Director of Student Registration Special Education

The Director of Student Registration - Special Education plans, implements, and oversees all centralized processes related to the placement of students with disabilities within the Rochester City School District. The Director ensures equitable access to appropriate special education programs and services in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, Board of Education policies, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Director manages the placement of students with disabilities entering the District, including students transferring from other districts, charter schools, state-approved schools, or returning from alternative placements. Responsibilities include oversight of placement processes related to Committee on Special Education (CSE) recommendations, program capacity, specialized school placements, and transitions between programs. The Director coordinates closely with CSE teams, school administrators, and related service providers to ensure that student placements align with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) requirements. The Director ensures the integrity and accuracy of special education placement data for state reporting and accountability purposes, including monitoring compliance with New York State Education Department regulations, IDEA requirements, and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protections. The Director also monitors District practices related to special education placement to ensure equitable access to programs and adherence to legal and regulatory requirements. General supervision is exercised over staff responsible for special education intake, placement coordination, and related functions. The employee reports directly to and works under the supervision of the Executive Director of Accountability and Student Registration and performs additional related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Master's Degree with five (5) years of appropriate teaching and/or administrative experience New York State Certification for School District Administrator (SDA) and/or School District Leader (SDL). Knowledge of Spanish preferred Special Education Certification and/or experience desirable Experience with student information systems and knowledge of NYSED enrollment reporting requirements is desirable. Review incoming student records, including Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), evaluations, and prior placement information. Determine appropriate school and program placement based on IEP mandates, student needs, and available district resources. Coordinate entry placement for students transferring into the district. Support placement decisions for specialized programs, including but not limited to: Special class settings Integrated co-teaching programs Related services supports Specialized instructional programs In collaboration with the Executive Director of Accountability and the Directors of Special Education, construct the Special Education Continuum annually.

Ensure placement decisions comply with:

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) New York State Education Department regulations District policies governing special education services Maintain documentation required for state and federal reporting. Communicate placement recommendations to families in a culturally responsive and professional manner.

Participate in meetings with:

CSE/CPSE

teams School administrators Related service providers Enrollment and student assignment staff Maintain accurate placement records in district student information systems. Monitor placement patterns to support equitable distribution of services. Prepare reports related to special education enrollment and placement outcomes. Work with the Offices of Special Education and Accountability to monitor program enrollment capacity. Assist in balancing program utilization across district schools. Support smooth transition processes for students entering RCSD from: Other districts Private or parochial schools Early childhood programs Out-of-district placements Maintain current knowledge of special education law, placement standards, and best practices in inclusive education. Co-lead the Language Proficiency Team and review all potential ELLs who enter the district with an IEP as required by C.R. Part 154-3. Participate in professional development related to special education placement and equity. Performs related duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Accountability and Student Registration.