Principal, Special Education Infant Pre-School Programs - Mitchell Child Development Center - 2024-2025 School Year

SAUSD - PRINCIPAL SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES AND INFANT/PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS.

Apply Now on Ed-Join: https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/1955968 [Copy & Paste link to Apply]

THE POSITION: Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD) is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as Principal, Special Education Services and Infant/Preschool Programs. SAUSD is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive educational environment that celebrates cultural differences and values every student's unique background, culture, and language. The ideal candidate will embody our district's mission and vision, demonstrating a passion for excellence in education and a deep belief in the potential of all students to succeed. The Principal serves as the site administrator and instructional leader under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Special Education/SELPA, or designee

The position of Principal, Special Education Services and Infant/Preschool Programs requires extensive knowledge of federal and state compliance concerning special education laws and policies, including IDEA mandates, IEP development, special education data collection, ADR, due process, and reporting. This role demands expertise in special education, curriculum, instructional strategies, and significant administrative experience. The position classification has supervisory responsibility for planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the quality and quantity of work of professional, technical, and clerical employees and frequently meets with teachers, related service providers, parents, community members, and other education personnel.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Key Responsibilities focus on instructional leadership, including leading the development and implementation of diverse instructional programs, aligning them with district objectives, and fostering a positive school climate. Community engagement involves collaborating with families, students, and community stakeholders to build partnerships that enhance learning and inclusivity. Supporting the district vision and mission requires aligning school goals with district initiatives and contributing to efforts to improve student outcomes and educational equity. Participation in the management team includes decision-making processes impacting the district’s success. Additionally, demonstrating a belief in student success involves recognizing and leveraging students’ diverse backgrounds as teaching assets. Shared values and inspiring leadership entail fostering a positive school culture and inspiring excellence and continuous improvement among staff and students.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Ensure adherence to and implements Board policies, District regulations and guidelines, and fostering a positive school culture and environment. E ● Provide leadership and supervision for assigned special education programs, including the Mitchell Child Development Center, satellite campuses, and the Part H/Early Start program. E ● Provide leadership for the effective development and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) that meet student needs, demonstrate student achievement, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. E ● Participate as LEA administrator in IEP meetings for students, ensuring they are conducted annually. Verify that all necessary records and legally required documents are completed and processed by all staff members involved. E ● Ensure that all aspects of the IEP process comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and state regulations, including timelines, documentation, and the provision of appropriate services and accommodations. E ● Provide parents with procedural safeguards in special education law, and due process rights. E ● Participate in due process resolution/mediation, respond to compliance complaints, and conduct alternative dispute resolution sessions as required. E ● Provide support and supervision as appropriate, to identify special education programs for students on integrated campuses; provide technical support to site administrators as appropriate to facilitate integration and inclusion of students and staff and compliance with legal mandates. E ● Engage in regular meetings with parents to address their concerns and actively listen to parent feedback and take necessary actions to address their concerns effectively. Additionally, convene meetings with advisory groups to collaborate on various aspects of school governance and decision-making. E ● Review student health matters with School Nurse/LVN; assure that health procedural protocols are consistent with policy. E ● Foster inclusivity with diverse communication resources and tools like newsletters and announcements, ensuring everyone can participate, regardless of language or background. E ● Maintain a program of community involvement involving presentations at various community events and hosting of community programs on campus; meet with parent organizations. E Provide oversight and support to teachers, administrative personnel, and support staff throughout the academic year and summer programs, ensuring high-quality instruction and student engagement. E ● Develop and manage the program’s master schedule, and collaborated with administration at satellite sites to encompassing academic classes, extracurricular activities, and special programs, while ensuring seamless transitions between school year and summer sessions. E ● Serves as the instructional leader of the school by providing in service to certificated staff regarding new instructional methodologies, legal standards, and technology; ensures that instruction complies with all District policies, provides staff development for all classified staff. E ● Collaborate with stakeholders to create and communicate a clear vision for the school fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. E ● Supervise the instructional program, conducting regular classroom observations, providing constructive feedback, and facilitating professional development opportunities to enhance pedagogical skills. Evaluate performance of certificated, classified, and non-classified staff members. E ● Review and analyze assessment data for the programs, taking necessary action to provide feedback to staff, the special education department, and the Assistant Superintendent. E ● Maintain a safe and secure campus environment, overseeing plant operations and collaborating with relevant stakeholders to address safety concerns. E ● Manage the school operating budget, identify and explain variances as requested, approve requisitions, and ensure equitable distribution of resources to meet student needs. E ● Provide for the maintenance of school records, both public and con-fidential; prepare reports regarding attendance, special programs, monitor and approve staff time and attendance, etc. E ● Participate in personnel hiring processes for both certificated and classified positions. E ● Analyze student performance data to identify trends, address learning gaps, and inform instructional practices. Implementing intervention programs and supporting teachers in differentiating instruction to meet diverse student needs. E ● Serve on District level committees at the discretion of the Superintendent or designee. E ● Promote equity is to develop and implement inclusive policies and practices that ensure all students, regardless of their background, have equal access to educational resources and opportunities. E ● Perform related duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS: Demonstrate ability to: ● Effectively work with diverse cultural communities and actively promote inclusivity and equity in education, ensuring the needs of all students are met. ● Implement robust instructional leadership skills with a documented history of enhancing student achievement. ● Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and make sound, effective data-based decisions. ● Exhibit excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills. ● Proficiently communicate in both oral and written English. ● Inspire and motivate individuals to strive for high levels of performance. ● Utilize result and performance evaluation techniques to assess program and personnel effectiveness. ● Implement human relations strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and principles of team building. ● Ensure the implementation of safe working methods and procedures. ● Integrate technology, artificial intelligence, and multimedia in the educational community. ● Implement contract management and understand the collective bargaining agreements. ● Implement fidelity of the Board Policy, Federal and State laws, and education codes. ● Develop and maintain site budget.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Master's degree in Education Administration or a related field. ● Possession of a valid California Administrative Credential. ● Minimum of 5 years of certificated service in a special education setting, special education classroom or program oversight working with students having special education needs. ● Minimum of one year of experience as an assistant principal or principal. ● Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS Environment: Office environment School sites Constant interruptions Driving a vehicle to conduct work Abilities: Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment. Hearing and speaking accurately to exchange information in person or on the telephone. Seeing to read a variety of materials and drive a vehicle. Sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time. Hazards: Extended viewing of computer monitor. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job pursuant to the formal Interactive Process. Santa Ana Unified School District is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.