Education Program Director

ChanceLight Behavioral Health Therapy & Education a growing dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope is seeking an EducationProgram Directorto join our award-winning Special Education team for the 2026-2027 School Year and perform meaningful work in a culture that welcomes innovation encourages creative expression and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction!

If you thrive in a collaborative goal-oriented environment focused on meaningful outcomes for students with special education needs seek a career filled with genuine purpose and possess strong problem-solving skills compassion and exceptional dedication We Should Talk!

As the Education Program Director you will play a pivotal role in transforming student outcomes by championing excellence in instruction and fostering an environment of continuous academic growth. Serving as the instructional leader you will inspire and guide our dedicated staff to consistently deliver high-quality teaching practices aligned with ChanceLights proven educational strategies. Your leadership will ensure that policies and procedures are implemented effectively creating a supportive and efficient learning environment where every student can thrive.

This position oversees all site operations and functions as the liaison between the site and the school districts designated site contacts by establishing and maintaining positive interactive working relationships.

â Responsibilities Include:

• Providing visionary leadership to drive student achievement and ensure smooth effective operations by supervising staff developing and implementing performance management plans identifying professional learning needs and engaging in continuous professional growth opportunities.

• Participating in the recruitment and selection process to build and retain a faculty/staff team with the instructional skills and competencies necessary to meet the unique needs of the programs student population.

• Analyzing staff professional development needs and aligning them with ChanceLight instructional vision while recognizing achievements addressing concerns and maintaining productive solutions-focused site operations.

• Leading the induction and training of new staffeither directly or through designeesto ensure a positive onboarding experience and maximize the success and retention of new team members.

• Monitoring facilities and programs to ensure the safety of students and staff at all times including compliance with contractual and state requirements adherence to staffing ratios and readiness to implement crisis protocols.

• Performing essential managerial functions such as overseeing daily school operations managing schedules and activities coordinating custodial and maintenance efforts supervising food and transportation services directing administrative and budgetary processes allocating resources and fostering positive district and community relationships.

• Demonstrating fiscal responsibility by strategically maximizing resources in partnership with the direct supervisor to support instructional priorities and student outcomes.

• Participating in the enrollment process from initial referral to final day of attendance ensuring timely placement conducting effective site tours managing rosters per student needs and state mandates and contributing to transition planning toward the least restrictive environment when applicable.

• Instructing monitoring and evaluating staff and students in the effective use of learning materials and resources to ensure instructional fidelity and optimal student performance.

• Observing evaluating and reporting staff and student performance using the START Checklist or other approved observation tools to inform feedback and improvement efforts.

• Participating in accreditation and quality assurance processes to ensure the site meets or exceeds ChanceLight and accrediting body standards.

• Preparing and presenting reports on student achievement development and activities to showcase progress and program effectiveness.

• Compiling analyzing and utilizing assessment data to track student growth inform instruction and guide targeted academic interventions.

• Maintaining accurate complete and timely records of student progress in compliance with state laws ChanceLight guidelines and district policies.

• Ensuring the on-time completion and distribution of grades report cards IEP progress reports and transcripts for all students.

• Ensuring compliance with all mandatory requirements including the IEP process state assessments and ChanceLight policies.

• Promoting a positive school culture by fostering programs and practices that encourage appropriate student behavior applying support or disciplinary measures as needed in alignment with ChanceLight policies.

• Providing guidance encouragement and academic counseling to students facing challenges to help them achieve their goals.

• Performing other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the program and its students.

â Qualifications Required:

• Masters degree or higher in education special education or a closely related field of study.
• Meet all state and district requirements for appropriate licensing and/or credentials.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an OH state special education instruction and/or administrator credential.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) credential highly preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• Minimum five years prior experience in special education services and compliance particularly for students with learning disabilities autism spectrum disorders emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
• Minimum three years prior experience in school administration or educational leadership preferably in an alternative special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Comprehensive knowledge of administrative and school operations functions and compliance requirements.
• Well-versed in applied behavior analysis (ABA) including positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) effective teaching strategies classroom management systems data-based decision making functional behavior analysis (FBA) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
• Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in working with students with individualized education plans (IEPs).
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals.
• Highly skilled in providing training professional development and/or coaching to teachers and education staff.
• Proven ability to build and maintain multiple relationships with students parents teachers leaders and community and/or district partners.
• Advanced oral and written communication organization conflict resolution multitasking problem solving and decision-making ability.
• Well-versed in the use of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology computers Microsoft Office Suite database entry and basic office equipment.

ChanceLight Behavioral Health Therapy & Education is the nations leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For more than 50 years and in partnership with over 235 school districts nationwide we have helped change the direction of more than 240000 student lives!

Learn more about our history our mission and the program services we provide by visiting the link below:

• ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job as a member of our team youll receive the opportunity to make meaningful impacts the support needed to achieve success and all the tools essential to reaching your personal & professional fulfillment! Your path to a truly rewarding career starts here where growth empowerment and collaboration define our culture; and every day is aChanceto transform lives through education!

  â Perks and Benefits Include:

  • Comprehensive Medical Dental and Vision Plans
  • FREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessions
  • FREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Line
  • Company Paid Life & Disability Insurance
  • Company Paid Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
  • Personal Protection Insurance Plans
  • Cigna Healthy Pregnancies Healthy Babies Program
  • Legal Services Insurance
  • Pet Health Insurance
  • Accrual-based Paid Time Off
  • School Hours and Paid Holiday Schedule
  • Extensive Personal and Life Event Paid Leave Policy
  • 401k Retirement Saving Plan
  • Perks at Work Employee Discount Program
  • Opportunities for Growth & Development
  • And So Much More!

  âï Learn more about employee perks & benefits in our digital brochure:

  • youre ready to start making lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to the creation of a brighter future This Is Your Chance!

    Join us and together we can empower students to overcome challenges build confidence and unlock their full potential!

    Careers With ChanceLight Work. With Purpose.

    ^{Copyright 2026 ChanceLight Behavioral Health Therapy & Education a ChanceLight company *Benefit plans and eligibility requirements may vary based on role and employment status.}

    
    

    Required Experience:

    Director