Assistant Director of Special Education for Early Learning

Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit #9; Smethport (McKean County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Seneca Highlands Intermediate Nine seeks an Assistant Director of Special Education for Early Learning to lead the Preschool Early Intervention program for children ages 3 to 5. You will supervise the EI staff, coordinate with the PA Pre-K Counts program, and partner with families, districts, Head Start, and community agencies.

The role requires a Master's in Education and PA certification for Supervisory Special Education or Principal, with at least five years in special education and

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Education is required.
• Active Pennsylvania Supervisor of Special Education certificate or Principal certificate required.
• At least five years of teaching experience in special education.
• Experience in early childhood special education or Early Intervention preferred; supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Current CPR, First Aid, and an IU-approved crisis management methodology, or willingness to obtain on hire.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the IU9 region.
• Knowledge of IDEA, Chapter 14, and Pennsylvania Early Intervention regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and supervision for IU9's Preschool Early Intervention program.
• Supervise the PA Pre-K Counts Coordinator and ensure program compliance with OCDEL requirements.
• Oversee classrooms and itinerant EI staff serving children ages 3–5; lead early learning partnerships.

Education

Master's degree in Education

Active Pennsylvania Supervisor of Special Education certificate or Principal certificate

Tools

PELICAN

Job description

Seneca Highlands Intermediate Nine

Assistant Director of Special Education for Early Learning

Position: Assistant Director of Special Education for Early Learning

Reports to: Director of Special Education

Location: IU9 service region (McKean, Potter, Elk, and Cameron Counties); regular travel within the region required

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Special Education for Early Learning provides leadership, supervision, and management of IU9's Preschool Early Intervention (EI) program serving children ages 3 to 5, and supervises the PA Pre-K Counts Coordinator. The Assistant Director provides leadership in curriculum and instruction and assures quality programming for young children through collaboration with families, member school districts, and community agencies.

This position will oversee IU9's Preschool EI classrooms and itinerant EI staff serving children across the region. The Assistant Director will also lead IU9's early learning partnerships, including coordination with PA Pre-K Counts, Head Start, child care providers, private preschools, member districts' kindergarten transition efforts and other community partners.

Essential Responsibilities

Program leadership

• Supervise, coordinate, and manage IU9's Preschool Early Intervention program for children ages 3 to 5, including classroom and itinerant services.
• Supervise and support the PA Pre-K Counts Coordinator and assure program compliance with OCDEL requirements.
• Ensure compliance with IDEA, Pennsylvania Chapter 14, and Early Intervention regulations, including evaluation timelines, IEP development, and service delivery.
• Assist with program budgets, staffing plans, and required state and federal reporting.
• Serve as co-chairperson for two separate Early Learning Team/Local Interagency Coordinating Councils as well as participating as a member of committees impacting early learning within the IU9 catchment area.

Supervision and staff development

• Supervise, observe, and evaluate EI teachers, itinerant staff, paraprofessionals, and related service providers as assigned.
• Participate in recruitment, interviewing, and hiring of early learning staff.
• Plan and deliver professional development aligned to the PA Early Learning Standards and evidence-based early childhood practices.
• Manage day-to-day operations, workflows, and staffing for early intervention or service coordination offices.
• Utilize state data and tracking systems (such as PELICAN) for reporting, audits, and program evaluation.

Curriculum and instruction

• Provide leadership in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and progress monitoring for preschool programs.
• Promote inclusive practices and services in the least restrictive environment, including community early learning settings.

Collaboration and partnerships

• Build strong partnerships with families and involve them in planning and decision-making for their children.
• Coordinate with Head Start, PA Pre-K Counts partners, child care providers, Infant/Toddler Early Intervention, private preschools, and community agencies.
• Work with member school districts to support smooth transitions into kindergarten.
• Respond to parent concerns and assist with resolution of disputes and complaints.

Other duties

• Respond to and problem-solve urgent situations in classrooms and programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Special Education or Executive Director.

Qualifications

Education required: Master's degree in Education; active Pennsylvania Supervisor of Special Education certificate or Principal certificate.

Experience required: At least five years of teaching experience in special education.

Experience preferred: Experience in early childhood special education or Early Intervention; supervisory or leadership experience.

Other qualifications:

• Current certification in CPR, First Aid, and an IU-approved crisis management methodology (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Ability to work effectively with other professionals, direct staff, and organize and communicate effectively in both verbal and written form.
• Ability to respond and problem-solve quickly.
• Knowledge of IDEA, Chapter 14, and Pennsylvania Early Intervention regulations.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout the IU9 region.
• Current Act 34, Act 151, and FBI (Act 114) clearances, and Act 168 compliance.

Terms of Employment

• Work year: 12 month position
• Application Deadline: November 20, 2026
• Start date: Mid-February 2027