Job Description
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Position: Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Teacher
Reports To: ECC Principal
Employment: Full-Time (School Year)
Position Summary
The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Teacher provides specialized instruction and support to preschool-aged children (ages 3–5) with disabilities or developmental delays. Working collaboratively with families, therapists, and general education staff, the ECSE teacher develops and implements individualized educational programs (IEPs) that promote growth in communication, social-emotional development, cognition, motor skills, and school readiness within inclusive learning environments.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate instruction aligned with each child's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that supports all learners.
Conduct ongoing assessments and collect data to monitor student progress toward IEP goals.
Develop, implement, and maintain compliant IEPs and required special education documentation.
Collaborate with speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychologists, and other service providers.
Foster positive relationships and maintain regular communication with families regarding student progress and classroom activities.
Implement evidence-based behavioral supports and positive behavior intervention strategies.
Differentiate instruction using a variety of teaching methods, assistive technology, and adaptive materials.
Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, IEP meetings, and professional development.
Maintain compliance with federal, state, and district special education regulations.
Supervise instructional assistants or paraprofessionals as assigned.
Promote inclusive practices by collaborating with general education preschool staff.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or related field (Master's degree preferred).
Valid state teaching certification/licensure in Early Childhood Special Education (or ability to obtain).
Knowledge of IDEA, IEP development, and early childhood special education best practices.
Experience working with young children with diverse developmental needs preferred.
Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in inclusive preschool settings.
Training in positive behavior supports, autism spectrum disorders, or early intervention.
Familiarity with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies.
Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
Physical Requirements
Ability to actively supervise young children indoors and outdoors.
Lift, carry, or assist children and classroom materials up to 40 pounds.
Frequently sit on the floor, kneel, bend, and move throughout the classroom.
Respond quickly to student safety needs.
What We Offer
Supportive and collaborative team environment.
Ongoing professional development and mentoring.
Opportunity to make a lasting impact during a child's earliest years of learning.
Competitive salary and benefits package (based on district policies and experience).
Equal Opportunity Employer