Westwood Public Schools
Interm Director of Integrated Preschool/Out of District Coordinator
Westwood Public Schools, Westwood, Massachusetts, us, 02090
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
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