When you join The Home for Little Wanderers, you join a team of professionals dedicated to creating better, brighter futures for kids.

For over 200 years, The Home for Little Wanderers has helped build stable lives and hopeful tomorrows for vulnerable children and their families. Our 30+ community-based and residential programs serve thousands of at-risk youths from birth to age 26. Many of these children have experienced abuse, neglect, trauma, or a disrupted family life. As the oldest child welfare agency in America, we provide them with safe surroundings, permanent loving relationships, and a path toward a better, brighter future.

To learn more about the incredible impact our employees have on the lives of children and families, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXedSArtYbg

How You Will Be Making a Difference

The Associate Principal supports the leadership of a dynamic and therapeutic learning environment for students in grades 6–12. Working closely with the Senior Director of Educational Services, the Associate Principal helps ensure high standards of instruction, student engagement, and staff development while maintaining compliance with all relevant educational regulations and agency policies. 

This role requires strong leadership, excellent communication, and a commitment to working with students with moderate to severe needs. The Associate Principal assists in implementing the school’s vision, maintaining a safe and structured environment, and ensuring effective collaboration across departments. The position supports the ongoing development of staff and contributes to a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement. 

Essential Functions 

Collaborates with the Senior Director of Education Services to set a tone of learning, accountability, and behavioral support across the school.  Provides day-to-day leadership and coaching to educational staff, including classroom observations and performance feedback. Helps implement and maintain a positive school culture and effective discipline plan. Supports instructional planning and curriculum implementation in alignment with DESE standards and IEP requirements. Assists in monitoring classroom performance and analyzing data to support school improvement efforts. Participates in hiring, training, supervision, and evaluation of teachers and educational support staff. Open to feedback and coaching for continuous improvement and development Collaborates in the design and delivery of professional development and staff training initiatives. Assists with scheduling, assessment coordination, and preparation for site reviews or audits. Works with the Senior Director of Educational Services to support compliance with DESE and EEC regulations. Facilitates communication and collaboration between educational, clinical, and residential departments. Participates in family meetings, IEPs, and team-based service planning for students. Serves as a member of the campus leadership team and school leadership team.  Participates in program and agency committees as assigned. Supports behavior intervention strategies, including data collection and behavior plan development. In collaboration with the Senior Director of Education, leads the development and implementation of the educational portion of the program including all school operations. Ensure developmentally appropriate integration of guidelines and a curriculum sensitive to students’ educational and cultural needs. Monitor and comply with guidelines set by Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Department of Early Education and Care, other relevant agencies, and HLW.  In conjunction with the Campus Director and Senior Director of Education, develops and monitors school budget, and authorizes school expenses.   Interfaces with funders, collateral agencies, parents, guardians, and advocates, coordinates educational plans, including the intake, transfer, termination and mainstreaming process.  Works collaboratively with the Campus Director, Clinical Director and Senior Director of Educational Services to ensure strong communication and service integration with educational, residential and clinical services.  Coordinates in-service training and professional development for educational staff and provide relevant training Helps maintain communication with external stakeholders including school districts, families, and community partners. Assists in promoting family engagement in the educational program. Performs other related duties as assigned. 

Driving Requirements 

May be required to operate a vehicle. May need a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record. May need access to a personal vehicle during work hours. May occasionally transport students if required, in accordance with agency vehicle and insurance policies. 

Education and Experience 

Master’s degree in Special Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field required. Massachusetts licensure in special education or school administration preferred. At least 3 years of experience working with special needs students; prior leadership experience preferred. Knowledge of DESE regulations, IEP processes, and special education compliance. Familiarity with Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) and Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams. Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ability to learn and use new systems and software. 

Valuing Diversity

We are committed to excellence in diversity, equity, and inclusion, while simultaneously creating a culture that supports those values. We believe the differences we bring enhance our ability to provide exceptional service and care to diverse children, families, and communities. Moreover, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging align with our values and our mission to help vulnerable children and their families build permanent, positive change.

What The Home Can Offer You

In addition to the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth we serve, The Home for Little Wanderers offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including:

Generous time off including up to 15 days per year for new full-time employees, plus 11 holidays, and 5 sick days Health and Dental Insurance that is effective immediately upon hire Extensive training to new staff Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,400 per fiscal year 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer match Employer paid Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance, plus Basic Life and AD&D Insurance And more!