Job Description
Job DescriptionSalary:
Job Title: Special Populations Coordinator
Location: UP Excellence Academy Houston, TX
Reports To: Principal or Director of Special Programs
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Type: Full-time, 11-month position
Position Summary:
The Special Populations Coordinator at UP Excellence Academy is responsible for leading the implementation, compliance, and academic support services for students receiving Special Education services, as well as students identified as English Learners, Section 504, homeless, foster, or migrant. This role ensures that all special populations receive legally compliant, high-quality, and equitable educational opportunities. The Coordinator supports the development and monitoring of IEPs and 504 plans, facilitates ARD meetings, oversees required assessments, and collaborates with instructional staff to ensure differentiated instruction is meeting student needs.
Key Responsibilities:
Special Education Program Management
- Coordinate all aspects of Special Education services, including scheduling and facilitating ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meetings in compliance with IDEA and TEA guidelines.
- Ensure the development, implementation, and monitoring of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Collaborate with service providers (SPED teachers, speech therapists, diagnosticians, LSSPs) to support timely evaluations, re-evaluations, and service delivery.
- Serve as the campus liaison for initial referrals and Full and Individual Evaluations (FIEs).
- Monitor timelines for eligibility evaluations, annual ARDs, and progress reporting.
- Ensure proper documentation and maintenance of special education records, including input into eSPED or other compliance platforms.
504 & EL Program Coordination
- Facilitate Section 504 meetings, develop 504 accommodation plans, and ensure accommodations are implemented and monitored.
- Coordinate LPAC meetings and ensure timely documentation of linguistic accommodations and parent communication.
- Oversee TELPAS and other language proficiency assessments.
- Ensure compliance with Title III and EL program requirements.
Instructional and Compliance Support
- Work collaboratively with teachers and staff to ensure accommodations and modifications are implemented effectively in all instructional settings.
- Observe classroom instruction and provide coaching or recommendations to support student access to the curriculum.
- Maintain up-to-date compliance logs, ARD/504 calendars, and ensure all timelines and notices are properly issued and documented.
- Prepare documentation and lead efforts for state audits, PBMAS reports, and TEA monitoring processes.
Family and Community Engagement
- Partner with families to support understanding of special services, student rights, and available supports.
- Ensure parents are active participants in ARD and 504 processes and that communication is clear, supportive, and culturally responsive.
- Coordinate support services and external referrals for students experiencing homelessness, in foster care, or who are migratory.
Qualifications:
Required
- Valid Texas Special Education Certification
- Bachelors degree from an accredited university (Masters preferred)
- Minimum 2 years of experience in special education, student support, or related services
- Demonstrated knowledge of ARD processes, IDEA, ADA, Section 504, and EL compliance
- Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
- Self-starter
- Proficient in digital platforms such as eSPED, Frontline, Ascender, and Ellevation
Preferred
- Masters degree in Special Education, Educational Administration, or related field
- Experience coordinating multiple special populations in a charter or urban setting
- LPAC and TELPAS training and experience
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary aligned with experience and UP Excellence Academy compensation scale
- TRS eligible position with full health, dental, and vision benefits
- Paid holidays and personal leave
- Access to high-quality professional development
About UP Excellence Academy
Located in Houstons 77060 community, UP Excellence Academy is a values-driven, high-expectations charter school dedicated to providing underserved students with rigorous academics, joyful learning experiences, and the support systems they need to thrive.