Job Description

About Bright Lite Preschool

We are a nonprofit owned up-and-coming early childhood education preschool in East Harlem, dedicated to providing high-quality, inclusive education for underserved young learners ages 3-5 with developmental delays and disabilities. We are committed to nurturing the potential of every child, through tailored educational programs, therapy services, and a supportive environment.

Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Special Education Director to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to ensuring that students with disabilities receive the support and services they need to succeed. This role involves overseeing the creation and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), supervising staff and training, and monitoring that the program is running smoothly. The Special Education Director will work collaboratively with other educators, parents, and senior staff to ensure that each student achieves their fullest potential.

Key Responsibilities

1. Program Leadership & Clinical Oversight

Curriculum & Individualization:

Collaborate with teachers and administrative staff to ensure all children's programs are developmentally appropriate, individualized, and aligned with educational standards.

IEP & IFSP Guidance:

Work with the IEP Coordinator guidance on the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP) that are culturally relevant, responsive, and focused on student needs and parent involvement.

Classroom Quality Assurance:

Conduct regular classroom observations and evaluations, providing constructive feedback that motivates staff and encourages high-quality learning environments.

Service Delivery Monitoring:

Review related service provider schedules to ensure all children are receiving the full scope of services (OT, PT, Speech, etc.) approved on their IEP or IFSP.

Data Driven Instruction:

Ensure proper data collection for all students; oversee the collection of service-delivery data and report performance progress both internally to the clinical team and externally to families.

2. Compliance, Operations & Enrollment

Regulatory Compliance:

Monitor and maintain strict Special Education compliance aligned with

New York State Regulations

and

Article 47

(NYC Health Code).

Enrollment Management:

Ensure the school operates at full capacity by serving as the primary liaison between the center and

NYC EI

or the

CPSE

districts; proactively notify agencies regarding center enrollment capacity.

Health & Safety:

Maintain comprehensive awareness of school-wide Health and Safety Policies and ensure they are implemented rigorously across all classrooms and therapy spaces.

3. Staff Supervision & Professional Development

Supervision & Mentorship:

Conduct weekly staff supervision meetings to support teacher growth and address classroom challenges.

Performance Management:

Manage the annual performance evaluation process and create professional development plans for staff to foster continuous improvement.

Personnel Records:

Maintain complete supervision files for all staff, including performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and certification documents.

Professional Development:

Organize and facilitate training sessions that keep staff updated on best practices in special education and therapeutic interventions.

4. Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement

External Relationships:

Establish and maintain strong working relationships with outside service providers, agencies, and community partners.

Family Communication:

Report performance progress to families and act as a resource for parents navigating the special education system.

Professional Growth:

Attend community meetings, professional conferences, and workshops to stay abreast of current trends in child development, treatment methodologies, and early intervention programs.

Qualifications

Required:

Minimum of a BA in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, or a related field.

State Certification:

Must hold valid State Certification as a School Building Leader (SBL) or School Administrator/Supervisor (SAS) Permanent certificate New York State Certification in Early Childhood Education (BCSE) Birth-grade 2 or N-6 Minimum of 2 years of teaching experience in a Special Education setting. Minimum of 3 years of administrative or supervisory experience. Deep knowledge of the

IEP process

, IDEA regulations, and CPSE guidelines.

Preferred:

Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a strong plus. Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education preferred Experience with [Specific methodologies, e.g., ABA, DIR/Floortime, Montessori]. Familiarity with special education management software

Skills & Attributes

Crisis Management:

Ability to remain calm and provide support during behavioral crises.

Communication:

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for interacting with state officials, parents, and staff.

Organization:

Superior attention to detail regarding compliance paperwork and deadlines.

Empathy:

A genuine passion for working with children with special needs and their families.
Join us in making a difference in the lives of our students by providing them with the support they need to thrive academically and socially. Your expertise can help shape their future!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
Work Location: In person