Principal - Special Needs School

About Us:

The Arc of Essex County is a non-profit organization that provides services and programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Our corporate office is located in Livingston, NJ and we have programs throughout Essex County.

The Arc of Essex County’s Stepping Stones School is a DOE Approved Private School for Students with Disabilities (APSSD), serving children ages 3-12. Located in Fairfield, NJ, the school is designed to meet the developmental and educational needs of children with cognitive impairments such as Down Syndrome and children with similar educational and developmental needs.

Job Summary:

The Principal is responsible for the oversight of the educational and administrative operations of the Stepping Stones School while ensuring a positive school culture for the learning, behavior, safety and health for all students and staff.

This position reports to the Director of Stepping Stones School.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the school instructional and therapeutic operations ensuring quality and best practice standards of instruction and support are provided to all students
• Ensure safety of students and staff on school premises
• Develop and maintain relationships with all sending school districts
• Ensure all aspects of DOE compliance requirements are maintained and implemented
• Ensure Common Core Curriculum State standards are met
• Ensure provision of educational and therapeutic services are implemented as per each student’s IEP and in accordance with agency and best practice standards
• Ensure staff development offerings are aligned to continuous learning and professional development plans are implemented for each staff
• Through leadership, supervision, direction and support to the education team, facilitates a positive, collaborative, and team like work environment
• Facilitate positive working relationship with families and respond to requests and issues as needed
• Participate in the interview and selection process of the instructional staff as appropriate; conducts performance evaluations and issues discipline as needed
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Education / Work Experience:

• Standard NJDOE School Principal Certificate required
• Master’s Degree in Special Education or a related field preferred
• At least 5 years of experience in a supervisory role in a school setting required
• Experience working with students with intellectual and developmental disabilities is required