RISE Preschool Director

Preschool Director, RISE Together Preschool

Candidates who are blind or visually impaired and/or deaf or hard of hearing are encouraged to apply for this position and may be given preference in hiring as federal laws permit. Information related to disability is not required and, if disclosed voluntarily, will be used only in AIDB's efforts to create opportunities for individuals with exceptionalities. Non-disclosure will not subject any applicant to adverse treatment.

Location:

AIDB-North Campus (Decatur, AL)

Reports to:

RISE Director

About Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB): AIDB is the world's most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are Deaf, Blind, Deaf Blind, multidisabled, and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and senior citizens with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year.

Our services span a lifetime and include five campuses in Talladega, a statewide network of regional centers, Early Intervention services, traditional and nontraditional educational opportunities in residential, day, and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility known as Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), the state's largest employer of adults who are Blind. AIDB's three K-12 schools — Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, and Helen Keller School of Alabama — provide specialized educational services that empower students to achieve their full potential.

Our employees are among the organization's most valuable assets and resources. We share a commitment to leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a unique place to work.

About the Role:

RISE (Reaching Independence through Supported Education) is an innovative program supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorder and sensory loss. We use evidence-based strategies to promote independence by focusing on communication, social interaction, vocational training, and essential life skills.

How You Will Make an Impact:
In this role, you will be the heartbeat of the RISE Together Preschool on the AIDB North Campus. By managing day-to-day operations with care and strategic vision, you will directly impact the lives of young children and their families in the Decatur community. Through your collaborative leadership with staff, parents, and administration, you will ensure the delivery of a premier early childhood education experience.

Your dedication will directly shape a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment that unlocks every child's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical potential.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Special Education, Deaf Education, Visual Impairment, or Applied Behavior Analysis. Valid Alabama Professional Educator Certificate in the appropriate area of certification, or eligibility to obtain Alabama certification through reciprocity within six (6) months of employment. Five (5) years' professional experience working with young children in early childhood, special education, inclusive preschool programming, or applied behavior analysis.

Must meet suitability/background requirements for employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

Education Specialist degree in the area of Instructional Leadership, Early Childhood Education, Collaborative Teacher Special Education, and/or Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). Experience working with children with Autism, Deafness, Blindness, Deaf Blindness, or multiple disabilities. Experience supervising staff, coordinating educational programs, managing schedules, and monitoring educational compliance requirements.

Position Responsibilities:

Skills & Requirements

Education & Expertise:
Deep knowledge of Alabama Developmental Standards for Preschool and evidence-based best practices in early childhood education.

Core

Skills:

Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

Mindset:
Proven ability to work cooperatively with staff, administrators, and support personnel using a collaborative, "whole-child" approach.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Administration

Strategic Direction:
Provide visionary leadership for the RISE Together preschool program, ensuring full alignment with the AIDB mission and strategic plan.

Operations Management:
Oversee daily administrative tasks including enrollment, staffing, scheduling, and meticulous record-keeping.

Policy & Compliance:
Assist in developing and implementing policies, procedures, and protocols that align with early childhood best practices. Collaborate with Local Education Agencies (LEAs) regarding state/federal reporting and special education compliance.

Curriculum & Staff Development

Instructional Oversight:
Ensure the effective delivery of curriculum and student progress tracking. Guarantee that classroom practices reflect evidence-based approaches, including play-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and differentiated…