DIRECTOR OF CORNERSTONE SCHOOL
About The Position
Cornerstone School is a small, year-round private special education school in Cranston, Rhode Island that serves young people ages three years old to twenty-two years old. The school offers an integrated preschool program and a continuum of educational and therapeutic services for students. The Director at Cornerstone School is responsible for the planning, implementation, and oversight of special education programs and services for 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 individual ensures compliance with all state and federal regulations, leads instructional initiatives, supports multidisciplinary teams, and contributes to a culture of high expectations, inclusion, and student-centered learning.
Requirements
- Master’s Degree in Special Education or related field (required)
- Rhode Island Certification as Building Administrator, Special Education Administrator, or equivalent (preferred or willingness to pursue)
- 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
- Experience with children with disabilities in an early childhood setting.
- 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.
Responsibilities
- Program Oversight & Compliance 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.
- Leadership & Supervision 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.
- Instructional Support & Curriculum 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.
- Family & Community Engagement Maintain effective communication with families and foster partnerships that support student success.
- Participate in school-wide events, transition planning, and community-based programming.
- Early Childhood 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.
- Administrative Duties Staff scheduling, student placement decisions, and classroom programming.
- Prepare documentation for audits, Medicaid billing, and grant-related reports.
- Hiring, onboarding, and mentoring of new special education staff.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
