Position: Principal - Early Childhood Center

Position Summary:

In Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), the Principal upholds and drives our shared core values and epitomizes PGCPS pride. The Principal of an Early Childhood Center is responsible for overseeing the instructional program for both typical children and children with special needs, ages three through five years of age, along with providing educational leadership for the staff, students and community. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader with the essential skills and experiences to have a lasting impact on Prince George’s County Public Schools’ employees and students.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Develops, articulates and implements a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community;

Obtains and utilizes new and existing resources/materials available for use in adapting and modifying curriculum, including current trends in technology for education and assistive technology for access and communication; behavior management programming and strategies; teacher-oriented educational assessment tools and techniques; learning strategies and instructional best practices to facilitate successful inclusive opportunities for young students with disabilities;

Provides instructional leadership for the alignment of curriculum, instruction and assessment through the purposeful observation and evaluation of teachers;

Develops an approach to improve and maintain a positive culture for learning that capitalizes on multiple aspects of cultural diversity to meet the needs of all students and staff;

Builds professional learning communities to nurture and sustain a school culture and instructional program conducive to accelerated student achievement;

Acts ethically and according to professional norms to promote each student’s academic success and well-being;

Ensures efficient management of school operations and resources for a safe and effective learning environment in order to promote student’s academic success and well-being;

Collaborates with families and community members, maintains a presence in the community to understand its strengths and needs, develops productive relationships, and engages resources for the school;

Seeks and engages in professional activities that foster leadership development; building the capacity of aspiring leaders (i.e. Assistant Principal, Special Education Program Coordinator, etc.);

Fosters innovative thinkers who can help achieve the vision and mission of Prince George’s County Public Schools;

Demonstrates integrity, fairness, mutual respect and high ethical standards; works cooperatively and interacts positively with students, staff and community exercising courtesy and discretion; serves as a role model for staff and students;

Complies with all Board of Education Policies, Administrative Procedures and operating procedures; and

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Knowledge of federal and state legislation and regulations, including local policy and procedures in special education;

Knowledge and experience in the education of preschoolers with disabilities; knowledge and experience implementing curriculum for preschoolers demonstrating a range of skills from typical development to significant cognitive disabilities;

Ability to create a team that works collaboratively and promotes high expectations for all students; and

Demonstrates positive interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with families and staff to create a team that works collaboratively and promotes high expectations for all students;

Knowledge and experience implementing school operations, policies and procedures; and

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in supervision and administration, curriculum and instruction, special education, education, or a related field required; Doctorate preferred.  Previous successful experience as a school-based administrator, (or other comparable leadership experience).  Comparable leadership experience includes but is not limited to: School Dean,  Assistant Principal or equivalent position; district or central office level supervisor, manager or director.

Certification:

Maryland Professional Certificate with Administrator II endorsement required.