Early Learning Principal/Coordinator at The Maryland School for the Blind – Nottingham, Maryland

SUMMARY: Position is responsible for all components of the Early Learning Program that is in alignment with achievement of the school’s vision, mission, values and Strategic Plan which is focused on preparing students to reach their fullest potential to become independent, successful, well-rounded and contributing members of their communities as possible.

Essential Functions: Has full responsibilities for providing:

· Leadership. Performs all functions expected of an innovative instructional leader focused on all aspects of school improvement. Ensures student safety, promotes student independence, and is committed to high quality programs and services focused on meeting student needs and achieving meaningful school and student outcomes. Sets high expectations; provides oversight, guidance and support and holds staff accountable. Recognizes areas of program, staff and student needs and develops plans and strategies to comprehensively address them. Embraces innovation and leads change and program improvement initiatives to continuously improve school curriculum, staff development, student programs and services, lesson design, pacing, assessment and differentiated instruction.

· Planning. Leads implementation of the Strategic Plan and tactical action plans for the Early Learning Program to manage the change necessary to innovate and improve programs and services. Manages time and multiple priorities effectively.

· Support, recognition and staff accountability. Clarifies direct report and staff responsibilities and duties, sets clear expectations, and supports, recognizes and holds them accountable.

· Professional Development. Assesses staff development needs and establishes comprehensive programs focused on professional growth of staff and program improvements. Recruits and trains a highly talented and diverse teaching staff.

· Achievement-oriented professional learning environment that is positive, respectful and productive for students, staff, parents, and local school system staff. Assesses climate, establishes proactive strategies, and enhances positive team work and learning dynamics. Maintains appropriate standards of professionalism.

· Communication. Develops communication strategies to keep staff, students, and families well informed and seeks their input through electronic, written, and verbal communication, and small and large group meetings. Demonstrates excellent interpersonal, human relations, and stress and conflict management skills.

· Fiscal responsibility. Develops educationally-sound and fiscally-prudent budgets. Maintains appropriate staff to student ratios to ensure student safety, program quality and fiscal efficiency.

· Team Contributions. Collaborates with student service multi-disciplinary teams and direct reports to implement school improvement initiatives and quality student programming. Manages student behavioral and medical crisis situations and emergencies ensuring student safety, parent notification and regulatory organization mandatory reporting, and appropriate discipline when warranted.

· Compliance. Ensures full compliance with all local, county, state, and federal laws, regulations and standards to ensure student and staff safety, mandatory reporting protocols, and other requirements. .

Conditions:

Performance Standard: Assures compliance with all IDEA, MSDE, and MSB special education standards and regulations.

Work Schedule: 12 month schedule with a minimum of 37.5 hours per week Monday through Friday. Expectation is that additional time is required to 1) fulfill all responsibilities and accomplish duties. 2) attend student activities; and 3) respond to emergency situations by telephone or by physical presence.

Qualifications:

1. Valid Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) Advanced Professional Certificate with an endorsement as Principal/Supervisor or Administrator II. Minimum of Master’s degree required. Three years of administration or supervision experience preferred. Minimum of three years of classroom teaching experience required. Bachelor’s degree or certification in Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) or Orientation & Mobility (O&M) preferred.

2. Minimum 2 years experience working under supervision primarily with preschoolers in a licensed child care center, nursery school, church-operated school, or similar setting AND minimum 15 semester hours of approved course work in early childhood education. Additionally, minimum 800 hours experience working under supervision primarily with school age children in a licensed child care center, public or private school, or similar setting.

3. Comprehensive knowledge of education, including special education, principles, practices, and procedure.

4. Knowledge of developing and writing IEP's and performing appropriate teaching techniques.

5. Knowledge of general education curriculum, assessment, and remedial instruction.

6. General knowledge of program development, classroom resource management, and student and personnel scheduling.

7. General knowledge of classroom management and managing disruptive and harmful behaviors.

After six months in this position, the employee is required to have:

1. Certification in CPR & first aid

2. Completion of crisis prevention and intervention training.

3. General knowledge of visual impairment, including causes, manifestations and adaptations.

4. General knowledge of medical disorders such as seizures or restrictions; alternate modes of communication; feeding techniques and orthopedic impairment/handling and positioning.

5. General knowledge of Braille reading and writing and ability to meet the needs of students with low vision.

After one year in this position, the employee is required to have:

1. Initiation of Visually Impairment certification program unless otherwise previously certified or exemption is granted.

- EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F -