Exceptional Student Education Resource Specialist

Exceptional Student Education Resource Specialist typically include a variety of responsibilities related to supporting students with disabilities within an educational setting. Here are some specific duties they might perform:

  1. IEP Management: Facilitating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process for students with disabilities. This involves scheduling and conducting IEP meetings, collaborating with parents/guardians, teachers, and other professionals to develop, review, and revise IEPs as needed.

  2. Assessment and Evaluation: Conducting assessments and evaluations to determine students' eligibility for special education services and to identify their specific educational needs. This may involve reviewing educational records, conducting observations, and administering assessments.

  3. Compliance and Documentation: Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to special education. This includes maintaining accurate and confidential records, documenting all IEP meetings, decisions, and communications, and adhering to timelines for IEP development and reviews.

  4. Coordination of Services: Collaborating with school personnel, therapists, counselors, and outside agencies to coordinate services and supports for students with disabilities. This includes advocating for appropriate accommodations, modifications, and assistive technology to meet students' educational needs.

  5. Professional Development: Providing training and professional development opportunities for teachers and staff on topics related to special education policies, procedures, and best practices. This helps ensure that educators are equipped to implement IEPs effectively and support students with disabilities in the classroom.

  6. Parent and Community Engagement: Communicating with parents/guardians to keep them informed about their child's progress, rights, and available resources. This may involve facilitating parent meetings, providing resources and information on support services, and addressing parent concerns and questions.

  7. Advocacy: Advocating for the educational rights and needs of students with disabilities within the school system and community. This may involve participating in meetings, committees, and advocacy groups to promote inclusive practices and ensure equitable access to education for all students.

  8. Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyzing data related to student progress, achievement, and outcomes to inform decision-making and improve services. This includes preparing reports and presentations for administrators, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.

ESE Resource Specialists play a crucial role in ensuring that students with disabilities receive the appropriate supports and services they need to access a quality education and achieve their full potential within the educational system.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to the district Exceptional Student Education Department at (863) 462-5000, extension 1055 or email esequestions@okeeschools.org.

Nancy

Nancy Aaron

Seminole Elementary School

(863) 462-5116

Medrano

Maria Medrano

Everglades Elementary School

(863) 462-5108

Clark

Susanna Clark

Central Elementary School

(863) 462-5077

Jennings

Trisha Jennings

Osceola Middle School

(863) 462-5070

Heineman

Carrie Heineman

Okeechobee High School

(863) 462-5025

Morris

Emily Morris

North Elementary School / Private Schools

(863) 462-5100

Talavera

Jessica Talavera

South Elementary School / Okeechobee Virtual School

(863) 462-5087

resource

Sharon Whitaker

Yearling Middle School

(863) 462-5056

sc

Casey Dytko

Okeechobee Freshman Campus

(863) 462-5288

Zapata

Alejandra Zapata

Okeechobee Achievement Academy / ACE Prekindergarten

(863) 462-5125