[Immediate Hire] Temporary Special Education Compliance Specialist

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of seven PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.

Reporting to the Principal, the Temporary Special Education Compliance Specialist will work closely with the Network Director of Special Education and the school-based leadership team to ensure the special education compliance and the integration of student support services. The Temporary Special Education Compliance Specialist should thoroughly understand state and federal regulations and local policies regarding children with special needs. The ideal candidate should have experience participating in IEP Meetings and writing IEP reports, demonstrated ability to adhere to all timelines/deadlines, and a solution-oriented mindset when working through challenging situations. The Special Education Compliance Specialist should be flexible, self-motivated, a team player, and be able to manage up effectively.

• Manage all aspects of the school’s Special Education compliance:
• Write IEP reports and provide feedback on IEP reports to teachers;
• Lead IEP meetings;
• Ensure all compliance documents are completed in a timely manner (according to state, local, and school policies and procedures);
• Ensure IEPs are developmentally appropriate, curriculum/standards-based, strength-based, relevant to individual students, and incorporated into the daily lesson plans;
• Ensure IEP Goal Progress reports are completed for each trimester marking period. Effectively communicate the Special Education process to parents and guardians, including the process for referrals, evaluations, annual IEPs/504 plans, and re-evaluations, as well as parental rights granted by IDEA;
• Ensure all data platforms are up to date with the most current information;
• Oversee intervention block including teachers’ implementation of small groups and providing feedback according to intervention rubric;
• Additional duties related to the running of the school as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master's Degree in Special Education preferred;
• Two or more years of teaching experience in an Integrated Co-Teaching or Special Education setting (charter schools preferred) with a record of high student achievement, and/or two or more years of full-time special education compliance coordination, required;
• Appropriate New York State certification in Special Education, preferred;
• Experience writing IEPs or Teacher Reports for IEPs;
• Familiarity with NYS Special Education compliance requirements;
• Deep understanding of Special Education best practices;
• Ability to proactively set and manage deadlines for others and motivate others to action;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community;
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

• On site 5 days per week from 7:15am-4:00pm
• Primarily at our Mott Haven Middle School Campus in the South Bronx
• Start Date: Immediate
• End Date: June 2025

• DREAM offers a competitive salary commensurate with relevant experience with the potential for an annual performance-based increase. The incoming salary range for this position is $80,00 to $85,000 per year. New hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary closer to the start of the range depending on qualifications, internal equity, and the budgeted amount for the role. All staff are eligible for annual performance-based increases. Because we value staff tenure in each role, we do not currently cap salary ranges.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At DREAM, diversity, equity, and inclusion are a matter of mission. 

From our schools to our playing fields, DREAM is committed to building a team where each individual can bring their full identity and experience to work because representation matters—it enriches our team culture, enhances our ability to innovate, and strengthens our impact in and out of the classroom. DREAM engages staff that represent and appreciate the diversity of our majority Black and Hispanic student body, while working to ensure that our practices are equitable, welcoming, and productive. We are dedicated to creating a world where youth, especially youth of color, have permission to dream—along with the tools and opportunities to make their dreams reality.

Come dream with us.

DREAM Maxims 

All Kids Can. This Kid Can.

DREAM is Family.

Fun is a Serious Value.

Teamwork Makes the DREAM Work.

Fail. Persist. Exceed.

DREAM Big.

Applying to DREAM

We know applying for a new job can be a daunting process. In addition, studies have shown that historically underrepresented individuals often only apply to roles if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We encourage all applications! You may be just the person we need. If you have any questions about your application or interview process, do not hesitate to ask your recruiter; we are here to help!

DREAM provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. If accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact your recruiter.