Director Principal

Job Description:

The Assistant Director of Education supports children, adolescents, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This role ensures the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed care in a therapeutic, supportive, and person-centered environment. The Assistant Director is responsible for the coordination, implementation, and continuous improvement of educational services, supporting compliance with regulatory standards and best practices in special education. This position serves as a leader and resource for instructional staff and collaborates across departments to promote a safe, engaging, and effective learning environment tailored to individual needs.

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

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)