Preschool Director
Revised & Re-Advertised
R- 9912 Reference#311111005151515
Posting Date: September 27, 2024
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Candidates who are Blind or Visually Impaired and/or Deaf or Hard of Hearing are encouraged to apply for this position and may be given preference in hiring as federal laws permit. Information related to disability is not required and, if disclosed voluntarily, will be used only in AIDB’s efforts to create opportunities for individuals with exceptionalities. Non-disclosure will not subject any applicant to adverse treatment.
POSITION: Preschool Director
RISE Together Preschool – AIDB-North Campus (Decatur, AL)
ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND (AIDB)
Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are Deaf, Blind, DeafBlind, and multidisabled and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 32,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year.
Our services literally span a lifetime including five campuses in Talladega, ten regional centers located throughout the State of Alabama with programs that range from early and senior intervention, traditional and nontraditional education services in residential and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility that is the state’s largest employer of adults who are Deaf, Blind, or DeafBlind. Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share compassion for leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a unique place to work.
ABOUT OUR LOCATION
The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind North Campus is located in Decatur, Alabama. The campus occupies a beautiful location that sits on Highway 31 in South Decatur. This is a recently created campus that is already home to a number of AIDB departments and staff. The expansion of programs in Decatur creates new opportunities for us to serve the local communities.
ABOUT THE ROLE
RISE Autism is a program uniquely designed for students and individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Loss. RISE, which stands for Reaching Independence through Supported Education, uses evidence-based strategies to foster skills that lead to independence. These skills include communication, social interaction, vocational and career training, and life skills.
ABOUT YOU
The Preschool Director is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of RISE Together Preschool on the AIDB North Campus in Decatur, AL. Working collaboratively with staff, parents, and the AIDB administration, the Director ensures the delivery of a high-quality early childhood education experience that promotes the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of young children in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership, Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Early Childhood Special Education, Counseling, or Special Education.
- Must have a valid Alabama Teaching Certificate upon hire.
- Minimum of 5 years successful teaching experience in the field of early childhood education, special education, or related field.
- Knowledge of Alabama Developmental Standards for Preschool and best practices in early childhood education.
- Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work cooperatively with staff, administrators and support personnel in a team approach with a whole child mindset.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Education Specialist degree in the area of Instructional Leadership, Early Childhood Education, Counseling or Collaborative Teacher Special Education (K-12).
- Experience working with children with disabilities, particularly autism or sensory differences.
- Experience working with young children in a preschool or childcare setting.
- Score of Intermediate or higher on the Signed Communication Proficiency Interview or equivalent.
- CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain upon hire.
MANDATORY ANNUAL TRAINING:
- Medication Training
- Behavior Management
- CPR- every 2 years
- Blood Borne Pathogens
- Using an AED
- Mandatory Reporting - DHR
- Policy and Procedure Review
- Erin’s Law
- Jason Flatt Act
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- Provide leadership and direction for the RISE Together preschool program, in alignment with the AIDB mission and strategic plan.
- Collaborate with Local Education Agencies with regard to state and federal mandating reporting and special education compliance.
- Develop and implement policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure effective program operation, compliance with licensing regulations, and adherence to best practices in early childhood education.
- Manage administrative tasks such as budgeting, enrollment, staffing, scheduling, and record-keeping.
- Foster a positive and inclusive school culture that values diversity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the effective implementation of the selected curriculum. Ensure curriculum and instructional practices reflect evidence-based approaches to early childhood education, including play-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and differentiated instruction.
- Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to support staff growth and promote excellence in teaching and learning.
- Communicate regularly with parents regarding program policies, procedures, curriculum, children's progress, and opportunities for involvement.
- Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills in early childhood education, child development, and best practices for teaching young children.
- Organize family engagement events, workshops, and activities to promote parental involvement and support children's learning and development at home.
- Ensure compliance with all state licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and accreditation requirements applicable to early childhood education programs.
- Implement and maintain health and safety protocols, emergency procedures, and risk management strategies to safeguard the well-being of children, staff, and visitors.
- Collaborate with the AIDB assigned nurse with regard to student medical needs.
- Conduct regular inspections of facilities, equipment, and materials to ensure cleanliness, functionality, and safety.
- Obtain and maintain CPR certification and First Aid certification within 6 months.
- Required to possess a valid driver’s license and be eligible to be insured by AIDB insurance carriers.
- Must demonstrate competency in reading and writing Braille by scoring 80% or better on the AIDB Braille Skills Assessment Inventory within thirty-six (36) months of employment
- Must obtain a sign language proficiency level of SURVIVAL PLUS, according to the AIDB evaluation system, must be obtained within the first twelve (12) months of employment and INTERMEDIATE within the first thirty-six (36) months.
- Other duties as assigned by administration.
- Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB.
Salary: $75,000 - $100,000 Scale A1 Rank 04
260 Days
Direct Deposit Required
This is an exempt position and is not subject to overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
BENEFITS: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance Available
Alabama State TRS Retirement
Deferred Compensation Options Available
Paid Time Off
Deadline for Application: Open Until Filled
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