Cornerstone School- Assistant Director

 Assistant Director

At Cornerstone School, we believe great leadership creates life-changing opportunities—and we’re looking for an Assistant Director who’s ready to make an impact.

In this role, you’ll partner closely with the Director of Special Education to help lead, shape, and strengthen programs that support students ages 3–22 with complex learning needs, including Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and significant medical or sensory challenges.

This is a hands-on leadership position where collaboration is key. You’ll help guide a dedicated multidisciplinary team, support innovative instructional practices, and ensure our programs not only meet compliance standards—but truly make a difference in students’ lives. From classrooms to clinical supports, your influence will help create a learning environment built on high expectations, inclusion, and meaningful student growth.

If you’re someone who thrives in a dynamic setting, values teamwork, and is passionate about student-centered education, this role offers the opportunity to lead with purpose every single day.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Oversight & Compliance
  • Assist with development, implementation, and evaluation of IEPs in accordance with IDEA and RI Department of Education regulations.
  • Monitor compliance timelines and ensure documentation meets all regulatory requirements.
  • Participate in IEP meetings, evaluations, and eligibility determinations as needed.
• Leadership & Supervision
  • Support the supervision and professional development of special education teachers, related service providers, and classroom teams.
  • Provide coaching, modeling, and feedback to ensure high-quality instruction and data-driven practices.
  • Act as a liaison between instructional staff, families, sending districts, and outside agencies.
• Instructional Support & Curriculum
  • Assist in curriculum planning and alignment with IEP goals and transition objectives.
  • Ensure functional academics, communication systems, and life skills instruction are meaningfully integrated into student programs.
  • Support the use of assistive technology, data systems, and progress monitoring tools.
• Family & Community Engagement
  • Maintain effective communication with families and foster partnerships that support student success.
  • Participate in school-wide events, transition planning, and community-based programming.
• Early Childhood Programming
  • Provide ongoing in-services and on-site training to meet national "accreditation" standards set forth by NAEYC

• • Ensure compliance of state licensing regulations within Early Childhood programming
  • Coordinate Early Childhood Tuition Payments for Self-Pay and DHS families, in collaboration with the finance department.
• Administrative Duties
  • Support staff scheduling, student placement decisions, and classroom programming.
  • Help prepare documentation for audits, Medicaid billing, and grant-related reports.
  • Contribute to the hiring, onboarding, and mentoring of new special education staff.

Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Special Education or related field (required)
• Rhode Island Certification as Building Administrator, Special Education Administrator, or equivalent (preferred or willingness to pursue)
• Minimum 5 years of experience in education, including leadership or administrative roles
• Deep understanding of IDEA, IEP development, transition planning, and best practices for students with significant disabilities
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to collaborate across disciplines and build trust with teams and families
• Commitment to the mission and values of Cornerstone School

Special Qualifications

1. Experience with children with disabilities in an early childhood setting.
2. Current CPR certification or willing to become certified.
3. A valid driver's license.
4. Meet DCYF and Department of Education requirements to work in a school.
5. Willing to transport students using agency or personal vehicle to meet school needs.

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000