Assistant Program Director

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Spectrum Center Schools and Programs , a growing, dynamic organization with a social mission to offer hope, is seeking an Assistant Program Director to 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 dynamic, student-focused, and achievement-oriented environment, seek a leadership role with genuine purpose, and possess strategic vision, exceptional problem-solving abilities, a sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to excellence — We Should Talk! ️ 📲

As the Assistant Program Director, you are first and foremost responsible for increasing student achievement in Grades K-12 by consistently ensuring the implementation of instructional practices and strategies endorsed by Spectrum. The position is primarily responsible for assisting the school director in directing and coordinating the educational, administrative and counseling activities within the school including personnel development, safety, and crisis management.

As the instructional leader, you will supervise site staff to assure quality instruction is delivered and Spectrum policies and procedures are implemented in an effective and efficient manner. The position also calls for handling all inquiries, scheduling and conducting school tours.  This position also oversees 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.

‖ Responsibilities Include:

• Providing vision and leadership to support student achievement and effective operations by supervising staff, developing and implementing performance management plans, identifying professional learning needs and participating in professional learning opportunities.
• Assisting in the employment process to ensure an effective site team is in place. Assists in establishing and implementing goals and objectives for program and staff in accordance with organization’s goals and objectives as assigned by Education Program Director.
• Providing guidance, consultation, and assistance to teachers in the development of classroom schedules, maintenance of student data systems and facilitation of student transition plans to assure appropriate schedules and services based on each student’s individual goals.
• Consulting with and assisting teachers in the classroom with teaching students social, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Providing supervision through assigning work, helping create personal development plans, consistently monitoring and evaluating employee effectiveness and communicating and coaching employee development.
• Ensuring a safe learning environment for students and staff by maintaining site and classroom operation and following guidelines for addressing/reporting issues and incidents.
• Maintaining compliance with contract and specific state requirements, ensuring that all staff are knowledgeable of the specific success criteria outlined in the contract and any requirements set forth by the state.
• Performing a wide range of managerial responsibilities including, but not limited to: staff supervision, scheduling, technology, and facility.
• Representing Spectrum at community, district and local levels.
• Communicating and collaborating with families, district and community members.
• Analyzing the professional development needs of staff and aligning implementation with the instructional vision and Spectrum and district goals.
• Demonstrating effective leadership, team building, and written skills.
• Instructing, monitoring and evaluating teachers and students in the use of learning materials and equipment to ensure fidelity of instruction and student performance/evaluation.
• Observing, evaluating and reporting staff and student performance and development.
• Maintaining accurate and complete records of students' progress and development, updating all necessary records accurately and completely as required by law, Spectrum policies and district policies.
• Compiling and analyzing assessment data to measure student growth, guide instruction and/or academic intervention for each student and site.
• Modeling and overseeing the implementation of Spectrum identified instructional practices and strategies that facilitate active learning experiences and support the instructional vision for the site.
• Managing student behavior in the center by embracing the Spectrum philosophy and policies, and applying appropriate disciplinary measures when necessary. Perform duties including but not limited to student support, counseling students with academic problems and providing student encouragement.
• Participating in the assurance and accreditation processes to ensure that the site passes or meets performance.
• Keeping up to date with research-based practices and developments in subject area, resources, and professional development, including but not limited to organization-wide initiatives such as CPI.
• Providing, soliciting and responding constructively to formal and informal feedback.
• Working collaboratively with site team, field level support and national support for the good of the organization.

‖ Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in education or a closely related field of study.
• Master's degree in education, special education, or school administration preferred.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining a CA state special education instruction credential.
• Licensed currently or in the process of obtaining an educational leadership, administration, principal or related credential highly preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain certification in company approved crisis management training.
• Prior experience and highly knowledgeable in the development, assessment, and management of curriculum, content areas and instruction; preferably in an alternative, special education and/or behavioral health program setting.
• Prior experience and/or knowledge in special education services and compliance, particularly for students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, emotional behavioral disorders and/or other related disabilities.
• Proficiency in providing motivation and having critical conversations with students that help move them toward realistic goals and next steps.
• Effective management skills and comprehensive knowledge of administrative and school operations, functions, and compliance requirements.
• Prior experience and highly skilled in providing training, professional development and/or coaching to teachers and education staff.
• Highly skilled in building relationships with students, parents, teachers and community and/or business partners.
• Ability to think and act quickly and calmly in an emergency and make independent decisions.
• Advanced oral and written communication, organization, conflict resolution, multitasking, problem solving, and decision-making ability.
• Knowledge of relevant technology including experience with instructional technology, Microsoft Office Suite, database entry and basic office equipment.

Spectrum Center Schools and Programs is a division of ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education, the nation’s 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 240,000 student lives!

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

At ChanceLight we believe in providing more than just a job, as a member of our team you'll 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 a Chance to transform lives through education!

‖ Perks and Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
• Annual Education Stipend - $2,000
• 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!

If you're 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.}

Education

• Bachelors or better in Education or related field

• Masters or better in Education Leadership or related field

Licenses & Certifications

• All State Req Credentials
• Crisis Prevention Inst

• Ed - Teaching Credential
• Special Ed Certification
• Education Administrator

Skills

• Special Education
• Community Relations
• Teacher Mentoring/Training
• Autism
• Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
• Classroom Management
• K-12 Education
• Leadership
• Quality Assurance & Compliance
• Record Keeping & Reporting
• Performance Management
• Performance Motivation
• Student Development
• Crisis Intervention
• Emotional Disturbance
• Behavioral Disorders
• Learning Disabilities
• Student Engagement
• Personalized Instruction
• Project Management
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Communication
• Interdepartmental Collaboration
• Interpersonal Skills
• Computer Skills

Behaviors

• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
• Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them

Motivations

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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