Job Description

International Community Schools Abu Dhabi is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Head of Inclusion to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role involves creating a stimulating and intellectually challenging environment for students from FS/KG to Year 13/Grade 12. The successful candidate will foster innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, and inspired learning, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Management:

Strategic Planning: Develop and implement a strategic plan for the Inclusion Department, aligned with the school's overall mission and vision.

Team Leadership: Lead a team of special education teachers, learning support assistants, and counselors. Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance evaluations to ensure high standards of teaching and learning.

Policy Development: Develop, review, and update the school's inclusion policies, ensuring they reflect best practices and comply with local regulations.

Budget Management: Oversee the department's budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support student needs.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilize student performance data to inform instruction and intervention strategies. Continuously monitor and adjust programs to improve student outcomes.

Assessment and Identification: Oversee the identification and assessment process for students with special educational needs (SEN), ensuring timely and accurate diagnosis.

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Collaborate with teachers, parents, and external specialists to develop and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with SEN. Ensure that these plans are regularly reviewed and updated.

Intervention Programs: Design and implement targeted intervention programs to support students with learning difficulties, behavioral challenges, and other special needs.

In-Class Support: Coordinate with teachers to provide in-class support, ensuring that students with SEN can access the curriculum and participate fully in classroom activities.

Parental Engagement: Establish strong relationships with parents and guardians, ensuring open and effective communication about their child's progress, challenges, and achievements.

Interdepartmental Collaboration: Work closely with other school departments, including curriculum development, student services, and administration, to ensure a cohesive approach to inclusion.

External Partnerships: Liaise with external agencies, educational psychologists, speech and language therapists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive support for students.

Reporting: Prepare detailed reports on the progress and effectiveness of inclusion programs for school leadership, governing bodies, and regulatory authorities.

Professional Development:

Staff Training: Organize and deliver professional development sessions for teachers and support staff on inclusive practices, differentiation strategies, and SEN.

Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest research, trends, and developments in inclusive education and SEN. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, and training sessions.

Mentorship: Provide ongoing coaching and support to teachers to help them implement inclusive practices effectively in their classrooms.

Administration:

Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and confidential records of students' assessments, IEPs, progress reports, and communications with parents and external agencies.

Compliance: Ensure that the school complies with all relevant laws and regulations related to SEN and inclusion. Keep abreast of changes in legislation and policy.

Resource Management: Manage the selection, purchase, and distribution of resources and materials needed to support students with SEN.

Requirements

Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Inclusive Education, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).

Teaching Qualification: Valid teaching certification or license.

Experience: Minimum of [insert number] years of experience in a school setting, with a proven track record in a leadership role within an inclusion or SEN department.

Knowledge: In-depth understanding of current trends and best practices in inclusive education, SEN, and differentiated instruction.

Skills: Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in data analysis and use of educational technology.

Benefits

As per UAE Labour Law