Preschool Director of Education Program Services - Manhattan

ADAPT Community Network; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ADAPT Community Network in New York, NY, seeks a Preschool Director of Education Program Services to direct and supervise all program components within the Manhattan Children’s Program. The role includes coordinating education, clinical and administrative functions, staff supervision, and liaison work with families and school districts.

The candidate must hold a Master’s Degree in Special Education, NYS Permanent Certification in Special Education and School Administration, plus a NY driver’s

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with coworkers, consumers, families and external contacts.
• Maintain the strictest confidentiality.
• Proficiency with personal computer and standard software/e-mail.
• Knowledge of equipment used by individuals receiving services, including wheelchairs and adaptive devices.

Responsibilities

• Direct, coordinate, develop and supervise all program components for children served.
• Oversee daily operations of education, clinical, medical, clerical and maintenance areas.
• Prepare program reports and monitor budget.
• Ensure compliance with regulations and department policies.
• Liaise with parents, school districts and community partners.
• Develop and update program policies, goals and quality assurance plans.
• Plan for department development and expansion and strategic long‑range goals.

Skills

Reading & Writing (English)

Oral & Written Communication

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Confidentiality

Computer Proficiency

Equipment Knowledge

Education

Master’s Degree in Special Education

NY State Permanent Certification – Special Education Teacher

NY State Permanent Certification – School Administrator & Supervisor

New York Driver’s License

Job description

Description

We are currently hiring a Preschool Director of Education Program Services at our Manhattan Children's Program.

Why Join ADAPT

It’s more than a job; it’s a calling. It’s where passion meets purpose. ADAPT Community Network, formerly United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of NYC, provides a multitude of services to people with developmental disabilities. At ADAPT, we are 3,000 strong, and it takes every one of us to empower the lives of the people we support. With caring and great resources at hand, we know what it takes to help people live fuller, happier, healthier lives. Our employees show their commitment to the people we support every day, and we all deliver on our promise to provide innovative and comprehensive services to individuals with developmental disabilities.

Job Type

Full-time

Summary

Is responsible for directing, coordinating, developing and supervising all program components within a service to ensure the most effective and productive utilization of these areas for children served. This includes the direct supervision of all direct care and clinical staff, compliance with all applicable regulations, department development and expanding and attending to all children needs. Has the authority to exercise independent judgment within the framework of established policies and procedures that influence operations. Serves as liaison with all other programs of the Agency and with other agencies and the community particularly with regard to activities/service.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Recruits, interviews, hires, orients, trains, appraises, supervises, disciplines and when necessary, terminates subordinate staff.
• Oversees and directs daily operation of total program including education, clinical, medical, clerical and maintenance.
• Prepares various agency required program reports.
• Develops, obtains approval of, implements and monitors program budget.
• Approves classroom placements and curriculum design.
• Serves as liaison between parents and school districts.
• Suggests, develops, coordinates and implements program goals.
• Develops, implements and updates program policies and procedures.
• Approves purchase of supplies and equipment for program.
• Handles communication with community organizations and school districts.
• Facilitates transition of children to next appropriate education placement.
• Formulates and recommends long‑range plans for services and programs to be offered and implements as authorized.
• Prepares departmental projections and other relevant statistics.
• Handles student placement decisions in other facilities.
• Ensures that staff receive all required in‑service training, and develops and implements in‑service training related to children’s needs.
• Takes appropriate measures including periodic area assessments and observations of practices, materials, equipment and environment and provides staff and children with safety training to ensure that employees and children are provided with the safest and healthiest workplace possible.
• Handles public relations and community education for program.
• Completes special projects as requested.
• Plans for department development and expansion.
• Develops and implements Quality Assurance plan for department.
• Serves as a standing member of Agency‑wide committees.
• Keeps abreast of changes in field.
• Performs other related duties as requested.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with coworkers, employees, consumers, families and outside contacts.
• Must be able to maintain the strictest confidentiality.
• Proficiency in the use of a personal computer and appropriate software and e‑mail system.
• Knowledge of equipment typically used by persons receiving services, including wheelchairs and adaptive devices.

Education And/or Experience

• Master’s Degree in Special Education.
• At least five years of experience as a Special Education Teacher and four years of experience as a School Administrator.
• New York State Permanent Certification as a Special Education Teacher.
• New York State Permanent Certification as a School Administrator and Supervisor.
• Valid New York State Driver’s License and maintain it in good standing.

Compensation

$90,000 - $100,000 Annually + Industry‑Leading Benefits!

EEO Statement

At ADAPT, we value diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. We strive to ensure that our employees are comfortable bringing their whole, authentic self to work and that the people we support can also be their authentic selves. We value diverse backgrounds, opinions, ideas, and ways of thinking. We aim to build an inclusive and diverse workforce that is empowered and supported with leaders who create diverse and inclusive teams. We continuously seek opportunities for the organization to foster a more positive, respected, united, and collaborative culture. ADAPT Community Network is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Qualified candidates of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds and statuses are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.