Education Program Director

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs

Hesperia (CA)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

7 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vis

Annual Education Stipend - $2,000

FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling

401k Retirement Saving Plan

Paid Time Off

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs in California seeks an Education Program Director to lead a K-12 Special Education program. You will set instructional vision, supervise staff, ensure high-quality teaching, and align practices with Spectrum’s strategies to improve student outcomes.

You’ll oversee site operations, compliance, enrollment, and stakeholder engagement with districts. The role requires advanced degree and credentials in education or related field, leadership experience, and a

Qualifications

Master’s or higher in education or related field; leadership credentials preferred.
Experience with pupils with disabilities and educational leadership.
PPS credential or psychology/education licensure may be required.
Licensure or certification in behavioral health or psychology fields.
Strong knowledge of ABA, PBIS, IEPs and special education.
Willingness to obtain crisis management certification.

Responsibilities

Provide visionary leadership to drive student achievement and safe operations.
Recruit and develop faculty to meet program needs.
Monitor facilities, safety, and compliance with state requirements.
Oversee daily operations, enrollment, and community relationships.
Prepare reports on student achievement and program effectiveness.

Skills

Leadership

Educational leadership

Communication skills

Project management

Staff development

Crisis management awareness

Education

Master’s degree or higher in education, special education, psychology, counseling, applied behavior analysis, social work, rehabilitation or a closely related field

Educational leadership, school principal, administrator or related credential plus minimum 2yr's prior experience working with pupils with disabilities

Pupil personnel services (PPS) credential with authorization for school counseling or psychology

Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential issued by the Board of Behavioral Sciences

Licensure in psychology regulated by the Board of Psychology

Credential authorizing special education instruction plus minimum 2yr's special education teaching experience prior to becoming an administrator

Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), educational psychologist (LEP) or professional clinical counselor (LPCC) issued by the board of behavioral sciences

Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Database entry

Instructional technology

Job description

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!

As the Education Program Director, you will play a pivotal role in transforming student outcomes in Grades K-12 by championing excellence in instruction and fostering an environment of continuous academic growth. Serving as the instructional leader, you will inspire and guide our dedicated staff to consistently deliver high-quality teaching practices aligned with Spectrum's proven educational strategies. Your leadership will ensure that policies and procedures are implemented effectively, creating a supportive and efficient learning environment where every student can thrive.

This position oversees all site operations and functions as the liaison between the site and the school districts’ designated site contacts by establishing and maintaining positive, interactive, working relationships.

Providing visionary leadership to drive student achievement and ensure smooth, effective operations by supervising staff, developing and implementing performance management plans, identifying professional learning needs, and engaging in continuous professional growth opportunities.
Participating in the recruitment and selection process to build and retain a faculty/staff team with the instructional skills and competencies necessary to meet the unique needs of the program’s student population.
Analyzing staff professional development needs and aligning them with Spectrum’s instructional vision while recognizing achievements, addressing concerns, and maintaining productive, solutions-focused site operations.
Leading the induction and training of new staff—either directly or through designees—to ensure a positive onboarding experience and maximize the success and retention of new team members.
Monitoring facilities and programs to ensure the safety of students and staff at all times, including compliance with contractual and state requirements, adherence to staffing ratios, and readiness to implement crisis protocols.
Performing essential managerial functions such as overseeing daily school operations, managing schedules and activities, coordinating custodial and maintenance efforts, supervising food and transportation services, directing administrative and budgetary processes, allocating resources, and fostering positive district and community relationships.
Demonstrating fiscal responsibility by strategically maximizing resources in partnership with the direct supervisor to support instructional priorities and student outcomes.
Participating in the enrollment process from initial referral to final day of attendance, ensuring timely placement, conducting effective site tours, managing rosters per student needs and state mandates, and contributing to transition planning toward the least restrictive environment when applicable.
Instructing, monitoring, and evaluating staff and students in the effective use of learning materials and resources to ensure instructional fidelity and optimal student performance.
Observing, evaluating, and reporting staff and student performance using the START Checklist or other approved observation tools to inform feedback and improvement efforts.
Participating in accreditation and quality assurance processes to ensure the site meets or exceeds Spectrum and accrediting body standards.
Preparing and presenting reports on student achievement, development, and activities to showcase progress and program effectiveness.
Compiling, analyzing, and utilizing assessment data to track student growth, inform instruction, and guide targeted academic interventions.
Maintaining accurate, complete, and timely records of student progress in compliance with state laws, Spectrum guidelines, and district policies.
Ensuring the on-time completion and distribution of grades, report cards, IEP progress reports, and transcripts for all students.
Ensuring compliance with all mandatory requirements, including the IEP process, state assessments, and Spectrum policies.
Promoting a positive school culture by fostering programs and practices that encourage appropriate student behavior, applying support or disciplinary measures as needed in alignment with Spectrum policies.
Providing guidance, encouragement, and academic counseling to students facing challenges to help them achieve their goals.
Performing other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the program and its students.

‖ Qualifications Required:

Must hold currently or be in the process of obtaining one or more of the following:
→ 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.
→ Educational leadership, school principal, administrator or related credential plus minimum 2yr's prior experience working with pupils with disabilities.
→ Pupil personnel services (PPS) credential with authorization for school counseling or psychology.
→ Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential issued by the Board of Behavioral Sciences.
→ Licensure in psychology regulated by the Board of Psychology.
→ Credential authorizing special education instruction plus minimum 2yr's special education teaching experience prior to becoming an administrator.
→ Licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), educational psychologist (LEP) or professional clinical counselor (LPCC) issued by the board of behavioral sciences.
Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.

‖ Qualifications Preferred:

Minimum 2yr's prior experience working in an educational leadership or school administrator role.
Minimum 2yr's prior teaching experience in a special education program setting.
Minimum 2yr's prior experience working with pupils with learning disabilities, emotional behavioral disorders, autism spectrum disorders and/or other related disabilities.
Highly knowledgeable in the development, assessment, and management of curriculum, content areas, differentiated instruction and working with individualized education plans (IEP's).
Effective management skills and comprehensive knowledge of administrative and school operations, admission and enrollment procedures, certification, accreditation and compliance laws and regulations.
Well-versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA) including positive behavior interventions & supports (PBIS), effective teaching strategies, classroom management systems, data-based decision making, functional behavior assessment (FBA) and behavior intervention plans (BIP's).
Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
Proven ability to build and maintain multiple relationships with students, parents, teachers and community and/or district 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.

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs 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 50 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

Learn more about employee perks & benefits in our digital brochure:

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 Chance to transform lives through education!

‖ Perks and Benefits Include: