POSITION SUMMARY

The Principal is the educational leader and Chief Administrator of the School. S/he is responsible for the health and safety of the children, families and staff who work there, as well as monitoring regulatory compliance, fiscal management, while ensuring that the learning environment meets and exceeds the standards established by Birch Family Services. S/he serves as the lead communicator with all school stakeholders, including students, staff, families, Birch Administrative Office staff, the New York State Education Department and the New York City Department of Education, the NYS Department of Health and the NYC Department of Health Early Intervention Program, as well as a myriad of other regulatory agencies. The Principal assumes overall responsibility for program quality, facilities management, curriculum development, program evaluation and design change as needed, site financial and personnel management and emergency procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Establish and promote high standards and expectations for students and staff for academic and professional performance.

Organize, manage, evaluate and supervise effective and clear procedures for the operation and functioning of the school consistent with the philosophy, values and goals established by the NYSED,NYC DOE, NYS DOH, NYC DOH EIP and Birch Board of Directors and senior administration. Lead school level planning processes to ensure the development, implementation and evaluation of all school programs and activities.

Ensure curriculum and instructional approaches in line with NYSED, NYSDOH and Birch Core Curricula are understood and implemented.

Establish effective and efficient administrative tools including master calendars, systematic communication tools, etc.

Establish effective and efficient tools for supervising and supporting staff in implementing high quality instruction that supports student academic achievement.

Supervise the implementation of curricula and instructional programs, and ensure that instructional programs address students' needs, interests, developmental levels, while encouraging critical thinking, problem analyses and greater functional independence.

Ensure staff compliance with federal, state and city/local regulations and contractual obligations. Ensure programming meets NYS DOH EIP and NYSED Learning Standards, and that all assessment mandates are fulfilled.

Establish policies and procedures; ensure adequate staffing and appropriate scheduling and equipment are in place to meet student needs and all IEP and IFSP mandates.

Establish working relationships and open communication with family members. Incorporate family members in school planning and evaluation processes.

Establish and implement procedures to address substance abuse, child abuse or neglect, medical conditions and emergencies, and any threat to student and staff health and safety.

Supervise or cause to be supervised all staff to ensure that job responsibilities are met.

Incorporate all staff at different levels in planning to meet standards, program evaluation and improvement.

Ensure all staffs have ample opportunity to develop as professionals, especially in areas that lead to improved student academic and interpersonal skill development.

Maintain student data as required, especially as it leads to revising programming to facilitate learning.

Establish procedures that create an attractive, organized, healthy, clean and safe facility that supports student learning.

Establish adequate student supervision schedules and procedures throughout the school day, including busing, transitioning between activities, lunch, etc.

Maintain visibility with students, staff, family and community members.

Ensure job expectations are clear and staff management and discipline is fairly, effectively and legally implemented.

Ensure that families and community members are aware of school activities, and student and staff successes through written and verbal communications.

Ensure nursing and health related activities support the maintenance of student and staff health, and address the needs of children requiring medical or health care promptly.

Maintain appropriate and effective interpersonal relationships with team and department members, parents, other staff, supervisors, administrators, and outside agencies. Demonstrate:
- Open communication, flexibility and the ability to learn and utilize team building strategies
- The ability to self-evaluate, to utilize supervision and problem solve
- The ability to both offer and accept assistance to/from others

Ensure the confidentiality of records and documents is maintained as required by regulations.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Master's Degree in Special Education or Related Services area

Experience

Minimum of 2-5 years of experience as a School Administrator

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Certificates & Licenses

Masters degree with Certification in Special Education or another related services areas (e.g., Social Work, Psychology, Speech, Occupational or Physical Therapy). Must be a certified in NYS as a School Administrator or School District Administrator.