2024-2025 Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Early Childhood Center - Kansas City, MO

Full-time - Entry Level

Kansas City, MO

Social Assistance

About the position

The Early Childhood Special Education Teacher plays a crucial role in providing support to the instructional process for special education students. This position is responsible for developing individualized education plans (IEPs) that address the academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills of students with special needs. The teacher will supervise students in various settings, including the classroom and during activities outside of the classroom, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment. The role involves creating lesson plans and delivering both group and individual instruction in accordance with established curriculum guidelines and instructional methodologies. Collaboration with other teachers, professional staff, and administrators is essential to address instructional and classroom issues effectively. Additionally, the teacher will respond to inquiries from parents or guardians regarding their child's progress and the instructional programs in place. The teacher will administer developmental testing programs and state assessments to evaluate student competency levels and to inform the development of IEPs. They will also provide first aid and assistance to medically fragile children, ensuring that all students receive appropriate care. Regular assessment of student progress towards their goals is a key responsibility, as is the need to communicate effectively with parents and guardians about their child's achievements and areas for improvement. The teacher will work closely with classroom teachers to implement established curriculum and individual student plans, and will collaborate with various community resources to enhance student outcomes. In addition to instructional duties, the teacher will manage student behavior to maintain a positive learning environment and will participate in various meetings to convey and gather information necessary for fulfilling their responsibilities. The role requires the preparation of a variety of written materials, including IEPs, grades, and behavior plans, to document student progress and comply with mandated requirements. The teacher will also supervise students in diverse educational environments, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times.

Responsibilities

• Administers developmental testing programs, district assessments and/or state tests to assess student competency levels and develop individual education plans.
• Provides first aid and assistance to medically fragile children, including tube feeding and toileting.
• Advises parents and/or legal guardians of student progress and communicates expectations.
• Assesses student progress towards objectives and provides feedback to students, parents, and administration.
• Collaborates with classroom teachers to assist in the implementation of established curriculum and individual student plans.
• Works with a professional learning community and various stakeholders to improve student outcomes.
• Interacts consistently with students to educate them effectively.
• Counsels students to improve performance and develop problem-solving techniques.
• Demonstrates methods required to perform classroom assignments effectively.
• Differentiates classroom work to address individualized learning styles.
• Directs para-professionals, volunteers, and student workers to provide effective classroom programs.
• Instructs students to improve their academic, interpersonal, and daily living skills.
• Maintains confidential and non-confidential files and records in accordance with guidelines.
• Manages student behavior to provide a safe learning environment.
• Participates in meetings to convey and gather information required for job functions.
• Prepares written materials to document student progress and meet requirements.
• Reports incidents to maintain student safety and adhere to policies.
• Responds to emergency situations to resolve safety concerns.
• Schedules students with para-professionals and other personnel for instruction.
• Supervises students in various educational environments.

Requirements

• Missouri Certification in Early Childhood Special Education is required.
• Skills in administering assessment instruments and operating standard office equipment.
• Knowledge of appropriate codes, policies, regulations, and laws related to education.
• Ability to schedule activities and meetings, gather and classify data, and work independently with flexibility.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with medically fragile children.
• Familiarity with community resources such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Professional development opportunities
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling options