Assistant Director Education

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

Assist the Director of Education in managing daily operations of the educational program

Oversee curriculum planning and ensure instruction aligns with state standards and student IEP goals

Provide supervision, evaluation, and professional development for teaching staff

Collaborate with clinical and residential departments to promote a cohesive and consistent educational experience

Participate in the development and monitoring of IEPs and other educational documentation

Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and agency policies

Serves as behavioral resource for the Academy; consults with staff to prepare Functional Behavior Assessments to develop Behavior Intervention Plans; determines appropriate action in cases of serious behavioral incidents.

Represents The Learning Center at PPT’s. Ensures appropriate educational discharge planning for students and coordinates educational programming through the PPT process.

Fosters and maintains good public relations image consistent with the Connecticut Code of Professional Standards for School Administrators

Assumes teaching responsibilities in a classroom when appropriate staffing needs to be ensured.

Interviews new candidates for certified staff positions and provides feedback on candidates following interviews and shadowing experiences to the Director of Education.

Attends all scheduled after school and evening Academy functions, as requested by the Director of Education.

Act as a liaison with school districts, families, and external agencies as needed

Promote a safe, structured, and therapeutic classroom environment

Support continuous quality improvement initiatives across the education program

Maintain active certification in agency-approved crisis intervention training, including all required levels of Physical and Psychological Management Training (PMT). Apply training techniques appropriately to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals served, staff, and others in the environment. Demonstrate competency in de-escalation strategies, safe physical interventions, and adherence to agency protocols.

Perform other duties as assigned

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES:

SKILLS

Strong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to supervise, mentor, and support educational staff

Effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with families, staff, and external stakeholders

Organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and timelines efficiently

Problem-solving skills to analyze educational challenges and develop appropriate strategies

Conflict resolution and crisis management skills within an educational setting

Competency in using technology for administrative tasks, data collection, and instructional support

KNOWLEDGE

In-depth understanding of special education laws and regulations (e.g., IDEA, FAPE, IEP process)

Knowledge of evidence-based practices in special education and trauma-informed care

Familiarity with the needs and learning styles of individuals with ASD and IDD

Understanding of positive behavioral supports and functional behavior assessment

Awareness of relevant accreditation and licensing standards for educational programs in therapeutic settings

Knowledge of curriculum development and adaptation for diverse learners

ABILITIES

Ability to implement and monitor individualized educational plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams

Ability to provide professional development and coaching to instructional staff

Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in education and care

Ability to lead school operations in the absence of the Director of Education

Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines to support the academic and emotional needs of students

Ability to interpret and respond to data for continuous improvement of educational services

Ability to remain flexible and adapt to evolving program needs

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s degree in Special Education, Education Administration, or related field

Valid teaching and/or administrative certification (as applicable to the state)

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in special education or therapeutic educational settings

Must hold Connecticut Department of Education, Intermediate Certification (092), as well as, Special Education or related services endorsement. Excellent written and verbal skills.

Supervisory experience strongly preferred

CPR/First Aid and other relevant certifications (or willingness to obtain)

Full-time