Director of Education

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Education to lead The Heart Share First Step Early Childhood Center in ensuring high-quality educational services for students with special needs. The Director of Education will report to the Vice President of Education and be responsible for supervising staff, providing team leadership, overseeing policy implementation, ensuring safety protocols, and managing fiscal resources effectively. This role requires a dedicated individual with a passion for special education, strong organizational skills, and the ability to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Ensure coverage in compliance with DOH and SED standards.
• Provide or arrange for on-going, relevant training for all employees and maintain training records.
• Post all internal career opportunities. Encourage education and career growth. Ensure all staff licensing requirements are met.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to recruit qualified staff to fill program vacancies in a timely manner.
• Provide prompt and proper employee discipline in accordance with agency policy and procedures.
• Provide ongoing employee observation and give immediate feedback in a constructive manner.
• Provide regular supervision to all direct reports, completing all required supervision paperwork in a timely manner, including annual performance evaluations.
• Advocate for staff needs with senior management.
• Adapt management styles to respond to unique situations and individual’s needs. Remain flexible in responding to program and agency needs.
• Effectively delegate responsibilities and hold people accountable.
• Consistently attend, be on time for and actively participate in meetings. Provide input which moves the agenda forward. Congenially express and receive opinions and feedback.
• Set meeting schedules, maximize full team attendance and participation, recognize and share team accomplishments, prioritize topics and set a positive tone.
• Provide a welcoming atmosphere for family members. Ensure families are incorporated as full members of the team.
• Initiate collaborative decision making, facilitating communication among all staff. Follow up with individual staff as appropriate.
• Collaborate with other agency departments and divisions. Participate actively in cross agency committees and meetings.
• Set the leadership and vision for the school.
• Anticipate growth or vacancies and plan proactively.
• Actively participate in agency and education department strategic plans.
• Remain up to date on developments in the field, join professional organizations, and attend professional development conferences to improve curriculum and further organizational goals.
• Set the tone and take the lead in initiatives to better the atmosphere and service provision in the school.
• Adhere to HeartShare’s Code of Conduct and the NAEYC Code of Ethics. Be familiar with and adhere to all organization policies and procedures.
• Foster an inclusive and supportive environment. Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
• Work as an advocate for the children and their families.
• Respond to incidents in a timely manner, complete and submit the necessary paperwork as required.
• Teach and support developmentally appropriate practice for preschool children.
• Work with Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement to maintain high standards in accordance with all regulatory agencies.
• Responsible for fiscal management, such as managing the petty cash, ensuring prompt and accurate submission of invoices and consult with the Vice President of Education Services regarding budgetary matters.
• Monitor and ensure program runs at maximum capacity.
• Review documents regarding annual comprehensive inspection of the program, complete checklist and submit this to the Vice President of Education Services.
• Conduct ongoing preventative maintenance both inside and outside the facility. Ensure prompt repairs to problems and contact designated party for appropriate contractor for major repairs.
• Conduct monthly fire drills and quarterly lock down drills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Master’s degree in Education/Special Education or Related Field.
• NYS certification in School Administration and Supervision or School Building Leadership.