IDEA Public Schools Careers

Description

Regional ​Special Education Compliance Coach​

Role Mission: 

​​The Special Education Compliance Coach ensures that all Special Education systems, documentation, service delivery, and data reporting meet federal, state, and IDEA Public Schools’ requirements. This role exists to correct significant existing non-compliance, rebuild systems degraded by inconsistent implementation, and eliminate the longstanding trend of campuses operating with excessive autonomy and limited accountability. The Compliance Coach ensures that every student with disabilities receives legally required services and that the region is fully prepared for audits, state monitoring, and internal reviews.​ 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

​​This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.​ 

Location: 

​​This is a full-time hybrid position based in Tarrant County, with preference given to candidates who live in the region, or who are willing to relocate.​  

Travel Expectations:      

​​Travel is required between campuses within the IDEA DFW network as needed to fulfill the responsibilities of this role, including conducting audits, providing coaching, and supporting compliance implementation.​ 

What You’ll Do – Accountabilities 

Essential Duties: 

• ​​Compliance Monitoring & Systems Enforcement 
  • Conduct routine and targeted audits of ARD files, service logs, schedules, IEP documentation, progress monitoring, and evaluation timelines. 
  • Develop and maintain a Regional Compliance Dashboard with leading indicators tied to state deadlines, ARD quality, service delivery, and PEIMS accuracy. 
  • Complete quarterly compliance reviews for every DFW campus and ensure all corrective actions are documented and completed within 30 days. 
  • Enforce timelines for evaluations, annual ARDs, and re-evaluations; intervene early when campuses are at risk of missing deadlines. 
  • Ensure legal compliance for all FAPE-related responsibilities, including IEP implementation, services, and documented communication with families.​  

• ​​Addressing Systemic Non-Compliance 
  This role directly addresses the significant compliance concerns currently present across IDEA DFW, including: 
  • Large numbers of late evaluations and overdue ARDs 
  • Frequent gaps in service logging and service delivery 
  • Inaccurate or incomplete IEP documentation 
  • Schedules that do not align with IEP service minutes 
  • Widespread issues with PEIMS accuracy and coding 
  • Inconsistent implementation of accommodations across general education classrooms 
  • Staff tendency to modify processes or requirements independently (“doing what they please”) 
  • Limited follow-up and enforcement of compliance systems at campuses 
  The Compliance Coach establishes the systems, expectations, and visibility required to reverse these patterns and ensure consistent, legally compliant execution.​ 

• ​​Capacity-Building & Training 
  • Deliver timely, role-specific compliance training for campus leaders, SPED coordinators, ARD chairs, case Coachs, and service providers. 
  • Create annual compliance training plans covering ARD quality, IEP documentation, legal timelines, and service expectations. 
  • Build staff proficiency in accurate PEIMS data entry and state reporting requirements. 
  • Develop user-friendly guides, tools, and resources to reinforce compliance expectations. 
  • Partner with the Regional Director of Special Programs to align training with regional priorities and audit trends.​ 

• ​​Data Integrity & PEIMS Reporting 
  • Ensure all Special Education data is accurate in SIS/PEIMS systems. 
  • Verify disability codes, LRE, services, and program indicators through regular data audits. 
  • Partner with PEIMS clerks, registrars, and data analysts to correct errors before Snapshot. 
  • Lead quarterly PEIMS verification cycles for Special Education indicators.​ 

• ​​Real-Time Coaching & Accountability 
  • Provide direct coaching to campus SPED Coordinators and ARD Chairs based on audit findings. 
  • Support new campuses and new staff with job-embedded compliance onboarding. 
  • Develop individualized coaching plans for campuses with repeated compliance issues. 
  • Collaborate with the Regional Director to assign consequences or action plans when compliance expectations are not met. 
  • Establish routines where staff can no longer “opt out” of required systems, documentation, or legal processes.​ 

• ​​Cross-Functional Collaboration 
  • Work closely with regional Academics, Operations, HR, and Student Support to ensure IEP implementation is reflected accurately in schedules, staffing, and programming. 
  • Serve as DFW’s main point of contact during internal audits, legal reviews, or TEA inquiries. 
  • Partner with the Special Education Instructional Director to ensure services listed in IEPs match instructional practices.​ 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities: 

•  ​Support region-wide special education initiatives, pilots, and continuous improvement efforts as directed by leadership.​ 

• Assist with preparation for TEA monitoring, internal audits, or legal reviews as needed. 

