Assistant Director of Educational Services - Brookside School

The Brookside School, located in Cottekill, is currently seeking a full-time Assistant Director, who is a key leader in the daily operation and strategic development of educational programs at The Brookside School.

This role supports the Director by overseeing program implementation, supervising instructional staff, maintaining regulatory compliance with NYSED and ensuring quality communication and coordination with families, school districts, counties and internal departments. The Assistant Director plays a critical role in fostering a nurturing, inclusive and effective learning environment while supporting staff and advocating for students’ needs.

Key Responsibilities include:

Instructional Oversight & Staff Supervision:

• Supervise classroom teachers and related service providers across preschool and school-age programs.
  
• Conduct regular observations and meetings with staff to evaluate instructional methods, classroom management and overall performance.
  
• Ensure staff adhere to professional standards, follow best practices and maintain compliance with New York Stated Education Department (NYSED) regulations and New York State Alternate Assessment (NYSAA) testing.
  
• Collaborate with the Training Department and Curriculum Coordinator to provide professional development, training and mentoring opportunities.
  

Student Support & Compliance:

• Coordinate and review all initial evaluations, progress reports and annual review documentation.
  
• Work in partnership with the Clinical Coordinator to ensure timely submission of required reports and data to school districts and counties.
  
• Ensure staff attendance at Committee on Special Education (CSE) / Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) meetings and that information from those meetings is properly documented and disseminated.
  
• Monitor and support the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and related services for students with disabilities.
  

Family & Community Engagement:

• Work with the Home-School Coordinator and Director as a point of contact for special education and Universal Pre-K (UPK) referrals and for families considering enrollment.
  
• Address the unique communication and service needs of families from diverse backgrounds and program types.
  

District and County Liaison:

• Serve as a liaison between The Brookside School and various school districts and counties to coordinate referrals, assessments, placements, and services.
  
• Ensure appropriate and responsive communication with Rondout Valley Central School District regarding UPK requirements, including the lottery process, curriculum, assessment and attendance.
  

Operational Support:

• Assist the Director in building administration responsibilities, including staff support, facility needs and interdepartmental coordination with The Arc Mid-Hudson.
  
• Act as the administrative lead in the absence of the Director.
  
• Work with Director to supervise After Care Program.
  
• Participate in school improvement and strategic planning and contribute to policy and practice development.
  
• Support team problem-solving around student challenges, staffing needs, and program adjustments.
  
• Communicate with county agencies regarding preschool special education services, transportation and funding.
  

• Strong knowledge of NYSED regulations, particularly relating to special education, preschool education and UPK.
  
• Deep understanding of inclusive and special education pedagogy and classroom management.
  
• Ability to supervise and support multidisciplinary teams of educators and related service providers.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to navigate complex communication with families, staff, school districts, and county agencies.
  
• Organizational and time management skills to handle multiple priorities, documentation and regulatory timelines.
  
• Collaborative leadership style with an ability to work effectively across departments within a large nonprofit agency.
  
• Sensitivity to the needs of diverse student populations, including students with disabilities and their families.
  
• Flexibility and problem-solving skills to adapt within a unique nonprofit school environment.
  

• Master�s degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, School Administration or a related field required.
  
• New York State Certification as School Building Leader (SBL) or School District Leader (SDL) required.
  
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in special education or early childhood education, with at least 2 years in an administrative or supervisory role preferred.
  

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
  
• Employee assistance program
  
• Flexible spending account
  
• Health insurance
  
• Life insurance
  
• Paid time off
  
• Tuition reimbursement
  
• Vision insurance
  

Work Location: In person