Special Education Coordinator - Early Learner Intensive Program - 2026-2027 School Year

LEARN; Old Lyme (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

LEARN Regional Educational Service Center seeks a Special Education Coordinator for the Friendship School. You will lead and support high-leverage special education practices, coach educators, and ensure compliant service delivery for diverse learners within an outplacement program.

You will partner with administrators, families, and district teams to advance inclusive excellence, monitor outcomes, and develop innovative instructional approaches that promote student achievement and equitable

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Special Education or equivalent.
• "Valid Special Education teaching certification" is required.
• Leadership certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee special education programs and curricular resources.
• Monitor program effectiveness through data analysis and continuous improvement.
• Coach educators and support staff to implement inclusive practices.
• Collaborate with PPT teams and district partners to ensure compliance.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Data analysis

Program evaluation

Instructional leadership

Coaching

Education

Master's Degree in Special Education

Educational Leadership certification

Leadership certification

Job description

Special Education Coordinator- LEARN Early Learner Intensive Program

Help Shape Schools Where Every Student Thrives

At LEARN, we believe every student deserves access to high-quality instruction, meaningful opportunities, and a school experience that recognizes their unique strengths. We are seeking a passionate, collaborative, and innovative Special Education Coordinator to join our Student Support Services team and help advance high leverage practices for our youngest learners in an innovative outplacement program at The Friendship School.

This an opportunity to influence systems, coach educators, support students with diverse learning needs, and help build programs that ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed in the least restrictive environment.

Why Join Us?

• Make a Meaningful Impact: Every day, you will help create learning environments where students with disabilities are supported, included, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential.
• Lead Through Collaboration: Partner with administrators, teachers, related service providers, families, and district teams to develop innovative solutions and strengthen student outcomes.
• Drive Innovation: Be part of a forward-thinking organization that values continuous improvement, professional learning, and evidence-based practices that transform student experiences.
• Grow Your Leadership: Work alongside dedicated educational leaders while expanding your expertise in special education systems, instructional leadership, coaching, and program development.
• Support Inclusive Excellence: Play a critical role in advancing equitable access, inclusion, and high-quality services for students across diverse educational settings.

What You Will Do Day-to-Day

Program Leadership & Student Success

• Implement and oversee special education programs and curricular resources.
• Monitor student and program effectiveness through data analysis and continuous improvement practices.
• Support the development of innovative instructional approaches that improve student achievement for learners both with and without IEPs.
• Develop curriculum and instructional supports for students with diverse learning needs.

Coaching & Capacity Building

• Provide coaching, consultation, and technical assistance to teachers, support staff, and administrators.
• Lead professional learning opportunities focused on special education best practices, inclusion, and instructional excellence.
• Train staff in evidence-based interventions, strategies, assistive technology, and supports for students with intensive behavioral and learning needs.
• Support and strengthen inclusive practices across general education environments.

Compliance & Special Education Leadership

• Participate in Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings in collaboration with local education agencies.
• Ensure compliance with IEP requirements, Connecticut State Department of Education standards, and federal and state special education mandates.
• Support 504 implementation and consultation as appropriate.
• Maintain current knowledge of evolving special education laws, regulations, and best practices.

Collaboration & Problem Solving

• Partner with building administrators and multidisciplinary teams to address student and program needs.
• Lead and implement effective educational programs and services.
• Provide support during challenging situations and contribute to crisis response efforts when needed.
• Support Extended School Year (ESY) programming as appropriate.

Qualifications

Education & Certification

• Master's Degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related educational field required.
• Valid Special Education teaching certification required.
• Additional leadership certification preferred.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience educating students with exceptional learning needs.
• Strong knowledge of special education law, IEP development, implementation, and compliance.
• Experience supporting inclusionary practices and intervention systems, including SRBI/MTSS frameworks.
• Knowledge of magnet school, public school, or general education systems preferred.
• Experience coaching and supporting educators, teams, and programs.

Skills & Attributes

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive, collaborative relationships with staff, students, families, and district partners.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational abilities.
• Skilled in data-driven decision making and program evaluation.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities while maintaining a student-centered focus.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and high expectations for all learners.

Who You Are

You are a relationship-builder who believes in the power of collaboration. You are passionate about inclusive education, energized by supporting educators, and dedicated to creating systems that help students succeed. You combine strong technical knowledge with empathy, creativity, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

LEARN Regional Educational Service Center is an equal opportunity employer.