Education Program Director Jobs in Ridgefield, CT

Who We Are

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of people of every background, identity, and ability to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work. If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

Who We Need

We are looking for patient, energetic and passionate Special Education Teacher for our Abilities First, Myers Corners Education Center program located in Wappingers Falls.  This is an opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team, focusing on the educational programming for all school-age children at every level of ability. The Classroom Teacher is responsible for the assessment of individual student’s needs, lesson plans, supervision of classroom staff, curriculum planning and development.

Schedule: Monday- Friday 8:00am-3:30 pm, 35 hours per week, 48 weeks per year (includes a 6-week summer program) 

Annual Salary: $52,000.00 - $53,000.00 with a BA Degree

                             $57,000.00 - $58,000.00 with a MA Degree

Responsibilities:

• Where appropriate, assesses the developmental level of students using a standardized assessment tool, as well as conduct on-going assessment.
• Plans and implements an instructional program which meets the individual age-appropriate educational needs of each child and is based on the designated curriculum of the program. Writes IEP (for special needs children), progress notes and weekly lesson plans. Maintains portfolio of student work.
• Organizes and maintains an environment which facilitates children’s learning, including use of space, selection of materials, scheduling and behavior management.
• Directs classroom support staff in the assessment, planning and carrying out of the educational program, including usage of classroom computers.
• Confers with related service staff where appropriate to ensure the implementation of therapy goals (OT, PT and speech) in the classroom.
• Develops and maintains positive interpersonal communications with staff and other professionals, maintains positive social-emotional climate which enhances the performance of staff and self-concept of children.
• Works with parents/guardians through informal communications, a daily log, conferences, newsletters, Open House, volunteer opportunities and annual review (for classified students) to share knowledge of children and achieve common goals.
• Attends professional/general staff meetings and in-service training within the agency, district and community. Shares knowledge with other teaching staff. (Minimum of 30 hours every 2 years.)
• Participates as an active member of the Advisory Board.
• Shares knowledge of children with other professionals in order to meet child’s educational needs at team meetings and School District CPSE/CSE meetings. 
• Provides an adequate and safe level of supervision to students and where a question rises as to the level of adequacy seeks guidance from Preschool Director. 
• Attends all curriculum training sessions and implements the program fully within the classroom, including utilization of assessment tools.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, which require all employees, consultants, board members, volunteers and affiliates to perform their responsibilities according to ethical and legal standards with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.  
• Ensures that employees follow the Code of Ethical and Legal Behavior and conform to the strictest standards of Corporate Compliance and HIPAA, as well as all federal, state, local and municipal laws and regulations.
• Will incorporate core concepts of CQL philosophy into day-to-day operation and support methods.
• Supports agency vision and mission.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and safety to others. 
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as required by immediate supervisor, program director, or as circumstances warrant.
• Will hold employees under their supervision accountable for position standards in their job descriptions
• Will complete performance evaluations for all staff under supervision at least annually.
• Will regularly evaluate internal systems and make recommendations for improvements in efficiency, productivity and accountability.

Perks & Benefits: 

• Time to Recharge – Personal, sick, and holidays built around the school calendar
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered
• Plan for The Future – 401(k) with employer match and employer-paid life insurance
• Level Up Your Skills– Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support (and to boost your    earning potential)
• Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
• Exclusive Extras – Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more

• Master’s Degree in Special Education with appropriate NYS Teaching Certification, or Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education or a related field, with graduate level coursework in Special Education with NYS Provisional Certification or Certificate of Qualification. 
• Have the ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting a carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation. 

A Note on Qualifications:

At Abilities First, we recognize that talent and potential come in many forms. If this position inspires you but your experience does not align with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role—or another opportunity within our organization