowledge of disabilities as well as knowledge of current theory
• and best practices/models in special education
• Demonstrates a commitment to celebrating diversity, pursuing equity, and promoting
• integration
• Familiar with trauma-sensitive educational practices

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in relevant early childhood education/Master’s Degree or higher in special education
• Massachusetts DESE licensure as an Administrator of Special Education and SEI administrator endorsement, or other appropriate certification as determined by the Superintendent

• 5 years of experience in special education education or related fields, with administrative experience -  preferred