Cornerstone School- Assistant Director

ACCESSPOINT RI•Cranston, RI

8d•$65,000 - $75,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Cornerstone School, we believe great leadership creates life-changing opportunities—and we’re looking for an Assistant Director who’s ready to make an impact. In this role, you’ll partner closely with the Director of Special Education to help lead, shape, and strengthen programs that support students ages 3–22 with complex learning needs, including Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and significant medical or sensory challenges. This is a hands-on leadership position where collaboration is key. You’ll help guide a dedicated multidisciplinary team, support innovative instructional practices, and ensure our programs not only meet compliance standards—but truly make a difference in students’ lives. From classrooms to clinical supports, your influence will help create a learning environment built on high expectations, inclusion, and meaningful student growth. If you’re someone who thrives in a dynamic setting, values teamwork, and is passionate about student-centered education, this role offers the opportunity to lead with purpose every single day.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Special Education or related field (required)
Minimum 5 years of experience in education, including leadership or administrative roles
Deep understanding of IDEA, IEP development, transition planning, and best practices for students with significant disabilities
Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
Ability to collaborate across disciplines and build trust with teams and families
Commitment to the mission and values of Cornerstone School
Current CPR certification or willing to become certified.
A valid driver's license.
Meet DCYF and Department of Education requirements to work in a school.
Willing to transport students using agency or personal vehicle to meet school needs.

Nice To Haves

Rhode Island Certification as Building Administrator, Special Education Administrator, or equivalent (preferred or willingness to pursue)
Experience with children with disabilities in an early childhood setting.

Responsibilities

Assist with development, implementation, and evaluation of IEPs in accordance with IDEA and RI Department of Education regulations.
Monitor compliance timelines and ensure documentation meets all regulatory requirements.
Participate in IEP meetings, evaluations, and eligibility determinations as needed.
Support the supervision and professional development of special education teachers, related service providers, and classroom teams.
Provide coaching, modeling, and feedback to ensure high-quality instruction and data-driven practices.
Act as a liaison between instructional staff, families, sending districts, and outside agencies.
Assist in curriculum planning and alignment with IEP goals and transition objectives.
Ensure functional academics, communication systems, and life skills instruction are meaningfully integrated into student programs.
Support the use of assistive technology, data systems, and progress monitoring tools.
Maintain effective communication with families and foster partnerships that support student success.
Participate in school-wide events, transition planning, and community-based programming.
Provide ongoing in-services and on-site training to meet national "accreditation" standards set forth by NAEYC
Ensure compliance of state licensing regulations within Early Childhood programming
Coordinate Early Childhood Tuition Payments for Self-Pay and DHS families, in collaboration with the finance department.
Support staff scheduling, student placement decisions, and classroom programming.
Help prepare documentation for audits, Medicaid billing, and grant-related reports.
Contribute to the hiring, onboarding, and mentoring of new special education staff.