Assistant Director of Special Programs

Assistant Director of Special Programs

Position Type: Administration – Special Education
Reports To: Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
Location: Central Office

General Description

Dedham Public Schools seeks an Assistant Director of Special Programs to support the design, coordination, and continuous improvement of special education services across the district.

This role oversees out-of-district (OOD) placements and caseload management, while advancing in-district program development, early intervention systems, and professional learning that builds staff capacity to deliver high-quality Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) in inclusive settings.

The Assistant Director also provides flexible leadership support across Student Services, balancing program development, regulatory requirements, and student-centered decision-making.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Out-of-District (OOD) Coordination & Oversight

Manage the district’s OOD caseload, including placement coordination, monitoring, and communication with providers and families

Identify and secure appropriate placements aligned with student needs

Chair and coordinate TEAM meetings related to OOD placements (initial, annual, and re-evaluations)

Monitor student progress, attendance, and program effectiveness

Support transitions to less restrictive environments when appropriate

Maintain records related to placements, tuition, timelines, and Circuit Breaker reimbursement

Ensure compliance with state and federal special education requirements related to placement, timelines, and documentation

In-District Program Development & Pre-OOD Intervention

Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and school teams to design and implement pre-referral and pre-OOD interventions

Support development and refinement of in-district programs and services to increase capacity and inclusion

Assist teams in implementing evidence-based interventions and SDI

Promote alignment with UDL, MTSS, and inclusive practices

Analyze referral and placement trends to inform program development

Professional Learning & Instructional Leadership

Collaborate with the Assistant Superintendent and ETLs to design and deliver high-quality, job-embedded professional learning

Focus on Least Restrictive Environments through SDI, inclusive practices, and UDL

Support teams in translating professional learning into classroom practice and service delivery

Use data (referrals, OOD trends, student outcomes) to target professional learning and build in-district capacity

General Student Services Support

Provide leadership support across Student Services initiatives, including:

Students experiencing homelessness ( McKinney-Vento )

Foster care placements and transitions

Complex case consultation and crisis response

Preventative and wraparound programming aligned with the district’s system of care

Support district compliance efforts, including timelines, documentation, and preparation for audits or reviews

Other Responsibilities

Participate in department and district meetings

Perform additional duties as assigned by the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services

Qualifications

Massachusetts licensure as a Special Education Administrator

Demonstrated knowledge of special education law, procedures, and compliance

Experience with OOD placements and program development preferred

Strong collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills