The Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE's) Office of Special Education and Early Learning has been awarded the Kentucky Leading, Educating, Advocating for Directors of Special Education (LEADS) grant, a competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
Kentucky LEADS Cohort 4 Application and Announcement
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is seeking applications for the fourth cohort of the Kentucky Leading, Educating, and Advocating for Directors of Special Education (LEADS) Academy. KY LEADS is designed to improve outcomes for children with disabilities by facilitating systemic change and increasing the number and capacity of certified Directors of Special Education (DoSEs). Academy implementation is supported by a partnership with Morehead State University, Western Kentucky University, Murray State University, Part C Early Intervention Services, the Kentucky Parent Training and Information Center, and the Kentucky Department of Education.
If selected, the Kentucky LEADS Academy scholars will receive tuition reimbursement made possible by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
Eligible candidates must be:
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Enrolled in Morehead State University, Western Kentucky University, or Murray State University (currently or within the next 3 months);
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Available to participate in monthly Saturday Seminars and professional learning communities;
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Pursuing a Director of Special Education (DoSE) certification; and,
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Willing to serve as a mentor to future academy participants aspiring for leadership experience and support.
Kentucky LEADS Cohort 4 Deadline for Applications
Completed applications are due to the Office of Special Education and Early Learning (OSEEL) by June 2, 2023.
Please combine all sections of the application into one PDF or Word file.
Kentucky LEADS Goals
In partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), Kentucky’s Part C Early Intervention Services, Morehead State University, Western Kentucky University, Murray State University and the Kentucky Parent Training and Information center, the Kentucky LEADS Academy will work toward three goals:
Goal 1: Recruit
Increase the number of persons who attain the state's initial level of Advanced Educational Leader – Director of Special Education certification to ensure that there is an adequate pipeline of eligible applicants to serve as state, regional, and local leaders to promote high expectations and improve early childhood and educational outcomes for children with disabilities and their families.
Goal 2: Retain
Increase and nurture the number of persons whose job description includes supervising, directing, administering, or coordinating special education programs who have attained the state's highest level of Advanced Educational Leader – Director of Special Education certification.
Goal 3: Increase Capacity
Expand and enhance the existing state network to ensure that state, regional and local leaders have the knowledge, skills and access necessary to improve early childhood and educational outcomes for children with disabilities and their families through the systems that serve them.