Abilities First, Inc. has been making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities for over sixty years. We offer a wide variety of services including school and preschool programs, day habilitation, residential habilitation, community habilitation, and employment services.Abilities First recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds to and does not discriminate in hiring. We are inclusive, welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Abilities First is seeking a School Principal for our Middletown Education Center, located in Middletown, NY. Our school program serves over 100 special needs students both pre-school and school age. The School Principal oversees the provision of all educational services as well as clinical services provided within the school including but not limited to leadership, administration and supervision to all staff (teachers and teaching staff and administrative supportive staff), overseeing the daily operational functions, fiscal accountability, developing goals and objectives in accordance with the agency's mission.Salary Range: $87,550.00 - $92,000.00Position Standards:
- Leads the development and implementation of long-range and short-range plans for achieving special education goals and objectives in alignment with the agency's strategic plan. This could include new programs or expansion of current programs based on an evaluation of the needs of the community and solid forecasts.
- In support of the long-range and short-range plans, conducts ongoing needs assessment, collects and analyzes data, uses pertinent data to refine and improve operational functions and services, and evaluate special education program initiatives.
- Facilitates research regarding trends and best practices to support appropriate recommendations for student success through rigorous, innovative and technological programming.
- Works closely with local School Districts and other agencies providing services to students with disabilities.
- Coordinates (in conjunction with the Vice President) the interrelationship of the school with other agency components.
- Develops and maintains policies and procedures for the school that are in keeping with the agency's mission to provide innovative services, advocacy, and support in a culture of dignity and respect.
- Ensures the delivery of quality educational services by maintaining the highest quality standards of learning. Ensures that all students have access to the school's core curriculum.
- Confers with students' families, school leadership, testing specialists, and other professionals to develop IEPs designed to promote students' academic, physical, and social development.
- Regularly evaluates internal systems and makes recommendations for improvements in efficiency and productivity.
- Assesses staffing needs, recruits and hires quality staff members as needed.
- Provide leadership, guidance and training to all school staff. Plans and implements professional development for staff. Evaluates staff in the performance of their job duties.
- Ensures professional staff members (clinical and teaching) hold and maintain proper certifications and licensure to perform assigned duties.
- Ensures compliance with all regulations, laws and other requirements.
- Ensures compliance with all billing requirements. Seeks out appropriate avenues of funding.
- Maintains open lines of communication with all interested parties-parents, teachers, administrators, community members, government officials, etc.
This is a full-time position, 40 hours a week at 52 weeks a year, following an agency calendar.Full Time Employees Enjoy the Following Benefits:Paid vacation, plus paid sick time, holidays and personal time.Health, Dental, and Vision InsuranceTuition Reimbursement Program and other perksRetirement account with employer matchRequirements
- Position requires Master's Degree in Education and New York State Certification in Educational Administration as a School Administrator and Supervisor (SAS) or School District Administrator (SDA)
- A minimum of five years teaching experience in a Special Education environment, preferably with the integration of students with disabilities into the community
- Demonstrated knowledge of State Education Department rules and regulations, New York State Education Law, the commissioner's Part 200 Regulations, and special education law
- Knowledge of curriculum development and experience in clinical supervision of professional and nonprofessional staff
- Familiarity with community resources to assist in the integration of students with disabilities into the community.
- Ability to interrelate with non-agency personnel in various matters concerning the school.
- Strong public speaking skills desirable.