Job Description

Meliora Academy is seeking an experienced Education Director to join their team. This full-time position is on-site in Meriden, CT.

OUR CLIENT  


Meliora Academy (Meliora) is a private educational program designed to provide intensive and 

comprehensive educational services to students with autism spectrum and related disorders. Meliora’s

special education program provides students with an integrated curriculum model designed specifically to reduce the fragmented learning that often occurs with youngsters on the autism spectrum. Based on the findings of an initial comprehensive assessment, a data-based instructional curriculum is designed as part of a transdisciplinary teaching program for each individual student.


While direct instruction occurs intensively across all domains, an emphasis is placed on the development of language, communication, relatedness, cognitive flexibility, and social cognition across all curriculum areas in the context of functional real-life activities. Specific individualized behavior support programs are developed to assist students in decreasing inappropriate behaviors and learning positive behavioral alternatives.


Given the needs of our students, a 1:1 ratio of staff to student is provided at the outset. As students 

progress, small group, and finally classroom instruction is offered when appropriate. Use of district curriculum materials modified to the student’s level and participation in the student’s home school district are encouraged when students possess the necessary skills. Services to support transitions and follow up are provided to districts when students leave Meliora.


ROLE


Reporting to the Chief Administrator, the Education Director serves children with disabilities through program development and coordination of all essential liaison and logistical operations relating to Meliora Academy. They will assist in program administration to ensure quality of special education services as per IEP and work with parents and teachers in the educational process. The Education Director will be responsible for managing all occupational therapists, physical therapists, and related service personnel within the organization. They are responsible for various key tasks, including hiring staff, communicating with parents, managing relationships with bus companies, conducting staff observations, and serving as the team district facilitator. The Education Director will oversee the onboarding process for new teachers, signing off on modules, coordinating mentorship programs, and engaging consultants. Experience with autism is a plus.


Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Responsible for supervising and evaluating Staff, Instructional Assistants, Speech and Language Clinicians, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, ABA Instructors, and Special Education Teachers.

  • Act as TEAM District Facilitator, TEAM Coordinator, and SBAC/Testing District Coordinator.

  • Attend IPPT meetings when needed.

  • Responsible for participating in the interview process for hiring staff.

  • Responsible for participating in budget planning for the school.

  • Assist in parent/guardian conferences, development of IEPs, as well as periodic reviews to assure that appropriate special education is being provided.

  • Provide teachers with consultant services relative to teaching materials, methods, instructional services, and behavioral management techniques to assist them in providing quality programming.

  • Provide in-service to staff and parents on topics essential for the delivery of services to children with special needs.

  • Responsible for SEED observations and teacher observations.

  • Provide information to and assist contracting districts in the establishment and implementation of local policies relating to federal and state laws and regulations.

  • Act as a member of Meliora Academy’s Internal Review Board.

  • Ensure all state data collection is completed.

  • Keep abreast of and disseminate information on educational research, programs, and materials for use with students with special needs.

  • Plan for and implement new services as needed.

  • Develop, monitor, and implement school curriculum.

  • Develop, monitor and ensure state procedures regarding state testing are adhered to.

  • Complete all state required paperwork and submissions as needed.

  • Provide information and consultation to Governing Board regarding matters related to curriculum and instruction.

  • Maintain a safe and motivational school environment.

  • Assist with adjusting the physical environment to accommodate changing student needs.

  • Provide appropriate in-service training, workshops, and meetings to keep staff informed of current practices and trends in special education.

  • Review current research and literature in special education to assist staff in attaining information specific to their specialty.


CANDIDATE


Requirements:

Comprehensive Special Education Certification (065)

Intermediate Administrator and Supervisor Certification (092)


To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty.


The requirements listed on the job description are representative of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.


The compensation for this role is $150k-$200k depending on experience.