Preschool Principal

Salary: $140,000.00 - $160,000.00 Annually
Location : Andover Public Schools, Andover, MA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: S27073
Department: Shawsheen School
Opening Date: 05/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Minimum Hours per Week: 40


Description


The Andover Public Schools seeks a successful early childhood administrator with effective leadership, curriculum, and management skills to serve as Principal of a comprehensive preschool. Under the direct supervision of the Superintendent of Schools and the Executive Director of Special Services, the Principal is responsible for the effective management of the school in order to promote the educational development of each student. Additionally, the Principal is responsible for designing, in collaboration with instructional specialists and teachers, the delivery of pre-kindergarten instructional and wrap-around services based on annual and longitudinal program evaluation. The Principal works under specific programmatic policies and established objectives. Contacts are regularly and frequently made at all organizational levels within and outside the school system to execute and explain programs, regulations, and policies.

Responsibilities


-Develop and support a quality integrated early childhood program
-Participate in the development and implementation of early childhood curriculum and assessment review process
-Act as a liaison between the District, DESE and the Department of Early Education and Care
-Coordinate with the Executive Director of Special Services to facilitate the screening process and the integration of preschool children with special needs
-Coordinate and make home visits to students transitioning into the public schools
-RaiseawarenessandpromotetheDistrict'searlychildhoodprogramstothepublicthrough workshops and other presentations
-Coordinate and oversee the preschool Extended School Year Program
-Chair Evaluation and Annual IEP Team meetings and develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs)for students. Lead team in all relevant educational decisions and monitor IEPs for compliance
-Ensure that all that all students entitled to special education instruction receive a full and comprehensive evaluation
-Interpret special education eligibility reports from a variety of service providers and out-of-district evaluators
-Ensure that the timely filing and/or implementation of all special education requirements
-Hire and evaluate all early childhood program teachers and staff
-Provide professional development for staff that supports the growth of the early childhood program
-Create schedules for all faculty and related service providers
-Develop and monitor the early childhood program budget
-Provide effective and dynamic leadership to students and faculty
-Communicate the preschool's vision, goals, long-range plans, needs, and accomplishments to students, staff, families and the community-at-large
-Facilitate communication between groups, effectively involving all parties in the educational process
-Delegate authority to encourage staff initiative and participatory decision-making.
-Facilitate and implement effective educational policies and procedures incompliance with the initiatives of the Andover School Committee.
-Sponsor school events for staff ,students, parents, and community to participate in appropriate areas of the educational process
-Actively work with parents and PTO members to ensure effective communication on matters affecting school policy, program implementation, and student behavior
-Provide effective and efficient management of school staff and administration functions
-Encourage and support the development of all professional and administrative staff
-Assist in the in-service orientation and training of new teachers and assure compliance with proper administrative procedures
-In consultation with the Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Administration and the Executive Director of Special Services, prepare, draft, and revise a comprehensive school budget for classroom teachers, specialists, and all instructional personnel assigned full time to his/her building; Prepare this budget with the assistance of teachers and system-wide administrators
-Supervise the maintenance of accurate student and teacher records that protect privacy and confidentiality and are in compliance with state and federal regulations
-Implement school calendar and student and staff schedules
-Over see the maintenance, cleanliness and security of the school building and grounds by supervising and working closely with the Senior Custodian(s) assigned to the building
-Conduct staff meetings as necessary for the proper functioning of the school
-Perform related duties as assigned by the Superintendent of Schools, the Executive Director of Special Services or as responsibilities necessitate.

Qualifications


-MA License in Early Childhood PreK-2 or Preschool Special Education License as well as Supervisor/Director license
-A minimum of five (5) years of experience as an early childhood teacher
-Administrative experience preferred
-Ability to successfully administer a district-wide early childhood program
-ThoroughknowledgeofEECandDESEmandatesastheyapplytoearlychildhoodand special education programs
-Knowledge of Early Intervention and Integrative Therapeutic Model and substantial experienceworkingwithpreschoolagechildrenwithautism,specialneeds,andvarious developmental delays
-Knowledge of special education regulations and compliance
-Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with families as well as home visits
-Knowledge of DESE teacher evaluation model
-Effectiveinterpersonalandleadershipskills;Experiencefacilitatingcommunicationbetween divergent groups and in-group decision making
-Effective administrative and management skills
-Demonstrated success as a building leader
-Excellent speaking and writing skills, including the effective utilization of computers, technology, and information management tools

Supplemental Information


Andover Public Schools (APS) seeks candidates who embody our ethos, which includes valuing the identities of all students, high expectations for all students, teaching excellence, collaboration, innovation, respect, and responsibility.
APS is committed to hiring and supporting a racially and ethnically diverse faculty and staff. Racially and ethnically diverse teachers produce a myriad of positive outcomes for all students, especially the most historically marginalized students.