Associate Head Lower School & Admissions Director

Description

Position Summary: The Children’s Academy, a K-12 specialized school serving students with speech and language impairments and other language-based learning differences, is seeking an Associate Head – Lower School & Admissions Director to lead and manage the school’s enrollment process and lower school operations. This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for prospective families, oversee the full admissions cycle, supervise key staff, and collaborate with school leadership to advance the school’s mission and strategic goals. As a face of the organization, this role requires a demonstrable understanding of Children’s Academy’s mission and vision and the ability to articulate it clearly.

Key Responsibilities:

Admissions & Enrollment Management

• Oversee the full admissions process from initial inquiry through enrollment, ensuring alignment with the school’s mission and student support capabilities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective families, providing information about the school’s programs, services, and admissions process.
• Lead school tours, host information sessions, and guide families through the application and enrollment process.
• Review admissions applications and supporting documentation to assess student needs and determine program alignment.
• Collaborate with instructional leaders and related service providers to assess student placement and classroom fit.
• Coordinate and conduct interviews with prospective students and families.
• Maintain accurate admissions records and track data related to inquiries, applications, and enrollments; communicate regularly with families and professionals throughout the process.

Outreach & Community Engagement

• Organize professional Open Houses – 2–3x in the Fall and 2–3x in the Spring – including outreach to neuropsychologists, education attorneys, educational consultants, other special education schools, and feeder programs (mainstream and center-based preschools, K–5 elementary programs, etc.).
• Represent the school at fairs, conferences, and networking events, including those hosted by the Parents League, JCC, and other organizations.
• Participate in Special Education Admissions Directors groups and monthly meetings to stay current on best practices, trends, and sector-wide developments.
• Establish and maintain relationships with professionals and organizations within the special education community, including schools, medical professionals, and advocacy groups.
• Develop and distribute informational materials that promote the school’s mission and programs.

School Leadership & Administration

• ·Collaborate with the Head of School to uphold the school’s mission and strategic goals.
• Lead the daily operations of the lower school, serving as a key point of contact for faculty, families, and students.
• Promote a positive, student-centered school culture that emphasizes inclusivity and academic success.
• Participate in the development of school-wide policies, procedures, and programming.

Team Supervision & Departmental Oversight

• Supervise and support the Director of Education – Lower School to ensure high-quality curriculum implementation, instructional excellence, and teacher support.
• Supervise and support the Registered Behavior Technician to ensure consistent, data-driven implementation of student behavior programs and professional collaboration with instructional staff.
• Supervise and support the School Counselor to ensure delivery of comprehensive social-emotional support services, crisis intervention, and student wellness programming aligned with school-wide goals.
• Conduct regular check-ins and performance evaluations; provide ongoing coaching and professional development for each direct report.

Instructional & Programmatic Support

• Ensure that the educational program is appropriately aligned with New York State standards and best practices for students with diverse learning needs.
• Collaborate with instructional leaders to support the design and delivery of rigorous, differentiated instruction.
• Facilitate the implementation of accommodations and modifications across content areas and grade levels.

Student Support & Culture

• Oversee behavior support plans and positive discipline strategies.
• Engage with students and families to address concerns and ensure holistic support for each learner.
• Promote equity, empathy, and social-emotional growth throughout the student experience.

Family & Community Engagement

• Serve as a liaison between home and school for lower school families.
• Participate in school events, parent meetings, and community-building initiatives.
• Communicate clearly and regularly with parents regarding school policies, student progress, and programming updates.

Professional Development & Collaboration

· Support professional development planning in collaboration with school leadership.

· Lead and participate in leadership meetings, contributing to strategic planning and cross-departmental initiatives.

· Collaborate with the Head of School and administrative staff on student placement and class planning.

Collaboration & Compliance

· Work closely with school leadership to ensure admissions policies align with institutional goals.

· Collaborate with families, educational consultants, and legal representatives to facilitate the admissions process.

· Assist with documentation and communication related to tuition and placement matters.

· Ensure compliance with all applicable admissions regulations and best practices.

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills:

• 5+ years of experience in school admissions, enrollment management, educational leadership, or a related field, preferably within a special education setting.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with families, faculty, and professionals.
• Knowledge of student assessment processes, IEPs, and special education services.
• Experience supervising staff and supporting their professional growth.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate with various stakeholders.
• Commitment to supporting students with language-based learning differences and their families.