Education Program Director

Spectrum Schools; Antioch (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Education Program Director to lead their Special Education team. This role offers an opportunity to make a significant impact on students' lives, fostering an environment that promotes achievement, safety, and engagement. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills and a proactive mindset to ensure effective operations and compliance with educational policies. With a commitment to innovation and professional growth, this position promises a fulfilling career path in an organization dedicated to transforming lives through education.

Benefits

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans

FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions

Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance

401k Retirement Saving Plan

Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts

Accrual-based Paid Time Off

Opportunities for Growth & Development

Pet Health Insurance

Legal Services Insurance

School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule

Qualifications

• Master's degree in education or related field required.
• 5+ years of experience in special education services preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead educational programs to promote student achievement and safety.
• Oversee daily operations and ensure compliance with educational policies.

Skills

Leadership

Special Education Knowledge

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Conflict Resolution

Curriculum Development

Behavior Analysis

Education

Master’s degree in Education or related field

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential

CA state licensure in special education

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Instructional Technology

Job description

Starting Salary: $90,000 - $105,000 /year based on experience

Environment: Special Education Program, High School

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs, a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an Education Program Director to join our award-winning Special Education team and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression, and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!

If you're driven by outcomes, passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of students with special needs, and bring a proactive, solution-focused mindset to every challenge — We Should Talk!

As the Education Program Director, you play a key leadership role in fostering an educational environment that promotes student achievement, safety, and engagement. Acting as the site instructional leader, this position is responsible for implementing instructional practices, overseeing site operations, and ensuring compliance with educational policies.

The Program Director is responsible for oversight of all site operations and functions, ensuring a safe learning environment for all students and staff by following guidelines for addressing/reporting issues and incidents, and acting as a liaison between the site and designated contacts (where applicable) by establishing and maintaining positive, interactive working relationships.

Responsibilities Include:

• Providing vision and leadership to support student achievement and effective operations by supervising staff, developing, and implementing performance management plans, identifying professional learning needs, and participating in professional learning opportunities.
• Participating in the recruitment and selection process to ensure a faculty/staff with instructional proficiencies for the program population served.
• Analyzing the professional development needs of staff and aligning needs with the Spectrum instructional vision, while also actively recognizing accomplishments and addressing issues to ensure productive site operations.
• Leading the induction/training of new staff to ensure a positive onboarding experience and maximizing the success of new employees.
• Monitoring the facility and program to ensure student and staff safety at all times including, but not limited to, ensuring compliance with contract and/or state requirements, staffing ratios, and crisis protocols.
• Performing managerial responsibilities including overseeing the day-to-day operation of the school schedule and activities, custodial and maintenance, food services, transportation services, administration, financial/budgetary operations, resource allocation, and district/community relationships.
• Demonstrating fiscal responsibility and maximizing the impact of fiscal resources on instructional priorities in partnership with the direct supervisor.
• Participating in the enrollment process (where applicable) at the campus or site level from referral to last day of attendance, ensuring timely classroom placement upon receiving referral, conducting effective site tours, managing classroom rosters according to student need and state requirements, and participating in the development of plans for transitioning students to the least restrictive environment (where applicable).
• Instructing, monitoring, and evaluating all staff and students in the use of learning materials and resources to ensure fidelity of instruction and student performance/evaluation.
• Observing, evaluating, and reporting staff and student performance and development through the START Checklist or other observation tools.
• Participating in the assurance and accreditation processes to ensure that the site passes or meets the standards established by Spectrum and/or the accrediting body.
• Preparing and presenting required reports on student development, achievement, and activities to illustrate student progress and program effectiveness.
• Compiling, analyzing, and using assessment data to measure student growth and inform instruction and/or academic intervention for each student and site.
• Maintaining accurate and complete records of students' progress and development as required by state laws, Spectrum, and district policies (where applicable).
• Ensuring the timely completion and distribution of grading, report cards, IEP progress reports, and transcripts for all students.
• Ensuring compliance with mandatory requirements including but not limited to IEP process, state compliance, state testing, and Spectrum policies.
• Promoting programs and classroom practices that support positive student behavior by embracing Spectrum policies and applying appropriate support or disciplinary measures when necessary.
• Providing support, encouragement, and counseling to students with academic problems.
• Performing other duties and/or projects as assigned.

Qualifications Required:

• Master’s degree or higher in education, special education, psychology, counseling, applied behavior analysis, social work, rehabilitation or a closely related field of study issued by an accredited postsecondary institution.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) credential.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining CA state licensure in special education and/or educational leadership, school administrator or similar credential preferred.
• Minimum 5 years prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with autism related disabilities.
• Minimum 3 years prior experience working in an educational leadership or school administrator position.
• Effective management skills and comprehensive knowledge of administrative and school operations, functions, and staffing requirements.
• Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in the development, assessment, and management of curriculum, content areas and instruction.
• Highly skilled in working with individuals with severe learning, emotional behavioral disorders, and/or other related disabilities.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals and next steps.
• Highly skilled in building relationships with students, parents, teachers and community and/or business partners.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.
• Skilled leader who exhibits the characteristics of servant leadership, looking to the needs of the team and seeking to help solve problems and promote personal development.

Spectrum Center Schools is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, the nation’s leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 45 years, and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of more than 240,000 student lives!

Learn more about our history, our mission, and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

• https://bit.ly/m/WorkWithPurpose

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts, the support needed to achieve success, and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here – where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture; and every day is a Chance to transform lives through education!

Perks and Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
• FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
• Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Personal Protection Insurance Plans
• Cigna Healthy Pregnancies, Healthy Babies Program
• Legal Services Insurance
• Pet Health Insurance
• Accrual-based Paid Time Off
• School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
• Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
• 401k Retirement Saving Plan
• Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
• Opportunities for Growth & Development
• And So Much More!

If you're ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future — This Is Your Chance!

Join us and together, we can empower students to overcome challenges, build confidence and unlock their full potential!

Careers, With ChanceLight Work. With Purpose.

Copyright 2024 ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, a ChanceLight company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.