Assistant Director Education

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:Assist the Director of Education in managing daily operations of the educational programOversee curriculum planning and ensure instruction aligns with state standards and student IEP goalsProvide supervision, evaluation, and professional development for teaching staffCollaborate with clinical and residential departments to promote a cohesive and consistent educational experienceParticipate in the development and monitoring of IEPs and other educational documentationEnsure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations and agency policiesServes 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 AdministratorsAssumes 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 neededPromote a safe, structured, and therapeutic classroom environmentSupport continuous quality improvement initiatives across the education programMaintain 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 assignedSKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES:SKILLSStrong leadership and team-building skills with the ability to supervise, mentor, and support educational staffEffective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with families, staff, and external stakeholdersOrganizational skills to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and timelines efficientlyProblem-solving skills to analyze educational challenges and develop appropriate strategiesConflict resolution and crisis management skills within an educational settingCompetency in using technology for administrative tasks, data collection, and instructional supportKNOWLEDGEIn-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 careFamiliarity with the needs and learning styles of individuals with ASD and IDDUnderstanding of positive behavioral supports and functional behavior assessmentAwareness of relevant accreditation and licensing standards for educational programs in therapeutic settingsKnowledge of curriculum development and adaptation for diverse learnersABILITIESAbility to implement and monitor individualized educational plans in collaboration with multidisciplinary teamsAbility to provide professional development and coaching to instructional staffAbility to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards in education and careAbility to lead school operations in the absence of the Director of EducationAbility to work collaboratively across disciplines to support the academic and emotional needs of studentsAbility to interpret and respond to data for continuous improvement of educational servicesAbility to remain flexible and adapt to evolving program needsEDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:Master's degree in Special Education, Education Administration, or related fieldValid teaching and/or administrative certification (as applicable to the state)Minimum of three (3) years of experience in special education or therapeutic educational settingsMust 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 preferredCPR/First Aid and other relevant certifications (or willingness to obtain)Equal Opportunity Employer