Early Intervention Special Education Teacher

Unclassified - Sharon Hill, PA

Full-time

Sharon Hill, PA

About the position

The Early Intervention Teacher plays a crucial role in providing specialized instruction and support to young children with developmental delays or disabilities. This position involves working closely with families, caregivers, and a multidisciplinary team to create and implement individualized education plans (IEPs) tailored to promote the child's development across various domains, including communication, motor skills, social-emotional development, and cognitive abilities. The teacher is responsible for conducting developmental assessments to identify each child's strengths and areas of need, utilizing a variety of assessment tools and techniques to gather comprehensive information about their development. In addition to assessment, the Early Intervention Teacher develops, implements, and monitors individualized education plans for each child, setting realistic and measurable goals based on their unique needs and developmental levels. Direct instruction is provided in one-on-one or small group settings, employing evidence-based strategies and interventions to support development in critical areas such as language, motor skills, social skills, and cognitive abilities. The teacher must adapt instructional methods to meet the diverse needs of children, ensuring that each child receives the support necessary for their growth. Collaboration is a key component of this role, as the teacher works closely with families and caregivers to enhance their understanding of their child's development and actively involves them in the intervention process. This includes providing guidance, resources, and training to families to empower them to support their child's development at home. Furthermore, the Early Intervention Teacher collaborates with a multidisciplinary team, which may include speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other specialists, to coordinate services and ensure a holistic approach to intervention. Participation in team meetings, case conferences, and IEP meetings is essential to ensure that all professionals involved are aligned in their efforts to support the child. Documentation and reporting are also critical responsibilities of the Early Intervention Teacher. They must maintain accurate and up-to-date records of assessments, progress notes, and IEP documentation, as well as prepare and submit reports as required by regulatory agencies and funding sources. To remain effective in their role, the teacher is expected to stay current with best practices in early childhood education and intervention through ongoing professional development, attending workshops, conferences, and training sessions to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Conduct developmental assessments to identify children's strengths and areas of need.
• Use a variety of assessment tools and techniques to gather information about each child's development.
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized education plans (IEPs) for each child.
• Set realistic and measurable goals based on the child's unique needs and developmental levels.
• Provide direct instruction to children in one-on-one or small group settings.
• Use evidence-based strategies and interventions to support development in areas such as language, motor skills, social skills, and cognitive abilities.
• Adapt instructional methods to meet the diverse needs of children.
• Work closely with families and caregivers to support their understanding of their child's development and to involve them in the intervention process.
• Provide guidance, resources, and training to families to help them support their child's development at home.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other specialists, to coordinate services and ensure a holistic approach to intervention.
• Attend and contribute to team meetings, case conferences, and IEP meetings.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of assessments, progress notes, and IEP documentation.
• Prepare and submit reports as required by regulatory agencies and funding sources.
• Stay current with best practices in early childhood education and intervention through ongoing professional development.
• Attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, or a related field.
• State certification or licensure in early childhood special education.
• Experience working with young children, especially those with developmental delays or disabilities.
• Familiarity with early intervention principles and practices.
• Strong knowledge of child development and early intervention strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with families, caregivers, and professionals.
• Patience, creativity, and a genuine passion for working with young children.