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Job Title: Associate Director-Therapeutic Preschool

Position Summary: Ensure provision of high quality, integrated educational and clinical services, in accordance with the individual needs of students and their families

Department

Gateway Longview’s Education programs support Pre-K through 12 th grade students who struggle with behavioral, social, and emotional challenges.

Agency

Gateway Longview is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of anti-racism, justice, and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.

Benefits

Gateway Longview takes pride in offering an amazing benefits package to take care of our most important asset- our employees! We offer medical, dental and vision plan insurance effective the first of the month following hire date, flexible spending accounts, wellness program, employee assistance program, a 403B retirement plan, & several more offers.

In addition to receiving up to 11 paid holidays, employees can earn up to 33 days of PTO each year, with the opportunity to start using PTO following hire date.

Compensation

$63,000 - $71,000 (yearly)

* Offers based on education and years of relevant experience

Hours/Schedule

Full-Time, Normal School Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Gateway Longview has a strong investment in developing the future leaders of the organization through trainings, advancement opportunities, and a formal leadership pipeline.

Position Specific Duties/Responsibilities

+ Administer all aspects of S.E.D.-approved, multi-component Therapeutic Preschool Program serving preschool students with disabilities. Ensure provision of high quality, integrated educational and clinical services, in accordance with the individual needs of students and their families.

+ Initiate and implement innovative, effective educational and clinical programming consistent with progressive advances in the fields of early childhood special education and related services. Ensure that all educational and clinical activities are effectively planned, implemented and coordinated in a manner which brings maximum educational/therapeutic benefit to involved students and families, with the most efficient use of available resources.

+ Ensure development with district CPSE and effectively implement Individual Education Plans and curricula, consistent with S.E.D. requirements and guidelines. Ensure that all educational and related services fully comply with applicable contracts, state (e.g. S.E.D. and OCFS) and federal laws, regulations, and procedures, as well as all applicable accreditation standards and internal guidelines regarding record-keeping, and confidentiality.

+ Ensure continuity of staff fully competent in carrying out assigned responsibilities and achieving program objectives through effective selection, training, supervision, evaluation, and motivation of educational, clinical, support, and substitute personnel. Participate in negotiations with the bargaining unit, and ensure productive labor relations.

+ Develop and implement a professional development framework that supports ongoing staff training, growth, and retention.

+ Ensure program's credibility within the agency and within the professional community by establishing and maintaining effective public relations. Maintain productive contact with sources of referrals (especially representatives of municipalities and of school district Committees on Preschool Special Education, as well as Headstart and other providers of early childhood education) to ensure full program utilization.

+ Foster strong, collaborative relationships with families and caregivers, ensuring their voice informs educational planning and therapeutic services.

+ Promote a culture of equity and inclusion across all program components. Ensure curriculum and services reflect diverse student backgrounds and support culturally responsive practices.

+ Lead the development and execution of long-term strategic goals for the Therapeutic Preschool Program, aligned with agency mission, educational best practices, and evolving community needs.

+ Ensure that the program represents the least restrictive appropriate educational/treatment environment for each enrolled student, through development and implementation of comprehensive, effective standards and procedures for admission and discharge in the context of a comprehensive continuum of preschool special education services. Establish practices to maximize opportunities for students to return to less restrictive settings upon discharge.

+ Prepare a well-considered annual operations and capital budget, and ensure operation within that budget once approved. Prepare funding proposals to enhance programming as needed. Manage job functions within established financial limits.

+ Use data to monitor program outcomes, identify trends, and drive continuous improvement in clinical and educational programming.

+ Oversee crisis intervention protocols and ensure all staff are trained in safety, de-escalation, and emergency preparedness.

+ Evaluate effectiveness of the program, and revise program design, policies and practices as needed.

+ Complete required reports and documentation in a timely manner. (Includes, but is not limited to: performance evaluations, strategic mapping and outcome results, and case record review.)

+ Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

+ Must have excellent communication skills

+ Ability to multitask and be detail oriented

+ Ability to physically restrain

+ Ability to work independently and be an enthusiastic team player

+ Ability to work effectively with clients, staff, families, and community contacts

+ Knowledge of daycare regulations

Qualifications

+ Master’s Degree in related field

+ Valid New York State driver’s license