About Bridges Development Center Bridges Development Center is a neurodiversity-affirming therapeutic preschool designed to support young children with diverse neurological profiles, including autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, and other developmental differences. With a low 3:1 student-to-staff ratio, we provide individualized support within sensory-responsive environments using strengths-based, developmentally appropriate practices. Position Summary The Early Childhood Director is a visionary and relationship-driven leader responsible for the overall management and administration of Bridges Development Center. This role ensures that all aspects of the program are rooted in neurodiversity-affirming, strengths-based, and developmentally appropriate practices. This is a hands-on leadership role with regular presence in the classroom, particularly during core instructional hours. The Director cultivates a warm, inclusive environment grounded in connection, regulation, and joy—supporting children, staff, and families through collaborative leadership and intentional design. As part of the founding team, this role will help shape systems, culture, and practices as Bridges grows. Key Responsibilities Program Development & Implementation Collaboratively design and oversee a child-led, sensory-responsive, play-based curriculum that integrates individualized supports to meet diverse learning needs. Ensure the preschool environment and daily routines are supportive and responsive, working collaboratively with the occupational therapist and speech-language pathologist to promote regulation, autonomy, and sensory integration. Implement best practices in trauma-informed care, strengths-based learning, and neurodiversity-affirming education. Leads the development and oversight of Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs) for each child with occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and families. Staff Leadership & Professional Development Lead, mentor, and support staff through collaborative, reflective leadership that prioritizes professional growth, shared problem-solving, and alignment with Bridges' neurodiversity-affirming values. Provide oversight and supervision for all staff, including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and paraprofessionals, and conduct performance evaluations for paraprofessional staff to ensure high-quality, consistent care and instruction. Family & Community Engagement Act as the primary liaison between the preschool and families, ensuring collaborative partnerships with parents/caregivers. Cultivate collaborative relationships with external professionals, including occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other specialists, to provide coordinated, wraparound support for children and families. Operations & Administrative Leadership Support day-to-day budget awareness, purchasing, and tuition-related processes to ensure operations remain aligned with approved budgets. Ensure a safe, welcoming, and sensory-friendly environment in compliance with safety and accessibility standards. Maintain accurate documentation and records, including updating Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), and communicate regularly with families regarding student progress and support needs. Qualifications Required Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Development, or a related field. Minimum 3-5 years of experience in early childhood education, special education, or a related leadership role. Strong understanding of neurodiversity-affirming practices, sensory processing differences, and child-led learning, with the ability to clearly communicate these approaches in alignment with Bridges' mission and in partnership with families. Experience working with autistic, ADHD, and sensory processing differences children in an educational or therapeutic setting. Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. Commitment to inclusive, strengths-based, and trauma-informed education that avoids deficit-based or compliance-driven practices. Preferred Experience leading a preschool, daycare, or early intervention program. Training in DIR/Floortime, AAC, Gestalt Language Processing Familiarity with licensing, compliance, and accreditation processes for preschool Required Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Development, or a related field. Minimum 3-5 years of experience in early childhood education, special education, or a related leadership role. Strong understanding of neurodiversity-affirming practices, sensory processing differences, and child-led learning, with the ability to clearly communicate these approaches in alignment with Bridges' mission and in partnership with families. Experience working with autistic, ADHD, and sensory processing differences children in an educational or therapeutic setting. Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills. Commitment to inclusive, strengths-based, and trauma-informed education that avoids deficit-based or compliance-driven practices.