Merlin Day Academy is seeking a passionate and experienced Department Lead of Education to support our therapeutic educational model while leading and mentoring a team of educators. This role combines direct educational support, instructional leadership, staff development, and collaboration with families and interdisciplinary teams to help students achieve meaningful growth and success.Merlin Day Academy offers a unique opportunity for our education and multidisciplinary clinical team to provide services through our fully integrated educational and therapeutic environment for children ages 6-14 years old with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and other neurodiverse needs. Apply today at threebirdsonemission.com/careers!About the RoleAs the Department Lead of Education at Merlin Day Academy, you will serves as a key leader within the academy, ensuring high-quality educational programming, supporting teacher performance, fostering professional development, and maintaining excellence in educational practices across their assigned location.Implement Merlin Day Academy's curriculum and therapeutic educational model.Collaborating daily with client teams to ensure coordinated support and goal alignment.Conduct ongoing data collection, analysis, evaluations, and documentation within required timelines.Providing mentorship, guidance, and performance feedback to Special Education Teachers to ensure consistency in care delivery and growthRequirementsMasters degree requiredIllinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with Learning Behavior Specialist 1 endorsement (LBS1) preferredMinimum of 3 years of experience in a special education classroomKnowledge of learning styles & instructional methods and techniques. Expertise in Autism Spectrum Disorder Experience working with children with learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and emotional disabilitiesCompensation & BenefitsCompetitive Salary: $69,000 - 80,000Comprehensive Health Coverage (Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance) + Life and Disability InsuranceFlexible Spending Accounts (FSA)Competitive Paid Time Off and holiday allowancesGenerous 401k Retirement Plan with employer contributionsSchedule & LocationSchedule: Monday-Friday, 8-4:30pmLocation: 3319 N. Elston Ave. Chicago, IL (Free onsite parking available)Why Join Merlin Day Academy?We are committed to creating meaningful impact for children and families through innovative, compassionate care. Our leaders enjoy the opportunity to shape programs, mentor talented professionals, and help drive our organization's continued growth and success.Please see our full Department Lead of Education job description attached to this posting. Apply today at threebirdsonemission.com/careers to join our mission of empowering children with neurodiverse needs to thrive through our relationship-based, family-centered approach!