Thresholds·Chicago, Illinois
The IEP Coordinator manages and oversees the implementation of Individual Education Programs while ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. They serve as a liaison between staff, parents, and service providers to support student academic and functional goals.
The Part Time IEP Coordinator is responsible for managing, organizing, and overseeing the implementation of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities in accordance with federal, state, and district requirements. This position serves as a liaison between administrators, teachers, parents, and service providers to ensure that all students with IEPs receive appropriate support and services to achieve academic and functional goals.
Essential duties & responsibilities
IEP Management and Compliance
Demonstrates knowledge of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), current legislation, regulations, policies, litigation, and ethical issues related to the provision of educational services, including least restrictive environment, due process, assessment, discipline, transition, supplemental services and supports, specialized healthcare and assistive technology, to individuals with all types of disabilities across the age range.
Demonstrates deep and thorough knowledge of diverse student learners and differentiated instruction and student behavior.
Understands characteristics of individuals with disabilities across the age range, including levels of severity and multiple disabilities and their influence on development, behavior and learning; with knowledge about the impact of language disorders, processing deficits, intellectual cognitive abilities, behavioral/emotional/social disorders, and physical (including sensory) disabilities on learning and behavior.
Leads special education program components for the purpose of delivering services in alignment with established policies and guidelines for IEP/504 compliance.
Manages building based evaluation and IEP teams and serve as the principal’s designee at most child review and IEP meetings.
Maintains accurate knowledge of typical developmental characteristics of the age group and exceptions to the general patterns; displaying knowledge of the extent to which individual students follow general patterns.
Consistently helps school personnel/IEP team members with educational goals and the implication of direct and related services as they relate to the education environment and IDEA.
Coordinates and monitors the development, implementation, and review of the IEPs for students within Thresholds school.
Ensures that IEPs are compliant with the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), state and local regulations, and district policies.
Schedules and facilitate IEP meetings, ensuring participation from all required team members.
Maintains accurate and timely documentation of IEPs, evaluations, and service logs.
Tracks compliance timelines (annual reviews, re-evaluations, and progress reports).
Collaboration and Communication
Serves as the primary contact for parents/guardians regarding the IEP process.
Collaborates with general education and special education teachers to ensure proper accommodation, modifications, and supports are in place.
Works with school counselors, psychologists, therapists, and related service providers to coordinate services.
Communicates with district-level personnel regarding compliance, reporting, and program improvements.
Collaboration and Communication
Serves as the primary contact for parents/guardians regarding the IEP process.
Collaborates with general education and special education teachers to ensure proper accommodation, modifications, and supports are in place.
Works with school counselors, psychologists, therapists, and related service providers to coordinate services.
Communicates with district-level personnel regarding compliance, reporting, and program improvements.
Instructional Support
Supports Teachers in understanding and implementing IEP goals, accommodations, and behavior plans.
Provides training and coaching for staff on best practices in special education and inclusive instruction.
Monitors student progress towards IEP goals and assist in data collection and analysis.
Monitors students in the classroom when the primary teacher is absent.
Teaches daily lessons as provided by the primary teacher in the teacher’s absence.
Leadership and Oversight
Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards in all student related matters.
Assist in planning and conducting professional development for staff regarding special education processes and compliance.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, problem-solving sessions, and student support planning.
Contribute to continuous improvement of special education services and inclusive school practices.
Education
Bachelor's degree in special education or related field required.
Master's degree in special education, Educational Leadership, or related area preferred.
Experience
Strong knowledge of IDEA, Section 504, and state special education regulations.
Experience managing IEP processes and documentation.
Experience as a special education teacher or case manager preferred.
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Skills/Certifications
Valid state teaching license with Special Education endorsement required.
Proficiency in electronic IEP management systems (e.g., PowerSchool, Frontline, SEIS, or Embrace) preferred.
Current Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1) license required.
Certified in Basic First Aid including Choking Rescue Procedure (previously referred to as Heimlich Maneuver) and CPR, or the ability to obtain certification within the first three months of hire.
TCI certification.
Works on-site at the school 15hrs weekly.
Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to fostering an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency’s mission. Click here to learn more. [https://www.thresholds.org/about]
One of the oldest and largest community mental health organizations in Illinois, we pride ourselves in being a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, several years in a row.
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in special education or a related field and possess a valid state teaching license with a Special Education endorsement. A Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1) license is required, along with strong knowledge of IDEA and special education regulations.
Market context
In Illinois, part-time Individual Education Plan roles are often driven by school needs for compliant services, case management, and collaboration with general education teams. These positions are competitive because they require a bachelor’s degree, a valid teaching license with Special Education endorsement, an LBS1 license, and strong IDEA knowledge. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then tailor your application to show direct IEP and compliance experience.