Assistant Program Director (P.S. 197 The Ocean School)

The Child Center of NY; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Paid Time Off

401k Pension and Employer Contribution

Flexible Spending and CommuterBenefits

Employer paid disability, life and AD&

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The Child Center of NY is seeking an Assistant Program Director for the Ocean School site to support the Program Director, oversee daily operations, and ensure safe, high-quality programming for youth.

The APD leads inclusion efforts, coordinates accommodations for students with disabilities and English Language Learners, and partners with DYCD, school teams, and families to strengthen access and services.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, or related field preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bengali or community languages preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience with youth in educational/community settings.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with children and youth with disabilities and/or English Language Learners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic data entry.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, implementing, and monitoring program activities.
• Support staff scheduling, supervision, and program logistics.
• Maintain a visible presence during program hours for safety and quality.
• Observe programming, provide coaching and feedback, ensure compliance.
• Serve as Inclusion Coordinator to access accommodations and tools.
• Develop Individualized Accommodation Plans and related logs.
• Coordinate services and referrals with providers and DYCD.
• Communicate with DYCD about specialized supports beyond capacity.
• Collaborate with Behavioral Health Division, AVP and school partners.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Bilingual (Spanish/Chinese)

Customer service orientation

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Associate’s Degree or equivalent

Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Assistant Program Director (P.S. 197 The Ocean School)

Job Description

Posted Monday, July 27, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Company Overview

The Child Center of NY strengthens children and families with skills, opportunities, and emotional support to build healthy, successful lives. Founded in 1953, The Child Center of NY has become a powerful community presence throughout the city. With 50 locations and 100 programs in NYC’s most under-served communities, our 1,000+ results-oriented professionals make a difference for more than 40,000 children and their families each year.

Position Summary

The Assistant Program Director (APD) supports the Program Director in managing daily operations and ensuring safe, high-quality programming. The APD supervises staff, helps monitor compliance, and maintains effective communication with all stakeholders. In addition to supporting program operations, the APD serves as the site’s Inclusion Coordinator, ensuring that all participants—including those with disabilities and English Language Learners (ELLs)—receive appropriate accommodations and have equitable access to all program services. The APD works closely with the Associate Vice President of Youth Development, School-Based Wellness Programming (AVP of YD SBMH) to access guidance, resources, and training that strengthen inclusion and behavioral health supports.

Essential Functions

• Program Operations and Leadership
  • Assist in planning, implementing, and monitoring program activities to ensure goals align with agency mission and participant needs.
  • Support staff scheduling, supervision, and program logistics.
  • Maintain a visible presence throughout program hours to ensure safety, engagement, and quality of service.
  • Observe programming, provide coaching and feedback, and help ensure compliance with all agency and DYCD requirements.
• Inclusion Coordination and Participant Support
  • Serve as Inclusion Coordinator to help participants, families, and staff identify and access tools and resources—including those provided by DYCD—to address special needs.
  • Develop and manage Individualized Accommodation Plans for participants, and maintain Student Behavioral Support Plans and Logs.
  • Coordinate directly provided services (e.g., paraprofessionals for students with disabilities, bilingual staff for ELLs) and indirect supports (e.g., referrals to NYCPS professionals for screening or diagnosis).
  • Communicate with DYCD about specialized supports (e.g., paraprofessionals, nurses, or transportation) that extend beyond the program’s reasonable accommodation capacity.
  • Collaborate with The Child Center’s Behavioral Health Division, AVP of YD SBMH Programming, school partners, and community providers to ensure integrated, inclusive support for all youth.
• Staff Development and Communication
  • Support the Program Director in onboarding, training, and coaching staff to implement inclusive practices and behavior support strategies.
  • Participate in and model professional development activities focused on inclusion, equity, and trauma-informed care, with support from the AVP of YD SBMH Programming as needed.
  • Promote positive communication and collaboration among staff, families, and school teams.
• Family and Community Engagement
  • Communicate regularly with families about student needs, accommodations, and progress.
  • Collaborate with school-based partners and community organizations to strengthen access to specialized services.
  • Support the planning and facilitation of family and community events that highlight inclusive practices and celebrate diversity.

Hours

Monday – Friday | 10:00am – 6:00pm

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience required
• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, or related field (Preferred)
• Bilingual in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Bengali, Haitian Creole, or other languages relevant to the community (Preferred)
• Minimum 3 years of experience working with youth in educational or community settings
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Experience supporting children and youth with disabilities and/or English Language Learners.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic data entry systems.

We Also Offer

• Generous Paid Time Off
• 401k Pension and Employer Contribution
• Flexible Spending and Commuter Benefits Accounts
• Employer paid short-term & long-term disability, life and AD&D insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

The Child Center of NY is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status or any other category protected by Federal, State or local law. EOE M/F/D/V