Karter School Leadership Role

Job Description

At Karter Schools, we are where childcare meets excellence. As the premier destination for high-income families, we provide an innovative and world-class environment with state-of-the-art facilities and a team of dedicated professionals focused on fostering independence, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning in every child. Our commitment to inclusivity means that we provide individualized care for children, including those on the Autism Spectrum and those with other special needs.

Position Overview:
We are seeking an exceptional and hands-on leader to join our leadership team in Ashburn, VA. This key leadership position is critical in ensuring that Karter Schools continues to provide the highest quality of education and care for all children, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other special needs. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing early childhood education programs and a passion for working with diverse learners. This role requires strong operational, marketing, and management skills, combined with a deep understanding of how to support children with special needs in an inclusive educational setting.

Benefits:

• Paid Professional Development Training and Leadership Conferences
• Performance Bonuses
• Opportunities for Growth and Advancement across Multiple Locations
• Creative and Playful Work Environment
• Competitive Salary
• Comprehensive, Low-Cost Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, and Supplemental Insurance
• Paid Snow Days, Birthday Time Off, and Paid Time Off (PTO, Winter Break, Holidays)
• Fully Stocked Break Room with Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks
• Holiday Parties and Extravaganzas with Exciting Prizes (e.g., Cruises, Apple Laptops)
• A Supportive, Family-Fun Environment

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Administration: Lead by example, ensuring school operations are aligned with Karter Schools’ mission of providing exceptional, inclusive care and education for all children. Oversee the day-to-day management of the school, ensuring the environment fosters growth for children, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder and special needs.
• Sales & Marketing: Develop and execute marketing strategies to increase enrollment, particularly for families seeking services for children with special needs. Engage with the local community to raise awareness about the inclusive, high-quality programs offered at Karter Schools.
• Staff Management & Development: Recruit, hire, and train a passionate team of educators. Provide ongoing support and mentorship to staff to ensure they are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to support children with Autism and other special needs. Lead training initiatives on inclusive teaching methods and behavioral management.
• Parent & Community Relations: Foster strong, positive relationships with parents, providing regular updates on children’s progress, addressing concerns, and ensuring open communication between home and school. Build and maintain strong connections with local organizations, therapists, and community leaders to create a network of support for children and families.
• Curriculum & Special Needs Support: Collaborate with educators and therapists to ensure that the curriculum is tailored to the needs of each child, particularly those on the Autism Spectrum and with other developmental or learning challenges. Ensure that individualized education plans (IEPs) or other customized learning plans are effectively implemented and followed.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure that the school complies with all local, state, and federal regulations, including those related to the care and education of children with special needs. Maintain a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment that meets the physical, emotional, and developmental needs of all children.
• Operational Efficiency: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the school, including staffing, budgeting, scheduling, and ensuring a smooth-running facility. Ensure that systems are in place to manage and monitor student progress, staff performance, and overall operational efficiency.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Education, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years in a management role within early education or special education settings. Direct experience working with children on the Autism Spectrum and with other special needs is required.
• Skills:
  • Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to motivate and guide staff members.
  • In-depth knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, and experience creating or overseeing IEPs or similar programs for children with special needs.
  • Proven success in marketing and community engagement, with an ability to grow enrollment by targeting families seeking specialized care.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with staff, families, and the community.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
  • Flexibility and adaptability in a constantly evolving educational environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or other relevant certifications for working with children on the Autism Spectrum or with special needs.
• Experience in a leadership role within a multi-site organization.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement
• A supportive, collaborative environment where your contributions are valued
• The chance to lead an innovative educational program that makes a real difference in the lives of children and families, including those with special needs.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or qualifications. We are seeking individuals who are passionate about creating an inclusive learning environment for children with diverse needs and who are committed to leading by example in our mission to provide excellence in early childhood education.

Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person