Preschool Principal

Helen Keller Services (HKS)•New York, NY

3d•$120,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

Helen Keller Services (HKS), established in 1893, works to enable individuals who are blind or have vision loss to live, work, and thrive in their communities. Its Children’s Learning Center serves children from birth to age five, including children who are visually impaired or blind, autistic, and/or have multiple disabilities. The center-based special education program serves approximately 50 children and their families in Brooklyn. The School Principal leads the strategic development and operational delivery of the Children’s Learning Center, including the daily operation of its New York State 4410 preschool and Early Intervention programs. The role oversees regulatory compliance, educational and therapeutic services, staff, outreach, facilities, and transportation. The position is full-time and follows the New York City Department of Education calendar, plus a six-week summer session.

Requirements

Master’s degree in special education from an accredited college or university; or a BA or BS from an accredited college or university with an advanced certificate in Educational Administration from an accredited college or university.
Five to eight years of experience working in special education.
School Building Leadership certification.
Experience operating a New York State preschool program, with an emphasis on early childhood education for children with disabilities including visual impairments, autism spectrum disorder, and multiple challenges.

Nice To Haves

School District Leadership certification (optional).
Certification as a Special Education Teacher or Teacher of the Visually Impaired.

Responsibilities

Lead the Children’s Learning Center in accordance with HKS’s mission, goals, and strategic objectives.
Monitor regulatory and compliance matters for the 4410 programs, including requirements of the New York City Department of Education, New York State Education Department, New York City Department of Health/Bureau of Day Care Article 47, and FDNY childcare-center regulations.
Keep policies and procedures current and compliant with applicable regulations.
Monitor and approve evaluation reports, updates, IEPs, and IFSPs.
Apply for and monitor grants to enrich the Children’s Learning Center program.
Oversee contractual services.
Observe and supervise instructional and therapeutic staff.
Monitor classroom instruction through classroom observations and review of lesson plans and class schedules.
Develop instructional approaches and curricula based on special-education best practices and assess their implementation in classrooms.
Oversee therapy schedules to ensure services are delivered and student mandates are fulfilled.
Oversee and monitor implementation of the Early Intervention Program.
Conduct and monitor outreach to increase awareness of Children’s Learning Center programs.
Participate in coalition and committee meetings, including IAC Education and Early Intervention Committee meetings.
Collaborate with Human Resources, Accounting, other HKS departments, and other Children’s Learning Center principals.
Monitor and address school physical-plant maintenance needs.
Monitor monthly school fire drills.
Monitor transportation services.
Supervise teachers, assistant teachers, one-to-one paraprofessional, nurse, social worker, intake coordinator, clinical supervisor, therapists, per diem Early Intervention therapists, school psychologist, and administrative assistant.