ELC Special Education Preschool Teacher

Job Details

ELC Special Education Preschool Teacher

A Special Education Preschool Teacher (SEPT) is responsible for the overall supervision and management of their assigned classroom using developmentally appropriate practices, and the supervision of Early Learning Center Teachers Assistants and Aides.

A SEPT is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing educational programs designed to meet the individual needs of children with disabilities in a preschool setting.

This role focuses on creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes learning, social interaction, and skill development.

The SEPT may collaborate with staff to ensure that curriculum and classroom activities are properly delivered, and that the needs of the students and the goals of the center are met appropriately.

Essential Functions as a Special Education Preschool Teacher :

Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) : Develop and implement Individualized Education Plans for each student with special needs.

Tailor instructional strategies and curriculum to address the specific learning goals and challenges of each child.

Inclusive Teaching : Foster an inclusive classroom environment that promotes diversity and accommodates various learning styles and abilities.

Adapt teaching methods, materials, and activities to meet the needs of all students.

• Curriculum Development : Plan, organize and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum that aligns with the state or local educational standards while addressing the unique requirements of children with special needs.
• Assessment and Progress Monitoring : Regularly assess and track the progress of each student. Use assessment data to adjust teaching strategies and identify areas where additional support is needed.
• Behavioral Support : Implement behavior management strategies to address challenging behaviors and promote positive social interactions.

Collaborate with parents and support staff to ensure consistency in behavioral interventions.

• Communication : Maintain open, effective, and regular communication with parents, guardians, and support staff. Provide feedback on a child's progress and share strategies that can be used at home.
• Resource Utilization : Make use of assistive technologies, adaptive equipment, and support services as needed to facilitate learning and skill development.
• Collaboration : Work collaboratively with other professionals, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and special education specialists, to ensure comprehensive support for each child.
• Safety and Well-being : Ensure the physical and emotional safety and well-being of all students. Adhere to health and safety guidelines, and respond appropriately in case of emergencies or medical situations.

Other / Essential Center and Classroom Responsibilities :

• Supervise and train classroom teachers, assistants and aides.
• Develop and implement staffing schedules, including procedures for covering staff absences with the collaboration of other lead teachers.
• Assist Early Learning Center Director in the interviewing and selection of new employees.
• Provide clear, consistent feedback to classroom teachers and teacher’s aides regarding performance, rules and regulations.
• Assist Early Learning Center Director in completing and delivering performance appraisals.
• Recommend transfers, reassignment, termination and disciplinary action.
• Act as designated person in charge in the absence of Early Learning Center Director.
• Interact with children at their level frequently and respectfully.
• Use appropriate guidance techniques with children, defining and maintaining, clear, consistent and fair limits for classroom behavior, using redirection and encouragement of appropriate behavior.
• Prepare and post weekly lesson plans and activities.
• Plan and implement daily classroom schedules and routines to meet the needs of the program and children.
• Evaluate the skills and progress of each child according to defined schedules.
• Maintain required staff-to-child ratios, supervising enrolled children using sight and sound.
• Responsible for the daily maintenance of children’s rosters, changing logs and daily reports.
• Responsible for maintaining current displays of children’s work and monthly bulletin boards with depictions that reflect an anti-bias curriculum and multi-cultural respect.
• Monitor and maintain classroom compliance with Arizona Department of Health, NAEYC and Quality First policies and standards.
• Participation in ELC Strategic planning process.
• Maintain toys, materials and equipment in clean and sanitary condition by following the posted disinfecting schedule.
• Serve meals in accordance with CACFP Guidelines
• Attend trainings and meetings as required.
• Maintains optimum attendance and reliability

Maintain Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain 24 hours of trainings within a 12-month period, including, but not limited to : Infant & Child First Aid and CPR, universal precautions, child health and safety, child growth and development, child guidance, childcare environment and other recommended trainings.
• Maintain current training in pediatric CPR & First Aid, and food handling.
• Responsible for assisting in carrying out proper fire drill and evacuation procedures.
• Help in maintaining required staff-to-children ratios, supervising within sight & sound of enrolled children.
• As a mandated reporter, report any suspected or alleged child abuse or neglect.

Other

• Maintain personal hygiene standards.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.
• Maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrate UCP’s Values
• Maintain a positive attitude toward co-workers, families and scholars in the school.
• Be available for assigned but flexible weekly schedule between 7 : 00am and 6 : 00 pm. Events and other events that may be on nights and / or weekends.
• Attend meetings, trainings and UCP Learning Center events as required
• Utilize developmentally appropriate practice and best practice methods at all times.
• Bend, kneel or crouch in order to engage or lift children and work on the floor

A Special Education Preschool Teacher (SEPT) is responsible for the overall supervision and management of their assigned classroom using developmentally appropriate practices, and the supervision of Early Learning Center Teachers Assistants and Aides.

A SEPT is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing educational programs designed to meet the individual needs of children with disabilities in a preschool setting.

This role focuses on creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that promotes learning, social interaction, and skill development.

The SEPT may collaborate with staff to ensure that curriculum and classroom activities are properly delivered, and that the needs of the students and the goals of the center are met appropriately.

Qualifications

Education and Experience :

Current proof of HS enrollment or HS diploma

1-year of supervisory experience (Preferred)

Must have 1-year experience working with children with special needs (Preschool aged preferred)

Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or a related field

State teaching certification in Special Education or Early Special Education

Knowledge of various disabilities and developmental disorders

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Patience, empathy, and the ability to provide a nurturing and supportive environment

Proficiency in creating and implementing IEPs

Class I Fingerprint Clearance Card

Negative results of a Mantoux TB test

Maricopa County Food Handler Certification

Must be 18 years of age or older

Immunization verification

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of :

• AZ DHS Child Care Licensing Rules and regulations
• NAEYC policies and procedures

Ability to :

• Work independently and as part of a team
• Communicate effectively with all levels of staff, parents and children, both orally and in writing
• Bend, kneel or crouch in order to engage and lift children and work on the floor
• Ensure the safety and well-being of each child by responding to their emotional, social, physical and educational needs
• Be available for assigned shifts but flexible weekly schedule
• Attend meetings, trainings and UCP Learning Center events as required

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit, stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move) medium to heavy weights up to 50 pounds.

Must be able to bend, kneel, squat, walk and run. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read , adequate hearing to perform job duties in person and over the phone.

Training Requirements

In accordance with UCP guidelines, it is necessary for employees to complete a series of trainings to meet the criteria for this position.

The training department will provide a specific departmental guide for these requirements including additional updates.

Work Environment

The work environment includes a classroom environment, inside and out of doors with moderate to high noise levels and possible exposure to blood borne pathogens