Founding Therapeutic School Leader – K-8

Children; Aberdeen (SD); On-site; USD 74,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

The Children’s Home Society of South Dakota is seeking a Therapeutic School Administrator to lead the development of a new K–8 therapeutic day school in Aberdeen. You will set vision, culture, and daily operations, partnering with CHS Operations and School Leadership to ensure a successful launch and ongoing growth.

You will work on instructional leadership, student supports, and family partnerships, guiding a team of educators and therapists to help students achieve academic, behavioral,

Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution is required.
• Current South Dakota educator certification or ability to obtain is required.
• Preferred: SD Elementary/Middle School Principal certification; and/or SD Special Education Administrator endorsement.
• Demonstrated educational, administrative, or instructional leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead School Development: establish and implement the educational model, culture, procedures, routines, and daily operations for launching the Aberdeen therapeutic day school.
• Provide Educational Leadership: ensure high-quality instructional practices, student programming, behavioral supports, and individualized services in a therapeutic setting.
• Lead and Develop the Team: provide day-to-day leadership, supervision, coaching, and support to school staff.
• Support Special Education Services: ensure appropriate educational services and supports per needs and plans.
• Build District and Family Partnerships: develop relationships with families, referring districts, and community partners; participate in referrals and transitions.
• Support Student Growth: collaborate with education and therapeutic teams to support academic, behavioral, social, and emotional development.
• Build for the Future: evaluate needs and opportunities for growth as CHS expands therapeutic services.

Skills

Educational leadership

Administrative leadership

Instructional leadership

Team coaching

Education

Master’s degree

SD teacher certification

Special Education Administrator endorsement

Tools

Job description

The Children’s Home Society of South Dakota is seeking a Therapeutic School Administrator to lead the development of a new K–8 therapeutic day school in Aberdeen. You will set vision, culture, and daily operations, partnering with CHS Operations and School Leadership to ensure a successful launch and ongoing growth.

You will work on instructional leadership, student supports, and family partnerships, guiding a team of educators and therapists to help students achieve academic, behavioral,