Director of Nursing (DON) – PPEC Program

Special Learning Center (SLC)

Program Overview

The Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) program provides children with medical complexities the opportunity to thrive socially, emotionally, and medically through coordinated care in an inclusive day program setting. By offering comprehensive nursing and therapeutic services outside the home, the program allows children to engage with peers while receiving the medical support they need. PPEC also enables parents and caregivers to work or attend school without the challenges of coordinating private duty nursing services and helps address the ongoing nursing shortage by allowing nurses to care for multiple children safely and effectively within a structured clinical environment.

Position Summary

The Director of Nursing (DON) is responsible for the development, medical oversight, and coordination of care for children admitted to Special Learning Center’s Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC) program. This leadership role oversees program development and implementation, ensures compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations, and directs the delivery of high‑quality nursing services for children with complex medical needs. The DON works collaboratively with leadership, families, and interdisciplinary providers to ensure safe, compliant, and compassionate care.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Licensing

  • Develop and maintain the PPEC program, including policies and procedures, in accordance with Missouri Department of Health regulations.
  • Establish and lead an interdisciplinary/quality control team as required by regulation.
  • Collaborate with SLC leadership to obtain and maintain licensure for the PPEC program.
  • Participate in budget development for the PPEC program.

Management & Leadership

  • Plan, organize, implement, and evaluate overall PPEC program operations.
  • Communicate policies and procedures to nursing staff and monitor compliance.
  • Participate in recruitment, hiring, performance evaluation, discipline, and termination of nursing personnel.
  • Promote teamwork, professionalism, and effective communication.
  • Foster a culture of compliance, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.

Program Oversight & Implementation

  • Participate in admission and discharge decisions.
  • Ensure delivery of compassionate, high‑quality nursing care and appropriate supervision.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members, including physicians, therapists, consultants, and community agencies.
  • Provide direct nursing care as needed.
  • Maintain on‑site availability during all operating hours or ensure qualified designee coverage.
  • Provide oversight of contracted medical staff and service providers.

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance

  • Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations, licensing standards, and facility policies.
  • Prepare for and participate in regulatory inspections, including mock surveys and staff education.
  • Develop and implement plans of correction following inspections.
  • Participate in life safety and emergency drills.
  • Report suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with mandatory reporting laws.

Infection Control, Safety & Risk Management

  • Implement and monitor infection control practices consistent with current guidelines.
  • Enforce safety policies and promote accident prevention practices.

Clinical Documentation & Confidentiality

  • Ensure accurate, timely, and complete clinical documentation.
  • Maintain confidentiality of protected health information in compliance with HIPAA and organizational standards.

Family & Stakeholder Communication

  • Communicate effectively with families, staff, and interdisciplinary team members.
  • Address and assist in resolving concerns or complaints professionally and promptly.

Additional Duties

  • Ensure staff complete required initial and annual training, including child abuse and neglect, infection control, and emergency preparedness.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support program goals.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Current Registered Nurse (RN) with an unencumbered Missouri license.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of acute pediatric nursing experience, including care of children with complex medical needs.
  • Knowledge of state and federal healthcare regulations applicable to pediatric healthcare programs.
  • Experience providing clinical oversight or supervision of nursing staff and/or multidisciplinary providers.
  • Knowledge of infection control standards and emergency preparedness.
  • Ability to meet on‑site availability requirements during all program operating hours.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with families, staff, and regulatory agencies.
  • Must successfully pass a comprehensive background screening.

Special Learning Center offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance with employer‑paid premiums beyond a $60 per‑month employee contribution, a 401(k) retirement plan with a 3% employer match, paid time off (PTO), employer‑paid short‑term disability and life insurance, and a professional development stipend. This position offers a predictable schedule with no nights, weekends, or after‑hours on‑call requirements.

To apply, submit cover letter and resume to:

Stephanie Johnson
sjohnson@speciallearningcenter.com