Unclassified - Winchester, VA
posted about 2 months ago
The Specialized Programs Coordinator at Frederick County Public Schools is a pivotal role designed to enhance the educational experience of students with significant disabilities. This position is responsible for the coordination, training, and support of specialized programs that cater to the unique needs of these students, whether they are educated within the general education classroom or in specialized settings. The Coordinator will work closely with school and special education leadership to ensure that all students' needs are met effectively. A key focus of this role is to help children with disabilities maximize their learning potential in inclusive environments while also spearheading innovative school programs that implement specialized supports. The Coordinator will ensure the quality and integrity of all aspects of the programs, making certain that they align with best practices and educational standards. In this role, the Specialized Programs Coordinator will utilize strong decision-making, public relations, interpersonal, and communication skills to collaborate with staff members and teachers across various departments. This collaboration will involve planning both short-term and long-term special services tailored for children with significant needs. The Coordinator will oversee the adaptive curriculum, which includes training teaching staff, monitoring student progress, and implementing new programs to address the evolving needs of students and staff alike. Additionally, the Coordinator will manage the implementation of the Virginia Alternative Assessment Program, which includes training staff on its requirements and best practices. Establishing and maintaining effective communication with parents of students in the program is another critical responsibility. The Coordinator will support the planning and implementation of special education initiatives, integrating new developments, research findings, and best practices into ongoing programs and new initiatives. Collaboration with Virginia Commonwealth University’s Autism Center for Excellence (VCU ACE) will also be a key component, ensuring that staff receive timely training updates to support students with significant needs. Furthermore, the Coordinator will coordinate coaching for teachers of students with autism and those with functional academic needs, focusing on the implementation of Evidence-Based Practices in their classrooms. A system of support will be developed for both special and general education teachers to facilitate the effective use of these practices.