Legacy LaunchPad Adult Day Program Director

Legacy Launchpad is a relationship-centered adult day program designed for neurodivergent young adults ages 18–26 who benefit from continued structured support after aging out of the traditional school system. Our program serves individuals who are self-maintainable with feeding and toileting needs and who have active guardianship support in place.

Unlike large institutional day programs, Legacy Launchpad intentionally maintains a small census of no more than 10 participants in order to provide meaningful connection, individualized engagement, and a safe, nurturing environment focused on life skills, social growth, confidence-building, and community inclusion.

Legacy Launchpad operates with a low participant-to-staff ratio and prioritizes compassion, dignity, routine, and purposeful programming.

Position Summary

The Program Director is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, structure, and participant programming within the Legacy Launchpad Adult Day Program.

This role is hands-on and relationship-driven. The Program Director will create engaging lesson plans and daily activities, supervise one assistant staff member, maintain communication with families and guardians, and ensure participants experience a safe, enriching, and supportive environment.

The ideal candidate is compassionate, organized, creative, patient, and passionate about supporting neurodivergent young adults in building confidence, social connection, independence, and quality of life.

This position is not designed as a large-scale executive or clinical leadership role. Instead, it is intended for a strong program leader who enjoys direct interaction with participants and values meaningful community impact.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Program Development & Participant Engagement

• Develop and implement structured weekly lesson plans and activity schedules
• Create meaningful programming focused on:
  • Life skills
  • Social interaction
  • Recreation and leisure
  • Community integration
  • Communication development
  • Functional independence
  • Creative expression
  • Vocational exploration

• Lead daily group activities and participant engagement opportunities
• Adapt programming to meet varying participant interests and support needs
• Foster a calm, welcoming, inclusive, and encouraging environment

Daily Operations

• Oversee daily program flow and participant routines
• Ensure participant safety and emotional well-being
• Maintain participant attendance records and daily documentation
• Complete incident reporting and required program documentation
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of program spaces
• Support community outings and supervised recreational activities

Staff Leadership

• Supervise and support one assistant staff member
• Provide daily guidance, direction, and coaching
• Promote a positive and collaborative team culture
• Assist leadership with staff scheduling and communication as needed

Family & Guardian Communication

• Serve as a primary point of contact for families, guardians, and support coordinators
• Provide updates regarding participant progress, behavior, and engagement
• Maintain professional and compassionate communication practices

Compliance & Professional Standards

• Follow all organizational policies and procedures
• Maintain confidentiality and participant dignity at all times
• Ensure compliance with applicable state regulations and documentation standards
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or related populations
• Experience developing activities, educational programming, or life-skills instruction
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to remain calm, patient, flexible, and solution-focused
• Valid Florida Driver’s License
• Ability to pass Level 2 Background Screening
• CPR/First Aid Certification or willingness to obtain upon hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, Social Work, Recreation Therapy, or related field
• Experience in adult day training, transition-age services, or neurodiversity-affirming programs
• Creative background in:
  • Art
  • Music
  • Fitness
  • Vocational instruction
  • Community programming
• Experience working with guardians and family-centered care models

Core Competencies

• Compassionate leadership
• Strong interpersonal communication
• Creativity and initiative
• Emotional regulation and patience
• Adaptability and problem-solving
• Professionalism and confidentiality
• Team collaboration
• Relationship-centered support philosophy

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain active and engaged throughout the day
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
• Ability to participate in community outings and recreational activities
• Ability to assist in maintaining a safe and active program environment