Director of Special Programs

The Director of Special Programs at StrongMind/Primavera is responsible for developing and implementing special education programs in accordance with regulations, overseeing the management of special education services, ensuring effective execution of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), and providing leadership to special education staff. This includes organizing professional development, ensuring compliance with legal requirements, and collaborating with teachers and parents to create an inclusive atmosphere.

To qualify for the Director of Special Programs position at StrongMind/Primavera, candidates must possess a Master's degree in Special Education or a related field, hold a valid state certification in Special Education, and have a minimum of five years of experience in special education. Additionally, at least two years in a leadership role is necessary, along with strong knowledge of relevant laws, excellent communication skills, and preferably experience in a virtual school setting.

At StrongMind/Primavera, we believe in empowering our special education staff through robust professional development programs. As the Director of Special Programs, you'll be responsible for organizing these initiatives, enabling staff to enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest practices in special education. The support doesn’t end there; our entire organizational culture is geared towards collaboration and open communication, ensuring all staff feel valued.

The work environment for the Director of Special Programs at StrongMind/Primavera is vibrant, supportive, and collaborative. We offer flexible work options, celebrating team achievements regularly and promoting a healthy work-life balance. You'll be part of a community that prioritizes employee well-being with perks like mindfulness coaching, weekly massages, and team cookouts, creating an enriching environment for both staff and students.

StrongMind/Primavera provides an extensive benefits package for the Director of Special Programs, including medical, dental, vision coverage, and generous paid time off. Additionally, you can expect unique offerings like a full paid holiday week at Christmas, quarterly town halls for transparency, community service hours, and milestone awards that recognize your dedication and contributions to our community.

When answering this question, it's essential to cite specific examples of IEPs you've developed, focusing on the processes you followed and the outcomes achieved. Mention how you collaborated with parents, teachers, and therapists to gather insights and ensure the program met each student's needs effectively.

Demonstrate your knowledge of federal and state regulations, possibly referencing specific laws like IDEA or Section 504. Describe any systems or checklists you've implemented to ensure compliance and how you keep your team informed about legal requirements.

Illustrate your leadership style by discussing techniques you use to support, mentor, and inspire your team. Share examples of how you have facilitated professional development and encouraged a culture of inclusivity and collaboration.

Speak about your experiences in fostering collaboration between special and general education teachers. Include strategies such as co-teaching models, differentiated instruction, or the use of assistive technology to enhance participation and success for special education students.

Provide an example of a specific conflict you've resolved, focusing on your approach to listen actively and mediate discussions among involved parties. Emphasize your ability to maintain open communication with parents, staff, and students in all circumstances.

Discuss your experience in budget management, emphasizing aspects like resource allocation, funding applications for additional support services, and monitoring expenditures to ensure compliance with fiscal regulations. Use concrete examples to illustrate successful budgeting practices.

Talk about evaluation methods you’ve used, such as data analysis of student outcomes, feedback from staff and parents, and formal assessments. Highlight your commitment to continuous improvement and how you’ve adjusted programs based on evaluation results.

Reflect on a specific initiative, outlining how you identified the need for it, the content delivered, and the positive impact it had on your team and students. Highlight feedback received and any measurable outcomes resulting from the initiative.

Emphasize your commitment to fostering strong partnerships with parents. Outline strategies such as regular communication, parent workshops, and engaging them in their child’s educational planning to ensure support and collaboration.

Share your approaches to establishing rapport among students, utilizing technology for engagement and interaction, and incorporating diverse teaching methods that cater to the varying needs of your students to promote inclusivity in a virtual space.