School Summary

South Carolina Connections Academy (SCCA) is a tuition-free, K-12 online public school. The school was launched in 2008-09 under contract to the South Carolina Connections Academy Charter School. SCCA is South Carolina's very first virtual charter school, authorized by the Erskine Charter School District. The school serves students in grades K-12 from anywhere in South Carolina. Ninety-three percent of all Connections Academy parents rated the program an "A" or "B" for the 2018-2019 school year.

Job Description:

This position is vital in ensuring that all students receiving special education services have access to high-quality support, instruction, and resources to succeed. The Special Services Assistant Director is committed to ensuring compliance, facilitating professional development, and supporting the academic and social growth of students with disabilities. This role is responsible for providing comprehensive oversight and support in administering and implementing special education programs and services. This role ensures that students with special needs receive high-quality, individualized support while adhering to compliance requirements and supporting the professional development of staff. The assistant will work closely with the school's leadership team, general and special educators, related service providers, and families to ensure the success of students receiving special education services.

Key Responsibilities:

1. SPED PLC Support (Professional Learning Communities)


• Facilitate and support Special Education Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to enhance collaboration, professional development, and best practices within the special education team.
• Assist in developing agendas, resources, and goals for SPED PLC meetings.
  Foster a collaborative environment for staff to share strategies, challenges, and successes.


2. SPED Specialized Instruction


• Oversee the implementation of specialized instruction for students with disabilities, ensuring that instructional practices align with students' Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and the missing gap skills needed for state-standard mastery.
• Support special education teachers in adapting curriculum and materials to meet the diverse needs of students.
  Monitor the delivery of specialized instruction and ensure its effectiveness in promoting student success.


3. SPED Progress Monitoring


• Implement and oversee a system for monitoring students' academic progress receiving special education services.
• Ensure that progress monitoring data is consistently collected, analyzed, and used to inform instructional decisions.
• Collaborate with teachers and support staff to review data and adjust strategies to meet student goals.


4. SPED Referrals Oversight


• Oversee the process for referring students for special education services, ensuring compliance with district and state guidelines.
• Work with teachers, counselors, and parents to identify students needing additional support.
• Ensure timely and appropriate evaluations and assessments are conducted to determine service eligibility.


5. IEP Compliance (Reporting & Review)


• Ensure all IEPs are developed and implemented in accordance with federal, state, and district regulations.
• Oversee the reporting and review process of IEPs to ensure they are current and in compliance with applicable laws.
• Conduct IEP reviews in collaboration with educators, parents, and related service providers.
  Provide training and guidance to staff on IEP compliance and best practices.


6. Service Support


• Support and monitor the delivery of speech and related services for students, ensuring that goals are met.
• Work with providers to ensure services align with IEP goals and student needs.
• Provide direct support in troubleshooting and resolving service delivery issues.


7. EDPlan Oversight


• Oversee the use and management of EDPlan, a software system for managing special education documentation and IEPs.
• Ensure that IEPs and other special education documents are properly maintained in the EDPlan system.
• Support staff on EDPlan usage and troubleshoot any issues related to the system.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Special Education.
• Valid Special Education certification.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a special education role, focusing on oversight and compliance.
• Must understand and be able to independently implement special education laws, policies, and procedures (IDEA, FAPE, Section 504, etc.).
• Familiarity with EDPlan or similar special education management software.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with students, parents, staff, and external agencies.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time, 12-month position.

• Travel is required throughout the year for in-person leadership team meetings, district meetings, school events, and state testing events.
• Must be able to use a personal electronic device and an email address for two-step authentication

South Carolina 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.