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
Location: – AIDB-North Campus (Decatur, AL)
Reports to: RISE Director
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, multidisabled, and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and senior citizens with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year.
Our services span a lifetime and include five campuses in Talladega, a statewide network of regional centers, Early Intervention services, traditional and nontraditional educational opportunities in residential, day, and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility known as Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), the state’s largest employer of adults who are Blind. AIDB’s three K-12 schools — Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, and Helen Keller School of Alabama — provide specialized educational services that empower students to achieve their full potential.
Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share a commitment to leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a unique place to work.
ABOUT THE ROLE
About RISE Autism: RISE (Reaching Independence through Supported Education) is an innovative program supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder and sensory loss. We use evidence-based strategies to promote independence by focusing on communication, social interaction, vocational training, and essential life skills.
HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT
In this role, you will be the heartbeat of the RISE Together Preschool on the AIDB North Campus. By managing day-to-day operations with care and strategic vision, you will directly impact the lives of young children and their families in the Decatur community. Through your collaborative leadership with staff, parents, and administration, you will ensure the delivery of a premier early childhood education experience. Your dedication will directly shape a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment that unlocks every child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical potential.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Deaf Education, Visual Impairment, or Applied Behavior Analysis.
Valid Alabama Professional Educator Certificate in the appropriate area of certification, or eligibility to obtain Alabama certification through reciprocity within six (6) months of employment.
Five (5) years’ professional experience working with young children in early childhood, special education, inclusive preschool programming, or applied behavior analysis.
Must meet suitability/background requirements for employment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education Specialist degree in the area of Instructional Leadership, Early Childhood Education, Collaborative Teacher Special Education, and/or Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA)
Experience working with children with Autism, Deafness, Blindness, DeafBlindness, or multiple disabilities.
Experience supervising staff, coordinating educational programs, managing schedules, and monitoring educational compliance requirements.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Education & Expertise: Deep knowledge of Alabama Developmental Standards for Preschool and evidence-based best practices in early childhood education.
Core Skills: Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Mindset: Proven ability to work cooperatively with staff, administrators, and support personnel using a collaborative, "whole-child" approach.
Strategic Direction: Provide visionary leadership for the RISE Together preschool program, ensuring full alignment with the AIDB mission and strategic plan.
Operations Management: Oversee daily administrative tasks including enrollment, staffing, scheduling, and meticulous record-keeping.
Policy & Compliance: Assist in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and protocols that align with early childhood best practices. Collaborate with Local Education Agencies (LEAs) regarding state/federal reporting and special education compliance.
Instructional Oversight: Ensure the effective delivery of curriculum and student progress tracking. Guarantee that classroom practices reflect evidence-based approaches, including play-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and differentiated instruction.
Staff Empowerment: Provide ongoing coaching, mentoring, and professional development opportunities to support staff growth and promote excellence in teaching.
Culture Champion: Foster a positive, inclusive school culture that actively values diversity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Parent Relations: Establish and maintain high levels of rapport with parents and caregivers through regular communication regarding program policies, curriculum, and child progress.
Community Connection: Organize family engagement events, workshops, and activities that promote parental involvement and support learning at home.
Student Wellness: Implement and maintain robust health and safety protocols, emergency procedures, and risk management strategies. Partner directly with the assigned AIDB nurse to manage student medical needs.
Environment Safety: Conduct regular inspections of facilities, equipment, and materials to ensure a clean, functional, and safe learning environment.
Continuous Learning: Participate in ongoing professional development to stay sharp in child development and early childhood education best practices.
Sign Language Proficiency: Achieve a Survival Plus level within twenty-four (24) months of hire, and progress to an Intermediate level within thirty-six (36) months, as measured by the AIDB evaluation system.
Braille Proficiency: 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 hire.
Health & Safety: Must obtain CPR and First Aid Certification within six (6) months of hire.
Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities, and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.
MANDATORY ANNUAL TRAINING:
Medication Training
Behavior Management
CPR- every 2 years
Bloodborne Pathogens
Using an AED
Mandatory Reporting - DHR
Policy and Procedure Review
Erin’s Law
Jason Flatt Act
Salary: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 Scale A1 Rank 04
260 Days
Direct Deposit Required
Benefits:
Health, dental, and vision insurance available
TRS retirement
Deferred compensation options available
Paid time off
Paid Holidays
Deadline for Application: open until filled