• Review and provide feedback on campus schedules, staffing plans, and service delivery models as they relate to IEP implementation. 

• Provide technical assistance to campuses during high-risk or complex ARD situations when requested. 

• Maintain current knowledge of federal, state, and organizational policy changes related to special education compliance. 

• Participate in regional and national meetings, trainings, or professional learning as required. 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address systemic barriers to compliance and service delivery. 

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge and Skills – Competencies 

• Make Strategic Decisions: 

​​This team member uses data and trends to drive decisions that impact multiple teams, while anticipating risks and planning contingencies for key initiatives. They apply strategic frameworks to clarify challenges and guide coherent action, and they actively support others in strengthening their strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.​  

• Manage Work and Teams: 

​​This team member sets clear, measurable goals and regularly reflects on progress, adjusting actions as needed. They prioritize work aligned with their goals using a task management system and consistently meet deadlines through effective time management.​ 

• Grow Self and Others: 

​​This team member uses data to assess development needs and designs learning opportunities that align with team goals and individual career growth. They model a growth mindset by being open about their own development and ensure that both personal and team-led learning initiatives are impactful and well-aligned with organizational priorities.​ 

• Build a Culture of Trust:   

​​This team member exemplifies IDEA’s values and ethical standards through integrity, transparency, and responsible stewardship. By openly sharing decision rationale and fostering curiosity and inclusion, they build trust across the organization and create a culture where diverse perspectives are valued.​ 

• Communicate Deliberately:  

​​This team member communicates clearly and professionally, delivering concise messages tailored to their audience. They actively listen, engage in dialogue by asking and clarifying questions, and follow up to ensure shared understanding in both individual and group settings.​ 

Additional Skills: 

​​• Legal & Regulatory Compliance 
• Documentation Integrity 
• PEIMS & State Reporting Accuracy 
• Audit Readiness 
• Coaching for Procedural Fidelity 
• Data Analysis & Corrective Action Planning 
• Cross-Functional Leadership 
• Ethical Decision-Making 
• Accountability Enforcement​ 

Required Education and Experience: 

​​• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred in Special Education, Educational Administration, or related field). 
• Certification/licensure: Diagnostician, LSSP/School Psych, SLP, OT, Special Education Teacher, or related credential. 
• 3–5 years of experience in Special Education compliance, case management, or regional oversight. 
• Strong knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, ADA, TEA regulations, and ARD procedures. 
• Demonstrated success monitoring and correcting non-compliance. 
• Experience training adults and leading change in multi-campus systems. 
• High attention to detail, data accuracy, and documentation integrity.​ 

Preferred Education and Experience:  

​​• Experience in a multi-campus or regional leadership role. 
• Background in dispute resolution, due process, or legal compliance. 
• Experience with large-scale audits or state monitoring. 
• Familiarity with compliance restoration after significant systemic non-compliance. 
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).​ 

Physical Requirements:  

• ​​Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods while conducting campus observations and audits.  
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds (e.g., training materials, binders, or equipment). 
• Ability to travel between campuses and navigate multi-level school buildings, including stairs.​ 

What We Offer: 

Compensation & Benefits: 

Salaries for people entering this role typically fall between $74,700 and $87,100, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. This role is also eligible for performance pay based on organizational performance and goal attainment. 

Additionally, we offer medical, dental, and vision plans, disability, life insurance, parenting benefits, flexible spending account options, generous vacation time, referral bonuses, professional development, and a 403(b) plan. You can find more information about our benefits at https://ideapublicschools.org/careers/benefits/. 

* IDEA may offer a relocation stipend to defray the cost of moving for this role, if applicable. 

Application process: 

Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. 

Learn more about IDEA  

At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members.  Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values  

IDEA Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment of employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the organization's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), or Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), may contact IDEA Human Resources at (956) 377-8000.