Teacher-Early Childhood Special Education

Job Title: Teacher-Early Childhood Special Education

Experience:      Job related experience is desired

Education:      Bachelors and/or Masters degree in job-related area.

Certificates/License:       KSDE Approved Licensure

Status:      School Year Term – Benefit Eligible

Salary:      Certified Salary Schedule__Determined by qualifications and experience

Location:      McPherson County Special Education Cooperative

Report to:      Early Childhood Director / Disabilities Coordinator

FSLA Classification:      Exempt                  

Purpose Statement

The job of Teacher-Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) is done for the purpose(s) of providing support to the instructional process by serving as a special education teacher with specific responsibility for facilitating student success in general education academic areas; supervising special education students within the classroom and other assigned areas; developing lesson plans and delivering group and individual student instruction within established curriculum guidelines; collaborating with other teachers- other professional staff- and administrators in addressing instructional and classroom issues; and responding to a wide range of inquiries from parents or guardians regarding instructional program and student progress.

Essential Functions

• Administers a variety of assessment-related activities (e.g. developmental testing programs- subject specific assessments- etc.) for the purpose of assessing student competency levels and developing individual learning plans.

• Assesses student progress through data collection towards IEP objectives- expectations- and goals for the purpose of providing feedback to students- parents- and administration.

• Collaborates with parents- instructional staff- other school personnel for the purpose of improving the overall quality of student outcomes and achieving student educational plan objectives.

• Collaborates with student (as appropriate)- parents- instructional staff- other school personnel for the purpose of developing and writing the IEP to provide appropriate services to the student.

• Demonstrates methods required to perform classroom and subject-specific assignments for the purpose of providing an effective program that addresses individual student requirements.

• Differentiates classroom work (e.g. instructional methods- materials- etc.) for the purpose of providing students with instruction that address individualized learning plans.

• Informs permitted people of student progress (e.g. students- parents- legal guardians- etc.) for the purpose of communicating expectations- student`s achievements- developing methods for improvement- and reinforcing classroom goals in the home environment.

• Instructs students for the purpose of improving their success in academics through a defined course of study.

• Maintains complete confidentiality and professional discretion with a variety of confidential and non-confidential activities- files and records (e.g. conversations- emails- progress reports- assessments- IEPs- etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities- complying with mandated requirements- and providing up-to-date information.

• Manages student behavior for the purpose of providing a safe and optimal learning environment.

• Participates in a variety of meetings (e.g. IEPs- general education intervention meetings- etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions.

• Prepares a variety of written materials (e.g. grades- attendance- anecdotal records- IEPs- progress reports- exit plans- data sheets- lesson plans- evaluations- etc.) for the purpose of documenting student progress and meeting mandated requirements.

• Reports incidents (e.g. fights- suspected child abuse- suspected substance abuse- bullying- etc.) for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students- providing a positive learning environment- and adhering to the law and school policies as a mandated reporter.

• Responds to inquiries from a variety of sources (e.g. teachers- parents- administrators- etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues- providing information- and direction.

• Supervises and evaluates paraeducators (e.g. training- scheduling- supporting- etc.) for the purpose of monitoring performance and ensuring standards are achieved.

• Serves as a student primary provider for the purpose of ensuring each student is receiving services and all IEPs are in compliance.

• Supports classroom teachers for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of established curriculum and individual student plans.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties- as assigned- for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills- Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple- highly complex- technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating standard office equipment including pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records; analyzing situations and taking appropriate action; and conducting meetings.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; read technical information- compose a variety of documents- and/or facilitate group discussions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: appropriate codes- policies- regulations and laws; age appropriate activities; lesson plan requirements; stages of child development; methods of instruction and training; basic disabilities; and behavioral management strategies.

ABILITY is required to schedule a number of activities- meetings- and/or events; gather- collate- and/or classify data; and consider a number of factors when using equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining constructive relationships; adapting to changing work priorities; exhibiting tact and patience; demonstrating flexibility and creativity; organizing tasks; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; organizing tasks: setting priorities; and communicating with diverse groups.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; directing other persons within a small work unit; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job`s functions. There is some opportunity to significantly impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job`s functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting and carrying up to twenty (20) pounds- some pushing- and/or pulling- some stooping- kneeling- crouching- and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting- 20% walking- and 60% standing. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Benefits Information

Salary Information

Employer Information