Job Title: Educational Director – Therapeutic Preschool Program
Location: Upper Manhattan, New York, NY
Job Type: Full-Time | 35 Hours/Week | Monday–Friday
Salary: $120,000–$140,000 per year
About the Role
A well-established, mission-driven behavioral health organization in Upper Manhattan is seeking an experienced Educational Director to lead its therapeutic preschool program. This organization is widely recognized in the New York City mental health community for its integrated clinical and educational services for young children and families.
This is a senior leadership role for an education professional who combines deep knowledge of early childhood special education with the operational and administrative fluency to run a fully compliant, high-performing therapeutic preschool program.
What You'll Do
Educational Leadership & Program Management
- Oversee all educational aspects of the therapeutic preschool, ensuring program mandates and standards of excellence are met daily
- Select, implement, and continuously evaluate curriculum, instructional strategies, and behavioral interventions
- Collaboratively set school-wide goals and conduct periodic tests, probes, and reviews to support program quality and effectiveness
- Review all program documentation including lesson plans, quarterly progress reports, attendance records, draft IEP goals, and annual reports
- Prepare submissions to the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) for annual and requested reviews
- Coordinate special events including program-wide celebrations and parent-teacher conferences
- Develop strong, trust-based relationships with families
Staff Supervision & Development
- Provide regular professional supervision of direct care personnel including formal and informal observations
- Conduct formal staff evaluations at minimum annually
- Ensure all personnel understand their responsibilities in implementing each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) prior to implementation
- Provide ongoing direction and training to teachers on curriculum, activities, and instructional techniques
- Create efficient therapist schedules based on IEP mandates and anticipated make-up session requirements
Compliance, Fiscal & Operational Oversight
- Maintain full working knowledge of DOE systems and reporting requirements including CMR and EZ Track
- Track grant implementation and file modifications to budget or programmatic narrative as needed
- Manage licensing and credentialing for the program
- Oversee quality assurance and facility operations
- Oversee all outreach, recruiting, referral, and screening coordination
- Work collaboratively with the Children's Outpatient TPS Supervisor on services provided to therapeutic preschool students
- Prepare quarterly and annual progress reports in accordance with established procedures and timetables
- Participate in organizational leadership and reporting structures including the Director of Operations
What We're Looking For
Required:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- SBL or SDL Certification required — candidates without this credential will not be considered
- Demonstrated familiarity with IEP development and implementation in a therapeutic or special education setting
- Experience in a leadership or director-level role within an early childhood, special education, or therapeutic preschool program
- Working knowledge of NYC DOE systems including CMR and EZ Track
- Strong organizational, time management, and multitasking skills
- Experience managing compliance, licensing, and credentialing in an educational setting
Preferred:
- Master's degree in Education, Special Education, School Administration, or related field
- Experience working within a behavioral health or mental health integrated setting
- Familiarity with CPSE processes and grant management
Pay: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
Application Question(s):
- Do you hold a SBL (School Building Leader) and SDL (School District Leader) certification?
Work Location: In person
