Assistant Director of Special Education - Arkansas Connections Academy

School Summary

Arkansas Connections Academy (ARCA) is a tuition-free, virtual public charter school serving students in grades K-12 statewide. ARCA is authorized by the Arkansas Charter Authorizing Panel and the State Board of Education and is governed by an independent Board of Directors. The school contracts with Connections Education to provide its educational program and other services. ARCA is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement, the Northwest Accreditation Commission, and the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), which are accrediting divisions of Cognia.

Arkansas Connections Academy strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Position Summary 

Working remotely in Arkansas, the Assistant Director of Special Education will support the Director of Special Education to oversee all aspects of educational service delivery for students with special education needs. The Assistant Director of Special Education will ensure that the school operates in compliance with all district, state, and federal regulations. The Assistant Supervisor of Special Education will collect, store, and update data and documentation in a manner that meets or exceeds all compliance expectations. They will assure that special education teachers are providing a comprehensive special education program that includes specially designed instruction in the least restrictive environment and that all students’ records are accurate and up-to-date. They will assure that 504 coordinators are maintaining accurate and up-to-date records. They will assure that EL teachers and dyslexia interventionists are providing comprehensive programs that meet state and federal requirements.

The Assistant Director will manage the IEP process, 504 process, communication with parents of students who have or who may be suspected of having disabilities, engagement with related service providers throughout the state, and compliant operations with special education law and procedures at all times. The Assistant Director of Special Education will work in collaboration with the Director of Special Education, School Leader, school leadership team and Pearson Online and Blended Learning. Leadership tasks will include collaboration with state board of education representatives, authorizing district representatives, and colleagues at the corporate office and other Connections Academy schools.

The Assistant Director of Special Education will also collaborate with school staff to ensure that state testing accommodations for students with IEPs, 504s and English Learners are provided in an accurate and well planned manner. The Assistant Director will provide excellent customer service to the district, school leaders, teachers, students, and families. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an ability to build strong relationships with these stakeholders and operate at a high level of integrity and accountability. A highly-qualified individual proximate to the school’s location will also be considered.

Primary Responsibilities 

• The Assistant Director of Special Education will support the Director of Special Education to ensure that the school is providing appropriate programs in the least restrictive environment for all students with special needs. This will include management of the IEP process, communication with parents of students who have or who may have disabilities, engagement with related service providers throughout the state, and compliant operations with special education law and procedures at all times.
• They will support the Director of Special Education to ensure that the school is providing appropriate programs for students with 504s, EL students, and students receiving dyslexia interventions.

General Responsibilities

• Demonstrate a high level of integrity with transparency and accountability;
• Collaborate, serve, and engage with the Director of Special Education, school leadership team, Pearson Online and Blended Learning (POBL) and authorizing district leaders;
• Actively participate in all school functions and activities, including state testing, marketing events, and field trips (traveling as requested);
• Supervise, manage and evaluate a team of special population teachers;
• Communicate with the Director of Special Education and School Leader about the special populations team;
• Ensure compliance with federal and state special education processes and timelines;
• Remain compliant and conduct all tasks related to state reporting, me