Preschool Program Manager
Role summary
The Preschool Program Manager supports Part B CDS Preschool Teachers and Case Managers in ensuring compliance with federal and state special education regulations, including IDEA and MUSER. This role facilitates IEP meetings, authorizes funding, and oversees case management to guarantee Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for children with disabilities. Responsibilities include supporting teachers, managing compliance, assisting with parent tours and child placement, conducting file reviews, and ensuring accurate service logs and progress reports. The manager may also provide direct instruction and act as Center Director in the absence of the PPM/CC, contributing to professional development and ensuring HR policy compliance.
POSITION TITLE: Preschool Program Manager
REPORTS TO: Preschool Program Director
SALARY RANGE: $64,500 - $89,752 per year
This is a 40 hour per week, calendar year position helping oversee our CDS Circle of Learning Preschool in Gray and Little Explorers Preschool in Auburn. Experience working with multi-disciplinary teams and the preschool population is preferred. Local travel is required.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
This position will support Part B CDS Preschool Teachers of Children with Disabilities/Case Managers, who will provide Specially Designed Instruction in compliance with federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) and Maine Unified Special Education Regulations (MUSER). After identification and referral of a child to a CDS preschool, the Assistant PPM/CC will facilitate any future IEP meetings and commit funding in order to develop or amend the Individual Education Plan. Will also support provision of services and ongoing case management to ensure that each child receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support Part B Special Education Teachers/Case Managers to maintain compliance with Federal and State regulations
- Function as the IEP Administrator to ensure FAPE is authorized and appropriate funding is committed
- Oversee case management functions completed by Special Education Teachers/Case Managers in accordance with state and federal regulations
- Provide input for staff meetings to support a collaborative culture and to share policy, procedural, and programming updates
- Support with parent tours and child placement in CDS preschools, ensuring that all required licensing documents are on file prior to a child’s entrance into the program, Per PPM/CC
- When staffing requires, provide direct instruction in the classroom setting
- Ensure that CINC service logs, quarterly progress reports, and annual assessment data is accurate and available in a timely manner
- Act as Center Director for purposes of childcare licensing, in the absence of the PPM/CC
- Give input on professional development opportunities that align with professional development plan
- Conduct ongoing file reviews, both in current data system and in child files
- Review monthly compliance reports and support Special Education Teachers/Case Managers with meeting IDEA Part B timelines and service needs with the PPM/CC
- Support Part B Special Education Teachers/Case Managers with development of IEPs and written notices, review before being sent to parents/guardians
- Implement, monitor, and report progress of any corrective activities, if necessary, for compliance in collaboration with the PPM/CC, CDS Director of Preschool Programs, and CDS State Director
- Ensures staff complies with human resource laws, policies, procedures, and practices
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- A Maine Department of Education Certificate in one of the following is required:
- 035 – Assistant Special Education Director
- 079 – Special Education Consultant
- 030 – Administrator of Special Education
- Successful background, criminal records, fingerprinting, and reference checks (Maine DOE Criminal History Records Check and DHHS childcare eligibility are both required)
- Five (5) or more years of experience in an Early Intervention and/or Early Childhood Special Education setting
- Knowledge of child development, disabilities, family systems, and special education methods
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS
- Understanding of scientifically based interventions, recommended practices, and best practice
- Understanding of various assessment and evaluation formats and scientifically based instruments
- Knowledge and understanding about preschool children who are eligible under IDEA 2004 and MUSER
- Knowledge regarding FAPE services for eligible children
- Supervisory knowledge and experience including familiarity with employee performance reviews and corrective action plans
- Prior involvement with team leadership and employee relations
- Ability to stay up to date on evidence-based intervention and special education strategies
- Ability to perform programmatic administrative duties
- Exceptional organizational, planning, and adaptability skills
- High level of personal initiative and dependability
- Ability to evaluate work compared to goals, to focus on measurable outcomes
- Ability to gather facts through interviewing and investigative methods
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills
- Ability to draft reports based on research and program data
- Ability to work collaboratively to create effective action plans based on appropriate information
- Ability to understand complex issues or problems by breaking them down into smaller steps or tracing the impact
- Knowledge of community resources and services
- Ability to prepare and present training and orientation programs
- Ability to participate in committee work
Please send resume and completed CDS Employment Application (on CDS website) to:
*Sarah Taylor, Preschool Program Director*
*CDS Circle of Learning*
*322 West Gray Road*
*Gray, ME 04039*
Child Development Services now offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including Maine State Employee medical insurance.
Child Development Services serves the early intervention and special education needs of Maine's children birth to age five. We have over 350 employees, a large network of contracted providers and currently serve over 3,500 children ages 0 to 5 years.
CDS consists of 10 principal sites throughout Maine with several satellite offices.
This posting is being offered by an equal opportunity employer.
*#CPS*
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $64,500.00 - $89,752.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Veterans’ Preference: Maine law provides a preference to qualified veterans and gold star spouses by ensuring they are offered an interview. If you are a veteran or a gold star spouse and wish to take advantage of this preference, please indicate below. Documentation is required. For more information, visit: https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/veterans-preference-in-job-applications.
Experience:
- Early childhood education: 5 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- MDOE 030, 035, or 079 certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
