Daniel Faranda
Senior Manager, Special Education Policy and Programs @Education Éducation
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WORK HISTORY
Senior Manager, Special Education Policy and Programs @Education Éducation
Toronto, ON, CA
Directed governance and accountability for the Minister’s Advisory Council on Special Education (MACSE), completing its agency mandate review and Terms of Reference, and overseeing council operations and board appointments.Modernized legacy policy resources, including leading the refresh and relaunch of Shared Solutions (conflict resolution resource) and the full digitization of the Special Education in Ontario guide, ensuring bilingual AODA-compliant design, sector-driven updates, and improved accessibility.Oversaw $16.67M in TPAs with third-party partners and school boards, reviewing vendor agreements and embedding stronger performance measures to drive better student outcomes.Advanced inclusive education through the Developmental Disabilities Pilot: Student Transitions, securing approval for procurement exceptions under the new restriction policy, protecting in funding, to enable boards to move into full implementation of Project SEARCH.Responded to 40+ ministerial correspondences monthly while authoring decision notes, decks, and back-pocket materials that guided timely ADM/DM decisions on sensitive files.Strengthened team capacity by growing staff complement 29%, re-allocating portfolios, and embedding OPS Leadership Model–aligned practices in coaching, succession planning, and performance management.Established a strategic stakeholder engagement function by implementing a centralized communications team, improving coordination, visibility, and risk management across senior-level engagements.Delivered the ministry’s first program assessment for a Request for Proposal, producing a comprehensive analysis that set a new standard for internal program evaluation and executive decision-making.This role builds on my cross-sector leadership in social policy, intergovernmental relations, and systems modernization, with a continued focus on inclusive, accessible, and student-centred education policy.
EDUCATION
York University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Cultural Anthropology and Critical Sexuality Studies
York University
Master of Arts (M.A.), Social Anthropology
Seneca Polytechnic
General Arts and Science Diploma, Social Sciences
York University
Certificate in Critical Sexuality Studies
SKILLS
ABOUT DANIEL FARANDA
Hi, I’m Daniel.I am a policy public-sector leader with a decade of experience working across MCU, MCCSS, and now the Ministry of Education. My work focuses on inclusive education, disability-responsive program design, and the kind of system-level thinking that helps ministries and partners move complex work forward. I enjoy taking big challenges and helping teams turn them into clear, practical solutions that make a real difference for students, communities, and front-line staff. People often describe me as someone who brings calm, clarity, and structure to difficult situations. I support senior leaders with decision-making and help teams work through ambiguity with confidence. My approach is grounded in trust, collaboration, and the belief that policy and programs should work for people, not the other way around.Beyond my role in government, I care deeply about helping students and new graduates build meaningful careers in the public service. Through my OPS Bestie platform, I mentor early talent, share insights about how the Broader Public Service works, and offer guidance to those who are trying to find their path. Creating space for others to grow is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. If you are interested in public policy, inclusive education, or exploring your next career step in the OPS, feel free to reach out. I am always happy to connect.
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