A Nursing Assistant provides hospital and nursing home patients with basic care and assists them with daily activities. Helps patients with dressing, washing, and feeding. May perform basic medical care under the direction of a nurse or other medical professional. These roles typically require completion of a regional agency-approved training program in order to obtain a certification before practicing.
The Amherst Regional High School District is seeking highly qualified candidates for a full-time Special Education Team Leader (ETL) / 504 Coordinator to supporting the development and implementation of Special Education Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans at the high school level. This position will focus on coordination, compliance, IEP/504 leadership, family engagement & communication in the IEP and 504 process, and collaboration with team members and administration. Special Education Team Leader (50%) Leads IEP meetings: Chairs meetings with parents/guardians, general education teachers, special education teachers, related services providers, and other professionals to develop or review a student's IEP.
Develops IEPs:
Helps determine a student's needs, goals, accommodations, services, and placement, and ensures the IEP is properly written and implemented.
Manages the special education process:
Coordinates evaluations, eligibility determinations, annual reviews, reevaluations, and required documentation.
Works with families:
Communicates with parents/guardians, explains the process and their rights, addresses concerns, and helps families participate meaningfully in decision-making.
Ensures legal compliance:
Makes sure the school follows Massachusetts and federal special education requirements, including procedural safeguards and timelines.
Acts as a problem-solver:
When there are disagreements or concerns about a student's program, the ETL helps bring the appropriate people together and work toward a solution. 504 Team Chair (50%) Coordinate the 504 process: Manage referrals, evaluations, eligibility determinations, plan development, annual reviews, and reevaluations. Chair 504 meetings: Facilitate meetings with parents/guardians, teachers, counselors, administrators, school nurses, and other relevant staff.
Determine eligibility:
Help the team determine whether a student has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities and therefore qualifies for protection under Section 504. Develop the 504
Plan:
Coordinate the creation of appropriate accommodations and supports based on the student's individual needs.
Gather information:
Review medical information, evaluations, classroom performance, attendance, disciplinary information, teacher observations, and parent input as appropriate.
Ensure accommodations are appropriate:
Help the team distinguish between accommodations that provide access to education and services that would instead require an IEP under IDEA.
Communicate with families:
Explain the 504 process, eligibility criteria, accommodations, procedural safeguards, and parents' rights.
Maintain documentation:
Ensure that eligibility decisions, meeting notes, plans, notices, and other required records are completed and maintained appropriately.
Address concerns:
Help resolve disagreements or concerns about eligibility, accommodations, or changes to a student's plan. Qualifications Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and reviewing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Section 504 Plans. Experience working effectively with culturally diverse student and family populations. Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and leadership skills. Prior experience working with secondary-level students preferred. Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with students, families, educators, administrators, and other professionals. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with the special education evaluation process, parent and student rights, and current special education laws and regulations. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification in Special Education.
