Danielle Kennedy
Rondout Valley Central School District
Grahamsville,NY
1
Certification
17
years of professional experience
Strategic educational leader specializing in special education leadership and program development. Developed inclusive educational programs, led multidisciplinary teams, and ensured compliance with federal and state regulations. Fostered collaborative relationships among students, families, staff, and community partners to enhance equitable learning opportunities and drive student achievement.
Work History
Special Education Coordinator
6 Years 11 Months- Provide leadership and oversight for district special education programs serving students with diverse disabilities.
- Ensure compliance with IDEA, state regulations, and district policies.
- Chair Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings and facilitate collaborative decision-making with families and multidisciplinary teams.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate special education teachers, related service providers, and support staff.
- Developed district procedures to enhance consistency and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Analyze student performance data to drive instructional decisions and improve outcomes.
- Coordinated specialized programs and partnerships with outside agencies to provide comprehensive services.
- Collaborate with principals and instructional leaders to strengthen inclusive educational practices.
- Lead professional development focused on instructional strategies, legal compliance, behavior supports, and inclusive practices.
- Assist with budget planning, staffing, and allocation of special education resources.
- Supported implementation of behavioral intervention plans and crisis response procedures to promote student safety and well-being.
- Foster strong relationships with families while resolving concerns through collaborative problem-solving.
- Coordinate the referral, placement, and ongoing review process for students requiring out-of-district placements, ensuring educational appropriateness, least restrictive environment (LRE), fiscal responsibility, and compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with private schools within the district to provide recommended special education services.
Special Education School Improvement Specialist
2 Years- Provided professional development and targeted assistance solely to the districts identified by NYSED for ongoing school district improvement in core instructional areas for students with disabilities.
- Partnered with school teams to analyze performance data, identify achievement gaps, and develop actionable improvement plans, often related to State Education Department accountability reviews.
- Supported districts to ensure Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are highly effective and compliant, helping Committee on Special Education members align goals with general education curriculum and state standards.
- Assisted educators in implementing evidence-based Specially Designed Instruction, Response to Intervention, and other foundational teaching practices.
- Conducted classroom Walk-throughs to help school leadership teams gather data for self-review processes.
Special Education Teacher
6 Years 1 Month- Developed and implemented individualized educational programs (IEPs) aligned with New York State learning standards and each student's goals.
- Utilized evidence-based instructional strategies for students with autism and multiple disabilities.
- Provided differentiated instruction in self-contained classrooms for students with diverse learning, communication, sensory, and behavioral needs.
- Monitored student progress through ongoing data collection and adjusted instruction based on student performance.
- Monitored student progress through data collection and adjusted instruction to meet individual learning needs.
- Collaborated daily with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, nurses, and behavior specialists to provide an integrated educational program.
- Designed daily instruction to include movement, outdoor learning, and hands-on experiences.
- Supervised and collaborated with teaching assistants and support staff to implement instructional and behavioral strategies consistently.
- Maintained accurate educational records, IEP documentation, progress reports, and parent communication.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings, professional development, and CTLE learning opportunities.
- Fostered partnerships with families through ongoing communication and collaboration in CSE meetings to support student growth across educational settings.
Education
Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) - Educational Leadership
Master of Science - Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Skills
Special Education Expertise
Advocacy
Collaboration
Data analysis
Student Centered
Communication
Relationship building
Certification
- School District Leader (SDL) and School Building Leader Certification (SBL)
- Students with Disabilities (1-6) and Childhood Education (1-6) Professional Certification
Timeline
Special Education Coordinator
Rondout Valley Central School District
09.2019 - CurrentRead More
Special Education School Improvement Specialist
Questar BOCES
11.2015 - 11.2017Read More
Special Education Teacher
The Center for Discovery
10.2009 - 11.2015Read More
The College of Saint Rose
Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) from Educational Leadership
Read More
The College of Saint Rose
Master of Science from Education
Read More
University At Albany
Bachelor of Arts from Psychology
Read More