Job Description

Job Title: Director of Education
Location: Building Connections Academy - K-8 Nonpublic School (On-Site - Concord and Martinez, CA)
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Salary (Exempt) 

About Building Connections Academy:
At Building Connections Academy (BCA), we believe every child deserves a place where they feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. We are a nonpublic school serving students with mild to moderate and extensive support needs (ESN), creating a learning environment that is inclusive, engaging, and full of possibility. Our team is passionate about empowering students to discover their strengths, build meaningful relationships, and develop the confidence to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Learn more at bcaschools.com .

Position Summary:

The Director of Education provides overall leadership, management, and daily oversight of our behavior-based nonpublic schools serving students with behavioral and developmental needs ranging from Mild/Moderate to Extensive Support Needs (ESN). This role ensures the delivery of high-quality educational and behavioral services in alignment with the school’s mission to inspire every learner through creativity, connection, and personalized support - building confidence, life skills, and a sense of pride, while also maintaining compliance with state, federal, and contractual requirements. The Director of Education develops and supports staff, fosters positive relationships with families and stakeholders, and ensures a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & School Operations:

• Oversee daily school operations, ensuring compliance with CDE, IDEA, and all applicable regulations for nonpublic schools.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and professional school culture.
• Maintain high standards for student safety, instructional quality, and behavior management.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with CDE, district representatives, and other oversight bodies regarding program compliance and student placement.

Staff Supervision & Support:

• Directly supervise teaching staff, paraprofessionals, and support personnel, including conducting regular performance evaluations.
• Conduct regular classroom observations to ensure fidelity to instructional and behavior intervention models.
• Provide in-the-moment coaching and feedback to address instructional or behavioral challenges, and follow up through formal and informal evaluation processes.

Staff Training & Development:

• Plan and deliver regular staff training focused on instructional strategies, behavior management, and professional growth.
• Mentor and support new hires through onboarding and ongoing development, including serving as a mentor trainer for teachers working as substitutes or under a Provisional Internship Permit, Short-Term Staff Permit, or credential program internship.
• Ensure all staff meet the required professional development hours.

Parent & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Lead parent training workshops on a six-week cadence, covering behavior strategies, communication tools, and home support - in partnership with the Lead Behavior Specialist and Director of Behavior/BCBA.
• Maintain consistent, positive communication with parents, guardians, and district representatives.
• Lead IEP meetings to provide updates and recommendations on student progress, ensuring that all service providers are properly calendared and invited, and that the team has prepared and submitted all required reports and updates in advance.

Program Oversight:

• Ensure instructional programming aligns with IEP goals, California State Standards, and evidence-based practices.
• Ensure IEPs are implemented as written, monitor compliance with timelines, and collaborate with districts to address any compliance issues.
• Oversee implementation of the school’s behavior intervention systems and Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) in partnership with the Lead Behavior Specialist and Director of Behavior/BCBA.
• Monitor academic and behavioral data to inform decisions and program improvements.
• Collaborate closely with the administrative and recruiting team to ensure effective staffing, hiring, and retention practices that support program quality and continuity.

Compliance & Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and timely student and program records in compliance with FERPA, IDEA, and CDE requirements.
• Oversee adherence to health, safety, and emergency procedures, ensuring that safety, emergency, and fire drills are conducted and documented on a monthly basis in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Clear DOJ/FBI background check (Live Scan).
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance.
• Master’s degree in Education, Special Education, Behavior Analysis, or related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of leadership experience in a special education or behavioral setting.
• Strong knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and PBIS.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

• Valid California Administrative Credential or equivalent.
• Valid California General Education or Special Education Teaching Credential.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• On-site at Building Connections Academy's locations in Concord and Martinez, CA.
• Ability to work in a school environment serving students with a wide range of needs, including mild to extensive support needs.
• May involve exposure to behaviors such as aggression, elopement, and dysregulation.
• Physical demands may include standing, sitting, kneeling, squatting, running, walking, lifting up to 50 lbs., and actively supporting students in crisis situations.
• Ability to sustain physical activity for extended periods and move quickly in response to situations.
• Visual and auditory ability to observe and respond to student needs.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for qualifying employees
• 401K with employer matching
• Paid Holidays, Paid Days Off, and PTO 
• Mileage reimbursement between worksites 
• Laptop and company phone provided

Note: This job description is a general overview and may be subject to modification based on the needs of Building Connections Academy and its students.

Building Connections is a family of programs dedicated to supporting individuals with learning differences and their families. Through Building Connections Behavioral Health (BCBH), we provide high-quality ABA therapy, empowering children and teens with the skills they need to thrive in their everyday lives. At Building Connections Academy (BCA), our nonpublic schools serve students with mild to moderate and Extensive Support Needs, offering an inclusive, supportive, and innovative educational environment. Together, BCBH and BCA share the same heart and mission: building confidence, independence, and meaningful connections so every student can reach their full potential. Learn more at bcbhinc.com and bcaschools.com.

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