Director of Special Education

Company Description

Wonderful College Prep Academy is a charter network in California's Central Valley committed to providing a world-class education for all students. The Academy's mission is to graduate students prepared to earn a college degree and to set them on a promising career path for life. We believe this begins with a nurturing, engaging, community-centered school environment where students develop a strong and well-rounded academic foundation. Ultimately, this will prepare generations of leaders in the Central Valley who are critical thinkers and life-long learners. 

The Academy's first school opened in Delano in 2009, serving students from across the Central Valley in grades 6-12. In 2016, we moved to our new, state-of-the-art college prep campus in Delano. In the Fall of 2017, we added an elementary school in Delano and opened a second charter school in Lost Hills. In Delano, we serve over 1,800 students in grades TK-12, while in Lost Hills, we serve over 400 students in grades TK-12. 

All students have access to technology, from hands-on-STEM learning for younger students in a fully equipped "maker's space" to one-to-one school-provided devices for all students. The Academy aims to provide every opportunity for our students that often is not found in public or charter schools, including the ability to graduate from high school with a free associate degree. Through a unique partnership with Bakersfield College, our students enroll in college classes starting in 9th grade and complete all their A-G requirements, in addition to their AS Degree requirements, over the course of four years. In addition, all graduates are eligible to earn a four-year renewable college scholarship through the generous support of Lynda and Stewart Resnick. 

We seek thoughtful, inclusive, skilled communicators and creative problem-solvers who value continuous learning and who are excited to serve our students and families. Now is the time to join a team making enduring change within the Central Valley of California and beyond! 

Click here to learn more about the Wonderful Company's other great philanthropic partnerships. 

Job Description

To meet the unique needs of our students, the Director of Special Education is responsible for directing the planning, organization, administration, and evaluation of all special education programs and related services affecting the TK–12 instructional program. This includes oversight of student identification, assessment, placement, and due process, as well as leadership in advancing inclusive practices, compliance, and continuous improvement across the district.

Essential Job Functions:

Leadership & Strategic Planning

• Engages in strategic planning through collaboration with school administrators and staff to facilitate the inclusion of Special Education in the site vision process.
• Develops and executes a Special Education strategic plan aligned to district goals, including quarterly updates to the Board of Directors on the status of Special Education services, student outcomes, and areas for growth.
• Provides leadership for the development of district and department goals, policies, procedures, and continuous improvement initiatives related to Special Education, including the design, implementation, and management of inclusive education programs.
• Maintains strong relationships with regional, county, state, and federal agencies, ensuring alignment with current laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Serves as the district’s lead representative for internal and external program reviews, audits, and compliance monitoring.
• Collaborates with legal counsel in mediation and due process hearings.

Program Management & Oversight

• Oversees the design, delivery, and evaluation of all Special Education programs, ensuring high-quality services that promote student growth and access to the general education curriculum.
• Provides consultation and guidance on innovative instructional strategies, inclusion practices, and multi-tiered supports that enhance student learning.
• Recommends and manages the Special Education budget and allocation of resources.
• Supports the assigning and scheduling of Special Education personnel in collaboration with site administrators.
• Determines site placement for SLPs, SLPAs, Psychologists, OTs, PTs, Interns, and other related service providers to ensure balanced and effective service delivery.
• Organizes all aspects of the Extended School Year (ESY) program, beginning early in the calendar year to ensure proactive planning, communication, and staffing.

Staff Development & Collaboration

• Provides a comprehensive