Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher


Terms of employment
Full-time, 187 days. (Days and salary will be prorated if start date is after August 6th, 2024). This position will be on a temporary (remainder of the year) contact and the position will be reposted at the end of the school year. Salary is based on education and experience and will be prorated per our Certified Salary Schedule not to exceed letter I ($50,000 to $79,770). The District provides its employees with a comprehensive benefits program including medical, life, and dental insurance. The District provides three medical plans for which it pays the full premium for employees, and a fourth option is a buy-up plan for which the district pays the majority of the premium. In addition, the District pays the full employee premium for dental insurance and life insurance. The District contributes to PERA on each employee's behalf and offers additional retirement savings options as well as optional supplemental insurance. Employees also receive paid time off. Worker’s compensation and unemployment insurance are provided in accordance with State law.

Position Purpose
Under the general supervision of the Director of Early Childhood & Student Services and in collaboration with Executive Director of Special Education, to maximize the learning experience of preschool students with special needs, in academics, interpersonal skills and activities of daily living by implementing district approved curriculum; documenting teaching and student progress/activities, outcomes; addressing students' specific needs; providing a safe and optimal learning environment.

Essential Functions

• Develops, organizes, and implements preschool programming for children 3-5 with special education services and collaborates with co-teacher to support children within the Colorado Universal Preschool (UPK).
• Provides direct instruction, assessment, and IEP implementation of direct services for children ages 3-5 years.
• May also support students in an Intensive Learning Classroom (ILC) transdisciplinary program in collaboration with other teachers and services providers.
• Provides direction and supervision for educational paraprofessionals employed by the district to meet student needs as dictated in each student’s IEP.
• May participate as a member of the Child Find Team to assess and coordinate services for children 3 to 5 years old.
• Conducts assessments, testing, and diagnostic examinations of students for the purpose of identifying learning issues and recommending courses of action or corrective procedures to overcome issues and maximize learning. Knowledge of Teaching Strategies GOLD Assessment preferred.
• Participates and/or facilitates IEP meetings and assists in developing Individual Educational Plans ("IEP") for students.
• Coordinates with outside agencies, organizations, and institutions, including state and federal authorities as needed.
• Serves as ready resource to students and parents to provide guidance that will lead each student to increased personal growth, self-understanding, and behavioral management; serves as liaison between home and school.
• Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops, or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of institutions of higher learning and the business community.
• Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
• Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate books, aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records.

Additional Duties
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Director of Early Childhood and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Confidential Information

• Staff members shall not access, receive, transmit or retransmit material regarding
  students, parents/guardians or district employees that is protected by confidentiality
  laws.
• If material is not legally protected but is of a confidential or sensitive nature, great care
  shall be taken to ensure that only those with a “need to know” are allowed access to
  the material. Staff members shall handle all employee, student, and district records in
  accordance with applicable district policies.
• Staff members who intentionally disclose student records, other confidential student information and/or district information may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Equipment
Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements
Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Skills, Knowledge, Abilities

• Knowledge of Early Childhood Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
• Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
• Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis, and the formulation of action plans.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Ability to use computer network systems and software applications as needed.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards
Works in standard office and school building environments.

Qualifications Profile
Certification/License

• Hold a valid Colorado Teacher License endorsed in Early Childhood Education
• Hold a valid Colorado Teacher License endorsed in Early Childhood Special Education
• Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.

Education

• Bachelors/Masters in Early Childhood Special Education from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.

Experience
Successful prior early childhood special education teaching experience preferred.

Looking for these additional skills

• Teacher will serve students with cross categorical disabilities.
• Assessment, interpretation, and delivery of services according to the needs of students is an expectation of the teaching position.
• Has experience using a root cause analysis model to provide specialized instruction.
• Preferred knowledge/experience working with Culturally & Linguistic Diverse Learner

FLSA Status: Exempt