HWMN0368468-1017
2026-07-01T00:00:00
2026-03-06T00:00:00
Hewlett-Woodmere Public Schools, one of the leading school districts on Long Island, seeks an exceptional, experienced, visionary educational leader to serve asAssistant Director of Special Education for CPSE to Grade 3Position OverviewThe Assistant Director of Special Education for CPSE to Grade 3 leads the design and oversight of early childhood and primary special education programs for preschool students (ages 3-5) through third grade. Acting as the primary liaison for the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE), this role ensures a smooth transition from Early Intervention to preschool and subsequently to elementary school-age programming. The Assistant Director will maintain compliance with regulations while fostering inclusive environments that support academic and social-emotional development for young learners. This appointment is a full-time, 12-month position.Key ResponsibilitiesEarly Childhood Special Education Program DevelopmentOversee the full continuum of CPSE-approved services including integrated preschool classrooms, special classes, Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT) services, and related services delivered in school, home, and community-based settings.Develop frameworks ensuring smooth transitions from preschool to kindergarten and primary grades.Collaborate with educators to promote inclusive practices and Universal Design for Learning (UDL).Research developmentally appropriate curriculum materials and establish evidence-based instructional approaches, social-emotional learning, self-regulation, and functional skill acquisition.CPSE Coordination and Compliance ManagementServe as the primary administrator for CPSE activities, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.Facilitate transitions from Early Intervention to CPSE, coordinating with relevant agencies.Schedule and manage evaluations, ensuring timely completion of documentation including IEPs.Monitor implementation of service recommendations and maintain CPSE records in compliance with requirements.Ensure timely completion of all required CPSE documentation including referrals, prior written notices, evaluation reports, IEPs, service authorizations, and placement recommendations within state-mandated timelines.Develop and implement preschool IEPs that include developmentally appropriate annual goals, short-term objectives, specially designed instruction, related services, and transition planning.Prepare all required CPSE data to New York State Education Department including preschool special education enrollment reports and outcome data.Coordinate Extended School Year (ESY) services for eligible preschool and primary-grade students to prevent substantial regressionCoordinate with Nassau County transportation and STAC system to ensure timely submission of transportation requests, approval of specialized transportation services, and compliance with NYSED requirements for students receiving CPSE-mandated transportationMaintain knowledge of STAC reimbursement procedures and state-approved rate structures for CPSE service providers, ensuring accurate submission of service authorization forms, attendance records, and billing documentation to facilitate timely reimbursement from New York State for approved preschool special education services.Transition Planning and Cross-System CoordinationLead transitions from CPSE to Committee on Special Education (CSE) services.Establish partnerships with community programs and facilitate kindergarten transitions.Support families navigating multiple service systems and coordinate with various stakeholders.Facilitate kindergarten transitions by coordinating visits, conduct observations of transitioning students, sharing information with receiving teachers, and ensuring continuity of services and supports.Instructional Leadership and Teacher DevelopmentSupervise and evaluate early childhood special education staff.Provide ongoing professional development and coaching on inclusive teaching methodologies.Conduct classroom observations and facilitate professional learning communities for collaboration.Lead department meetings, present at faculty meetings, and recruit and provide professional development opportunities for all special education staff on superintendent conference days.IEP Development and MonitoringOversee development of appropriate IEPs, ensuring measurable goals for young learners.Monitor progress towards IEP goals through systematic data collection and support implementation of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS).Participate in IST/PPT meetings to discuss students experiencing academic or behavioral challenges and determine appropriate supports or referrals for evaluationEnsure proper implementation of Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) using developmentally appropriate, positive approaches for young childrenChair CPSE/CSE meetings, facilitating collaborative discussions among multidisciplinary teams including parents, teachers, related service providers, school psychologists, and administrators Related Services CoordinationOversee delivery of CPSE-mandated related services and establish communication protocols with providers.Collaborate with specialists to implement assistive technology and ensure integrated service delivery.Monitor related service logs, progress reports, and billing documentation to ensure compliance with CPSE authorizations and service delivery requirements.Establish communication protocols between related service providers and classroom teachers to promote integrated goal implementation.Data Analysis and Early Outcomes MonitoringMonitor key performance indicators, analyzing data to inform instructional planning and resource allocation.Prepare comprehensive reports on student outcomes, program effectiveness, and transition success for school leadership, families, and external stakeholders.Use data to inform decisions about resource allocation, staffing patterns, professional development priorities, and program improvements.Family Partnership and Early Childhood SupportDevelop partnerships with families, ensuring their active participation in the educational process.Facilitate CPSE/CSE meetings in accessible language and provide parent education workshops.Respond promptly and compassionately to parent concerns, questions, and requests, building trust and maintaining positive relationships.Assessment and Evaluation CoordinationCoordinate multidisciplinary evaluations for preschool children, ensuring adherence to timelines.Review evaluation reports for quality and compliance before presenting to families and committees.Train evaluation team members on proper assessment administration, interpretation, and report writing specific to young children.Behavioral and Social-Emotional SupportImplement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) frameworks suitable for early childhood.Develop strategies for self-regulation and social skills, and coordinate mental health services.Establish crisis response protocols and safety plans for students with significant behavioral needs, using developmentally appropriate de-escalation and support strategies.Program Quality and Continuous ImprovementConduct regular evaluations of special education services Stay current with best practices in early childhood special education and implement quality improvement initiatives.Compliance and Regulatory OversightEnsure all programs comply with New York State Education Department regulations.Prepare for state monitoring activities and implement corrective action plans as needed.Strategic Planning and Leadership Team ParticipationContribute to the school leadership team and manage the CPSE and PreK-3 special education budget.Participate in enrollment processes and contribute to school safety planning.QualificationsRequiredMaster’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education or related field.Valid New York State teaching certification in Students with Disabilities (Birth-Grade 2) or Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2) with a special education extension.Minimum 5 years of teaching experience with young children with disabilities and 3 years in leadership roles.Comprehensive knowledge of New York State Education Law governing CPSE, federal IDEA Part B preschool regulations, and early childhood special education requirementsStrong communication skills and proficiency in relevant software.Strong expertise in CPSE processes including referral, evaluation, eligibility determination, IEP development, service authorization, and transition planningPreferredAdvanced degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) in a related field and additional certifications.Bilingual proficiency and experience with CPSE systems.Familiarity with evidence-based curricula and intervention approaches.Core CompetenciesDevelopmental Expertise: Understanding of typical and atypical development and ability to recommend interventions.Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with CPSE/CSE regulations and procedural safeguards.Family-Centered Practice: Strong partnership-building skills with families.Collaborative Leadership: Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams effectively.Early Childhood Pedagogy: Expertise in developmentally appropriate practices.Assessment Literacy: Proficient in interpreting developmental assessments.Data-Driven Decision Making: Capacity to analyze data to inform practices.Cultural Competence: Commitment to serving diverse families with respect and sensitivity.Instructional Leadership: Skills in mentoring and supporting educators.Emotional Intelligence: Ability to respond to families during stressful times while maintaining professionalism.**Attend Monthly Board of Education (BOE) meetings and provide support, information, and follow-up actions as needed.**Perform additional duties as assigned by the Superintendent, including responsibilities deemed necessary to meet district priorities and operational needs.
School Leader
Hewlett-Woodmere UFSD
Long Island
Range per contract