Education Program Director

About ChanceLight

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is the nation's leading provider of alternative and special education programs for children and young adults. For over 50 years, in partnership with more than 235 school districts nationwide, we have helped change the direction of over 240,000 student lives. Our social mission is to offer hope through a culture that welcomes innovation, encourages creative expression, and offers limitless potential for personal and professional satisfaction.

About the Role

We are seeking an Education Program Director to join our award-winning Special Education team for the 2026-2027 School Year. This role is designed for individuals who thrive in a collaborative, goal-oriented environment focused on meaningful outcomes for students with special education needs. As the instructional leader, you will play a pivotal role in transforming student outcomes by championing excellence in instruction and fostering an environment of continuous academic growth.

You will serve as the liaison between the site and school districts, establishing positive working relationships while inspiring and guiding our dedicated staff to deliver high-quality teaching practices aligned with ChanceLight's proven educational strategies. Your leadership will ensure policies are implemented effectively, creating a supportive and efficient learning environment where every student can thrive. This position offers a career filled with genuine purpose, where you can make lasting impacts on the lives of students and contribute to a brighter future.

Our Culture

At ChanceLight, we believe in providing more than just a job. We are a team where growth, empowerment, and collaboration define our culture. Every day is a Chance to transform lives through education. We offer a supportive environment where you will receive the tools essential to reaching your personal and professional fulfillment.

Hiring Process & Application

If you are ready to start making lasting impacts and possess the dedication to help students overcome challenges, we want to hear from you. To learn more about our history, mission, and program services, please visit Work With Purpose. For details on our employee perks and benefits, review our digital brochure at CL Benefits Brochure.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ChanceLight is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Work location

Work model: On-site

East Brown Street, Harvard, McHenry County, Illinois, 60033, United States

Harvard, Illinois

Key Responsibilities

check_circleProvide visionary leadership to drive student achievement and ensure effective site operations
check_circleMonitor facilities and programs to ensure student safety and compliance with state requirements
check_circleEnsure timely completion of grades, report cards, IEP progress reports, and transcripts for all students
check_circleProvide academic counseling and guidance to students facing challenges to help them achieve their goals
check_circleOversee daily school operations, manage schedules, and direct administrative and budgetary processes
check_circlePromote a positive school culture by fostering appropriate student behavior and applying disciplinary measures
check_circleSupervise staff, develop performance management plans, and identify professional learning needs
check_circleCompile and analyze assessment data to track student growth and guide academic interventions

Requirements

verifiedMaster's degree or higher in education, special education or related field
verifiedIL state professional educator (PEL) credential
verifiedIL state education administrator endorsement
verifiedIL state special education instruction (SEE) endorsement preferred
verifiedCrisis management training certification
verified5+ years experience in special education services
verified3+ years experience in school administration or educational leadership
verifiedProficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database entry

Nice to Have

IL state special education instruction (SEE) endorsement. Experience in an alternative, special education, and/or behavioral health program setting.

Benefits & Perks

check_circleComprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision Planscheck_circleFREE Telehealth and Virtual Counseling Sessionscheck_circleFREE Health Advocacy Services and 24/7 Nurse Linecheck_circleCompany Paid Life & Disability InsuranceCompany Paid Employee Assistance Program

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, Positive Behavior Interventions And Supports, Functional Behavior Analysis, Behavior Intervention Plans, Individualized Education Plans, Crisis Management Training, Microsoft Office Suite, Il State Professional Educator Credential, Il State Education Administrator Endorsement.

Education: Master's degree or higher in education, special education or related field required.

Frequently asked questions about Education Program Director at ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education

What does a Education Program Director at ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education do?expand_more

A Education Program Director at ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is responsible for the following: Provide visionary leadership to drive student achievement and ensure effective site operations; Monitor facilities and programs to ensure student safety and compliance with state requirements; Ensure timely completion of grades, report cards, IEP progress reports, and transcripts for all students; and Provide academic counseling and guidance to students facing challenges to help them achieve their goals.

What are the requirements for this Education Program Director role?expand_more

To qualify for the Education Program Director at ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education position, applicants should have: Master's degree or higher in education, special education or related field; IL state professional educator (PEL) credential; IL state education administrator endorsement; IL state special education instruction (SEE) endorsement preferred; Crisis management training certification; and 5+ years experience in special education services.

Where is the Education Program Director role at ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education located?expand_more

Education Program Director at ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is based in East Brown Street, Harvard, McHenry County, Illinois, 60033, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this Education Program Director job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education has listed this Education Program Director role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this Education Program Director role?expand_more

Education Program Director at ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience at the executive level.

What skills do you need for the Education Program Director role at ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education?expand_more

Key skills for Education Program Director at ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education include Special Education; Applied Behavior Analysis; Positive Behavior Interventions And Supports; Functional Behavior Analysis; Behavior Intervention Plans; Individualized Education Plans; Crisis Management Training; and Microsoft Office Suite.

What education is required for Education Program Director at ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Master's degree or higher in education, special education or related field required.

What category does the Education Program Director role belong to?expand_more

Education Program Director at ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education is part of the teaching job category on Recrutus.

About ChanceLight

About the Role

Our Culture

Hiring Process & Application

Equal Opportunity Employer

Work location

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Nice to Have

Benefits & Perks

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Skills, education and keywords

Frequently asked questions about Education Program Director at ChanceLight Behavioral Health, Therapy, & Education

Skills Required