Director - Preschool Special Education

Provides district-wide leadership, inclusive of special education, in early learning curriculum, instruction, assessment and professional development to support City Schools' senior leadership, principals and early learning staff in the work of implementing the Maryland College and Career Ready Standards for all students in Pre-K and Kindergarten. Directs and supervises the identification of instructional needs of the Early Learning teachers and organizes appropriate resources. Plans and organizes professional development for the early learning staff and teachers in areas such as curriculum and assessment. Evaluates instruction as well as curricular, instructional, and assessment materials for early learning programs. Knowledge of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future legislation Responsible for the development, coordination, and supervision of early learning programs, birth through kindergarten.Essential FunctionsDirects the development, dissemination, implementation and evaluation of preschool special education, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten curriculum.Orchestrates systemic early childhood education and early learning initiatives and oversees and evaluates the effectiveness of the Office of Early Learning.Collaborates with district office, Community Learning Network (CLN), and school-based staff to improve instruction in early childhood special education programs.Coordinates the staffing and placement of preschool special education programs.Supervises the planning, organization and implementation of professional development activities and programs for all early childhood teachers, including teachers of students with disabilities.Collaborates with district office and school-based staff to ensure the integration of technology into the early learning instructional program.Collaborates with content experts to ensure curricular alignment from pre-kindergarten to early elementary grades.Oversees the selection and evaluation of educational materials for use in early childhood instructional programs.Coordinates formal monitoring, documentation, and assessment of early learning instructional programs.Coordinates with MSDE on the implementation of early childhood education and early learning initiatives, including special education.Coordinates the implementation and on-going services of federally and state-funded early childhood education and early learning programs.Collaborates with the Baltimore City Health Department for services and support of the Baltimore Infants & Toddlers ProgramSupports the coordination and processing of preschool special education student placementProvide technical assistance to schools regarding support for young children with disabilitiesManages the early intervention staff for Baltimore City Public SchoolsManages preschool special education grantsLiaise with MSDE regarding preschool special education policies and regulationsLiaise with community-based providers, such as Head Start, child care, and private Pre-K providers regarding policies for young children with disabilitiesSupport the district's Extended School Year (ESY) process for young children with disabilitiesCoordinates professional development for early childhood teachers and school system staffLiaise with parents regarding preschool special education programs and placementDisseminates information regarding early childhood education and early learning programs and opportunities.Maintains a liaison with other agencies, educational institutions, businesses and community groups to improve the early learning programs.Participates in local, state, and national early childhood education activities and organizations.Uses current research to develop programs and strategies to improve student outcomes associated with local, state, and national assessments.Seeks and prepares federal, state and private grant proposals to secure resources to support instructional programs initiatives in early learning.Participates in the planning and evaluation of new, renovated, and existing school facilities for early learning programs.Manages budget for the Office of Early Learning. Develops and monitors time and expense project budgets. Develops project plans and schedules required to successfully complete projects on time and within budget constraints.Plans and controls staffing, and performs other human resources, finance and payroll related functions for assigned employees.Performs and promotes all activities in compliance with equal employment and nondiscrimination policies; follows federal laws, state laws, school boards policies and the professional standards.Maximum Salary119305.00Minimum Salary93826.00Desired QualificationsMaster's degree in early childhood education, special education, or related field. Degree must be from an accredited college or institution.Maryland State Department of Education Advanced Professional Certificate with Administrator I endorsement required.At least 3 years teaching in an early childhood setting; special education teaching experience strongly preferred.Experience interacting with a diverse student population.Experience in implementing, evaluating and supervising curriculum and instructional strategies and designs for students with disabilities, age birth to 5, and all students in pre-k and kindergarten.Experience in coordinating large scale, district wide development opportunities for teachers. Knowledge of current research in best practices for early learning.Ability to lead a highly productive team of individuals.Excellent verbal and written communication skills.Ability to give persuasive presentations to diverse stakeholders.Proficient in the use of multiple computer applications including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office, PD Tracking and reporting software, databases, and Online Professional Learning software.Knowledge of laws, regulations, rules and policies affecting City Schools' educators.

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