Hybrid Director of Early Childhood Services at Winnetka Public Schools

Director of Early Childhood Services

Job Title: Director of Early Childhood Services

Position: Certified

FTE: 1.0 FTE

Characteristics:  12 months (260 days)

Evaluation: Evaluated annually by the Assistant Superintendent  of Student Services, Equity, and Inclusion
Supervises: Early Childhood Special Education Teachers, Related Service Providers, Instructional Assistants/Paraprofessionals, and Program Support Staff
Location: District Administration Office and Partner Preschool Sites

Position Summary:

The Director of Early Childhood Services provides leadership, coordination, and oversight for early childhood special education services (ages 3–5) within the district. The Director ensures that children with identified disabilities receive high-quality, developmentally appropriate services in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) regulations, and district policies. The role includes direct supervision of preschool evaluations and services, leadership of district partnerships with neighborhood preschools, and coordination of transition planning from early intervention to district services and from preschool to kindergarten.

RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

Leadership and Program Oversight

• Provide strategic leadership for early childhood special education services delivered in community-based partner preschools and district settings.

• Ensure programming aligns with Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards (IELDS) and IDEA Part B (Section 619).

• Oversee monthly evaluations of students for special education eligibility, ensuring compliance with state and federal timelines.

• Monitor compliance with all federal, state, and district requirements, including IEP development, documentation, reporting, and service delivery.

• Supervise and evaluate staff assigned to early childhood special education programs.

• Supervise and evaluate staff assigned to early childhood special education programs.Coordinate Extended School Year (ESY) services for eligible early childhood students, including program design, staffing, and compliance monitoring.

Transitions and Evaluation

• Coordinate and oversee the transition of children from Early Intervention (Child and Family Connections) to district-provided special education services, ensuring timely evaluations and smooth service delivery.

• Lead Child Find screenings and initiatives, including outreach to community preschools, childcare centers, and pediatric providers to identify children potentially in need of services and equip them to refer children for screenings or Early Intervention.

• Lead transition activities for students moving from preschool programs to kindergarten, working collaboratively with principals, kindergarten teams, and families.

• Develop and implement consistent transition protocols that support students, families, and staff.

Instruction and Student Services

• Support implementation of evidence-based instructional practices that address the academic, social-emotional, behavioral, communication, and functional needs of preschool-aged students with IEPs.

• Ensure integration of related services (speech/language, OT, PT, social work, psychology, nursing, etc.) into student programs.

• Coordinate and monitor special education service delivery in the district’s three neighborhood preschools, ensuring alignment across sites.

• Promote inclusive practices and collaboration with general education preschool teachers and administrators.

Family and Community Engagement

• Serve as the district’s primary liaison for families of preschool-aged children with IEPs, ensuring parents are engaged as partners in the evaluation and service process.

• Provide families with resources and information related to early childhood development and special education rights and services.

• Maintain strong partnerships with neighborhood preschools, early intervention providers, and community agencies to support seamless service delivery.

Administration and Compliance

• Develop, monitor, and manage budgets related to early childhood special education, including IDEA and state/federal grants.

• Prepare and submit state and federal reports (e.g., ISBE Early Childhood Special Education Indicator data, transition compliance reporting).

• Maintain accurate student records, evaluation data, and IEP compliance through district and state data systems.

• Coordinate professional development and training for staff in early childhood assessment, instruction, and compliance areas.

Collaboration and District Leadership

• Collaborate with the Director of Student Services, Equity, and Inclusion, building principals, and general education administrators to ensure seamless coordination of services across settings.

• Serve as a member of the Student Services, Equity, and Inclusion leadership team.

• Provide expertise in early childhood development, assessment, and special education service delivery to district leadership and the Board of Education.
  ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs other duties as directed by the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Equity & Superintendent

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES/ QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Professional Educator License (PEL) with Educational Leadership endorsement (i.e., Principal or Director of Special Education) issued by the Illinois State Board of Education.

• Master’s degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, or related field.

• Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in special education, with at least three (3) years in early childhood or early intervention services.

• Demonstrated knowledge of IDEA, ISBE regulations, and Illinois Early Learning Standards.

• Experience supervising and evaluating certified and non-certified staff.

• Clearance of FBI Background check and EHR/Faith’s Law required.

• TB test within 90 days of hire date; Physical Exam within last year of hire date. 

Preferred

• Administrative or program leadership experience in early childhood or district-level special education.

• Experience coordinating Early Intervention (Part C) to school district transitions.

• Knowledge of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in early childhood.

• Bilingual/ESL endorsement or experience working with culturally and linguistically diverse families.

• Valid First Aid/CPR Cards preferred.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of child development, early childhood assessments, and intervention practices.

• Ability to interpret and apply state and federal policies and regulations.
  Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to compliance details.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaborative problem-solving skills.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practices.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Manual Dexterity: Work requires definite, skilled, and accurate physical operations requiring some closely coordinated performance. 

• Physical effort: Work requires handling average-weight materials or equipment, but not for sustained periods. 

• Working Conditions: Travel among schools in the Winnetka School District is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in district offices, schools, and community preschool settings.

• Travel between district and community partner sites is required.

• Occasional evening or weekend hours for family engagement, professional development, or Board meetings.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary and fringe benefits will begin at $ 135,000+ (dependent upon years of experience) and reviewed annually by the School Board.