What are the responsibilities and job description for the Preschool Principal position at Helen Keller Services?
Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Do YOU want to work on a team that is committed to empowering individuals? At Helen Keller Services, our employees work in an environment that is more than just a workplace, it’s a community.
Since 1893, Helen Keller Services (HKS) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have combined hearing and vision loss. HKS serves in the New York City/Long Island area from its new headquarters in dynamic downtown Brooklyn and the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults of Sands Point, New York, which has a network of regional offices that extends HKS' reach across the United States. Helen Keller Services for the Blind is thrilled to announce we will be expanding our Children's Learning Center to a brand-new Long Island location in Suffolk County! This state-of-the-art facility will serve preschool children who are blind or have low vision, as well as multiple disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, or pervasive developmental delays. This new facility will be located at 11 Oval Drive in Islandia, NY with plans to open in July 2026. This expansion reflects HKSB’s commitment to ensuring that Long Island families have access to the same high-quality early education and support services that have transformed lives in Brooklyn. We are currently seeking a full time Principal to oversee preschool operations at our Islandia campus, including staff supervision, program quality, and family partnerships—ensuring an inclusive, high‑support environment for every child we serve.
Since 1893, Helen Keller Services (HKS) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have combined hearing and vision loss. HKS serves in the New York City/Long Island area from its new headquarters in dynamic downtown Brooklyn and the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults of Sands Point, New York, which has a network of regional offices that extends HKS' reach across the United States. Helen Keller Services for the Blind is thrilled to announce we will be expanding our Children's Learning Center to a brand-new Long Island location in Suffolk County! This state-of-the-art facility will serve preschool children who are blind or have low vision, as well as multiple disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, or pervasive developmental delays. This new facility will be located at 11 Oval Drive in Islandia, NY with plans to open in July 2026. This expansion reflects HKSB’s commitment to ensuring that Long Island families have access to the same high-quality early education and support services that have transformed lives in Brooklyn. We are currently seeking a full time Principal to oversee preschool operations at our Islandia campus, including staff supervision, program quality, and family partnerships—ensuring an inclusive, high‑support environment for every child we serve.
About the Role
The Principal will be responsible for executing HKSB’s mission and strategic objectives through the development and operational delivery of services at the Suffolk Children’s Learning Center. This leadership role requires a strong commitment to excellence, compliance, and collaboration. This position is specifically responsible for:
Monitoring all regulatory and compliance issues related to the 4410 program for:
· Suffolk County and partnering local districts
· New York State Education Department
· Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS)
· Fire safety regulations pertaining to childcare centers
- Keeping policies and procedures up to date and in compliance with all pertinent regulations
- Monitoring and approving evaluation reports, updates, IEP’s and IFSP’s
- Applying for and monitoring grants that will enrich the CLC Program
- Overseeing contractual services
- Observing and supervising all instructional and therapeutic staff
- Monitoring classroom instruction through observation, review of lesson plans and class schedules
- Developing instructional approaches and curricula based on best practice in the field of vision impairment and multiple disabilities and gauge implementation in the classrooms
- Overseeing and monitoring therapy schedules to assure delivery of services and fulfillment of student mandates
- Conducting and monitoring outreach to increase awareness of CLC programs
- Participating in coalition and committee meetings such as the DDSO Children’s Committee meetings, Grant advisory Board Meetings, etc.
- Monitoring and addressing maintenance needs of the physical plant of the school
- Monitoring monthly school fire drills
- Monitoring transportation services
- Travel required to the Brooklyn CLC on a weekly basis (prior to the Suffolk location opening in mid-July)
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in education or related field
- Certification as a Special Education Teacher or Teacher of the Visually Impaired
- School Building Leader Certification required, School District Leader Certification preferred
- Minimum 5 years of experience in early childhood special education leadership
- Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance and program development
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
Why Join HKSB?
- Be part of a mission-driven organization with a proven preschool model
- Lead a dedicated team in a brand-new facility designed for inclusive education
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees. We offer generous paid time off and a comprehensive benefit package after meeting requirements.
- 403(B)
- 403(B) matching
- Dental Insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off.
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Helen Keller Services for the Blind is an equal opportunity employer.
Salary : $120,000 - $130,000