] Office of Human Resources - Montgomery County Public Schools

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT → CLASSIFICATION → DIRECTOR, SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

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Director, Special Education Services

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS CLASS DESCRIPTION
OFFICIAL TITLE: Director I CODE: 0330 SQ/OQ: Not Applicable
WORKING TITLE: Director, Special Education Services GRADE: P MONTHS: 12
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION; PHYSICAL DEMANDS; AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: The Director of Special Education Services is responsible for the strategic leadership, management, and coordination of all student support services across Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), with a focus on fostering an inclusive environment where all students, especially students with disabilities, receive the necessary supports to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Under the direction of the Chief Student Support Officer, this position ensures that MCPS meets federal and state legislation requirements for educating students with disabilities. The Director will oversee the development, coordination, and implementation of services and programs designed to address the diverse needs of students, including special education services, social-emotional learning (SEL), mental health supports, and other student behavior and well-being initiatives. The position will work closely with schools, school leaders, counselors, district teams, office of general counsel, mental health professionals, family support services, and community stakeholders to ensure a holistic approach to student support that promotes inclusion, resilience, and academic success. Key responsibilities include ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, overseeing fiscal management of related funds, providing technical assistance and support for schools, special programs, child find, pre-school through age 21, transition services, and cross functional team operations. The role also collaborates on coordinating social-emotional and wellness programs, managing diverse learning programs, ensuring the integration of these services into the overall educational experience. The Director will also play a pivotal role in developing strategies that support students' mental health, behavior, and emotional needs, ensuring that student with disabilities have access to the resources they need to succeed. The Director will also drive the alignment of these services with the district’s strategic goals, including Our Call to Action: Pursuit of Excellence, ensuring that student support and well-being are prioritized in all aspects of education. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Attendance at evening Board of Education and other school system required meetings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION STANDARDS
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: The Director of Special Education Services must possess extensive knowledge of federal and state regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title IX, and related laws impacting all students including students with disabilities. Experience in implementing and providing structures for special education, social-emotional learning, and student well-being. The role requires strong leadership in managing and overseeing programs and services for all students ensuring compliance with all relevant laws. The director must demonstrate expertise in program management, and data-driven decision-making, with a focus on continuous improvement. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential for collaboration with administrators, parents, community groups, and external agencies. The ability to lead staff development and drive equity and inclusion in educational practices is also crucial to the success of this position.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE; CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: The Director of Special Education Services must have a Master’s degree from an accredited institution, with additional graduate coursework in special education, administration, or supervision; The position requires a minimum of three to five years of special education teaching experience and three to five years of central or school-based administrative experience in managing diverse learner programs. The ideal candidate will have proven success in providing leadership for the planning, development, and implementation of countywide policies, programs, budgets, and staffing, as well as experience working with a continuum of special education, social-emotional and well being services. Knowledge of laws such as Title VII, Title IX, and ADA is also required. Successful leadership in managing teams, working with parents and community groups, and overseeing compliance-related processes is essential. Additional training or coursework in legal studies, criminal justice, human resources, or administration is a plus.CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Meets Maryland Administrator I certification requirements. Certification in special education or related services provider required. Completion of OAT I or II, or completion within one year of the position start date.
OVERTIME ELIGIBLE: No

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Director of Special Education Services is responsible for overseeing the provision of a free and appropriate education (FAPE) for all students, especially those with disabilities, in the least restrictive environment. This includes coordinating the planning, implementation, and evaluation of specialized educational programs, supports, and services across Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), ensuring compliance with federal and state legislation. The Director will collaborate on the development and evaluation of instructional programs, including curriculum for students with disabilities, social-emotional well-being, behavioral health, and ensure the continuous improvement of classroom instruction through coordination with central staff, cross functional teams, and school-based administrators and specialists.The Director will lead the allocation of resources, including staffing, budget, and materials, and oversee grant applications to secure additional funding aligned with priorities. This includes managing critical programs such as special programs and extended school year programs. The director will collaborate on the oversight of special education, social-emotional, and student well-being data systems. The Director will prepare and present detailed budget requests, periodic project analyses, and reports to senior management, the Board of Education, and other governmental bodies upon requests.Additionally, the Director will establish and maintain partnerships with parents, community groups, business sectors, and other governmental agencies to support the success of students with disabilities. This includes developing and implementing professional development programs,Additionally, the Director: Collaborates with the Office of Shared Accountability to conduct research and evaluation related to instructional programs and services; prepares and delivers presentations at Board of Education, County Council, and community meetings; responds to internal and external communications, legislative proposals, and information requests; maintains knowledge of current developments at the local, state, and national levels to anticipate and implement necessary operational changes; and supports the effective handling of employee matters, including performance evaluations, and professional growth aligned with system wide expectations.This leadership position plays a critical role in ensuring students with disabilities receive equitable, inclusive, and supportive educational opportunities that address their academic, emotional, social, and behavioral needs, while also promoting systemic excellence and community engagement.A key responsibility of the role is guiding cross-functional teams to align instructional priorities with district-wide strategic goals, ensuring that all initiatives are inclusive, data-informed, and student-centered. The Director serves as a critical advisor to senior leadership on matters involving instructional equity, and innovative practices within special education.In this role, the Director will serve as a key resource to school administrators and staff, providing guidance on employee performance, and compliance issues. The Director will also represent the department at Board of Education, County Council, and other public meetings, providing updates on the department’s operations and performance.

This description may be changed at any time.