Director Special Needs Preschool

The Director of this new 4410 Preschool Program is a compassionate and highly skilled leader responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality early childhood education services to children with special needs. The Director will work closely with a multidisciplinary team to create a nurturing, inclusive environment where all children can thrive. This position emphasizes fostering strong partnerships with families, external agencies, and the broader community to ensure the success of the program. The Director will play a pivotal role in driving excellence in special education, early childhood development, and program administration, while maintaining full compliance with NYS regulations, including the NYS 4410, OCFS (Office of Children and Family Services), and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).

Key Responsibilities

Program Administration

• Oversee daily operations of the preschool program, ensuring compliance with NYS 4410 regulations, OCFS standards, IDEA, and other applicable laws.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and practices to maintain program excellence and adherence to state and federal guidelines.
• Monitor and manage budgets, contracts, and funding sources, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Supervise the preparation and submission of reports, including those required by NYSED, local school districts, and other regulatory bodies.

Educational Leadership

• Supervise and support teaching staff, therapists, and other program personnel to ensure the delivery of evidence-based, individualized educational services.
• Promote ongoing professional development opportunities for staff.
• Collaborate with staff to develop and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that meet the unique needs of each child.
• Foster an inclusive and nurturing educational environment.

Curriculum and Instruction

• Collaborate with special education professionals to design and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that addresses the needs of students with a wide range of disabilities.
• Utilize evidence-based methods to ensure instructional materials and activities are culturally diverse and adapted to promote inclusion.
• Integrate appropriate diagnostic tools to evaluate student progress and make necessary adjustments to the curriculum as needed.
• Foster a curriculum that supports individualized goals and encourages the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of all students.

Family and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with families to communicate about children’s progress, challenges, and successes, while providing ongoing support.
• Collaborate with external agencies and local school districts to enhance services and ensure continuity of care for children with special needs.
• Promote community awareness of the program’s mission and advocate for resources and services for children with special needs.
• Develop outreach initiatives to educate the broader community about the importance of inclusive education and special needs services.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure program compliance with NYSED, OCFS, and other regulatory mandates, including curriculum, staffing, safety, and reporting requirements.
• Conduct regular program evaluations and implement improvement plans based on data and feedback.
• Maintain records and documentation in line with state and federal standards.
• Address and resolve issues related to program compliance or quality in a timely manner.

Strategic Planning

• Develop long-term plans to expand and enhance program services.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships.
• Stay informed of emerging trends in special education, early childhood development, and OCFS regulations.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.
• NYS School District Leader (SDL) or School Building Leader (SBL) certification.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in early childhood education, special education, or program administration, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• In-depth knowledge of NYS 4410 regulations, OCFS standards, and IDEA.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience managing budgets and supervising multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in community outreach and stakeholder engagement.

Work Environment

This position involves working in an office and classroom setting with regular travel within the community to engage with stakeholders and families. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to attend events or meetings.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Plainview, NY 11803: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $90,000