Director, Special Education at El Rio Community School

About the Employer

El Rio Community School is community-based independent TK-8 public charter school located in the culturally rich area of Northeast LA that is guided by the core principles of Public Waldorf Education through the lens of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We seek to cultivate a relationship-based school culture that supports joyful, collaborative learning and leadership. Students’ curiosity and imagination are fostered through an arts-integrated, culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate curriculum. By engaging children’s heads, hearts and hands, we strive to develop free-thinking individuals with respect for themselves, their community, and the planet. El Rio is actively committed to using a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging lens to examine traditional Waldorf practices. We are dedicated to creating a school culture and curriculum that honors and reflects our community. Within this community, we seek to nurture children in their strengths while fostering a growth mindset and the ability to work through challenges. Using experiential learning and an arts-infused curriculum, we strive to instill in our students a sense of reverence and responsibility for all life on earth and a deep understanding of our interconnectedness as global citizens. We are focused on graduating lifelong learners and innovative, compassionate human beings who lead their lives and communities with purpose and integrity.

Job Summary

Job Summary

El Rio Community School Director of Special Education Job Description Position Overview El Rio Community School seeks an experienced, highly organized, and collaborative Director of Special Education to lead and strengthen its special education program. The Director of Special Education is responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities receive high-quality, individualized instruction and services while maintaining full compliance with federal, state, and district special education requirements. This position requires a strong instructional leader who can effectively manage special education systems, supervise staff, monitor student progress, and create a culture of collaboration and shared accountability. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated experience leading special education teams, exceptional organizational skills, expertise in Welligent, and direct experience with the Los Angeles Unified School District’s District Validation Review (DVR) process. Minimum Qualifications * Minimum of five (5) years of successful classroom teaching experience, including experience working with students with disabilities. * Valid California teaching credential, preferably an Education Specialist Instruction Credential. * Demonstrated experience successfully leading and supervising a special education team. * Required experience using Welligent to manage Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), compliance timelines, service tracking, documentation, and reporting. * Direct experience participating in, coordinating, or leading the LAUSD District Validation Review (DVR) process. * Demonstrated knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504, California Education Code, and applicable special education regulations. * Experience facilitating IEP meetings, overseeing assessments, and maintaining legally compliant special education records. * Experience supervising, coaching, and evaluating special education pe

Requirements / Qualifications

Requirements / Qualifications